PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
PHOTO
BY
JULIE
GEISER
Muzzleloader Deer Season
Dec. 1-31
Statewide
Enjoy less competition and more time in the fi eld during muzzleloader
deer season, which lasts all month. In addition to these benefi ts,
muzzleloader hunting also offers a unique challenge. "It takes more
patience, skill and a steadier hand than rifl e hunting, and requires
a more close-up encounter with the intended game," writes Wendy
Horine. If you've never hunted with a muzzleloader, give it a try this
year.
PHOTO
BY
JENNY
NGUYEN-WHEATLEY
7
th
Annual
Winterfest
Dec. 29
Ponca State Park
A truly unique outdoor winter
tradition, Ponca State Park's
annual Winterfest includes a
fruitcake fl ing and a yule log
quest, as well as seasonal
crafts and lighted hayrack
rides. Come on out to enjoy
the beauty of the winter
season after the Christmas
rush has passed.
DECEMBER 2018 • NEBRASKAland 27
Ice Fishing
As ice conditions allow
Statewide
If conditions are right, anglers will be out
enjoying a favorite winter tradition: ice fi shing.
People of all ages can enjoy this activity, and it
can be surprisingly addicting for a newcomer.
As always, safety is important. A quick recap:
Make sure to fi sh with others, wear a life
jacket, tell a friend or family member where
you'll be fi shing, and avoid alcohol. In case
you should fall through, have a long rope with
you so someone can rescue you, and wear a
commercial or homemade ice pick around your
neck to pull yourself to safety. Also, remember
to check ice conditions while working your way
out to your fi shing spot. You'll need a minimum
of four inches of clear, solid ice to support one
person.
