March 2019 • Nebraskaland 25
the more wild the hunter's experience
is, the better."
A Controlled Hunt First
Years ago, on a whim, a few buddies
and I took a trip from Tennessee to
Kansas to hunt pheasants. Having no
idea where to go, we hopped around
for two days and never fired a shot.
In hindsight, I wish we would have
started at a controlled shooting area.
From there, we could have talked to
the owners of the area and gotten some
advice on which nearby public areas to
hunt.
Maybe we would have learned
something on that area that helped
us on public land. Perhaps we would
have shot a few birds. And maybe, just
maybe, that same group of guys would
still be hunting together.
In Nebraska, controlled shooting
area upland hunting seasons
open September 1 and close April
15. For more information, visit
Outdoornebraska.org/csa.
By Ryan Sparks
Whether it's a new hunter or a new puppy, there's only one thing
that's going to get them excited about hunting — birds. That's why
controlled shooting areas are an excellent resource for introducing
new hunters and their dogs to the sport. It takes birds to make a bird
hunter, and hunting preserves guarantee the birds that will get them
excited about hunting. Hunting all morning on a frigid day without
finding any birds isn't motivating for anyone.
These preserves are also a way to keep you and your dogs in shape
before and after the hunting season. Heading to a hunting preserve
for a few outings before Nebraska's regular season opens will shake
off the rust and ensure you are both in top form when opening day
arrives. Then, after your regular hunting season closes, you can
venture to a CSA to extend your good time a bit longer.
DOG
TRAINING
FOR
A
YOUTH
DAY
AT
OAK
CREEK
SPORTING
CLUB