Nebraskaland

October 2019 • Nebraskaland 15 Tim. "You got to let them move around. And you definitely can't force them to keep their head down the entire time birds are working above a blind. How are you going to get them excited if they're not allowed to watch?" Because Henry has been able to watch, this time of year – like it does for so many hunters – comes with the feeling that the blind is where you're supposed to be. "I really like to fish," said Henry, who is on the water all through the summer, "but because the hunting seasons are shorter, and you don't get to go as much, I just like it better. This time of year I get the feeling that it's time to shoot some ducks." But he's not emerging from the truck after all the work is done and everyone is climbing into a blind. He's watching the wind to see where they should set the decoys in relation to the blind, and he's advising his dad anytime he can about how they can have a more successful hunt. And Tim will listen. When his son and hunting partner has an idea, is getting cold, or has noticed the food supply has been vanquished, they'll make an adjustment to their trip. Together. Tim wants to pass along the same love for hunting as his own father passed onto him growing up near Grand Island. "My time in those Rainwater Basin marshes as a kid are some of my fondest memories," Tim said. "It's why I do what I do today." Henry's 11-year-old take is similar. "I just like walking into a marsh and going to hunt." All it seems Henry ever needed was someone to take him. Which is exactly what happened. For more information on youth hunting, including mentoring, permits and seasons, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/hunting. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, along with Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Plains Equipment Group, is thrilled to announce a new challenge for hunters beginning Sept. 1. The Take 'Em Hunting Challenge encourages hunters to take a pledge to introduce someone new to hunting during the 2019-2020 hunting seasons. Those who take someone new hunting can upload a photo of their hunting trip to the Commission's website and will be registered to win great prizes including a camo John Deere XUV590M crossover utility vehicle from Plains Equipment Group valued at $15,300; gift cards to Cabela's and Scheels, a Nebraska State Park stay, shotguns, and outdoor gear all donated by partners who are invested in recruiting more hunters. "Everyone learned to hunt from someone, and they likely have wonderful memories of those early hunting trips," said Jim Douglas, director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. "Here in Nebraska, we are proud of our strong hunting heritage. But in order for that heritage to last, we must share it with others." Hunting is critical to future conservation of our natural resources. Every time a hunter buys a hunting permit or habitat stamp, his or her purchase directly funds programs that support habitat conservation, hunting access, wildlife research and much more. Additionally, excise taxes that hunters pay on fi rearms, ammunition and other hunting equipment generate an additional $1 billion for conservation work each year. "It is crucial that we recruit a new generation of hunters to maintain our cherished natural resources. The best thing a hunter can do for conservation is to introduce someone new to hunting," said Douglas. Hunting is a great way to spend time outdoors, experience nature, unwind and make memories with friends and family. The Take 'Em Hunting eff ort off ers an extra incentive for hunters to take someone along for a hunt. Special youth seasons are an especially great time to take young hunters out. The challenges allows participation in upland, waterfowl, deer, turkey hunting and more. Prizes will be given away throughout the challenge until May 31, 2020, with the grand prize utility vehicle winner announced in June 2020. For more information or to take the pledge, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/ TakeEmHunting. Take 'Em Hunting By Cara Pesek PHOTOS BY JEFF KURRUS

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