Nebraskaland

54 Nebraskaland • August-September 2021 MIXED BAG While I had seen the season dates for rails multiple times in Nebraska's Small Game and Waterfowl Guide, I had never considered hunting them before. That was until John Laux, Upland Habitat and Access Program Manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, was headed out for a rail hunt and asked me to join. Always interested in new opportunities, I quickly accepted. Hunting Rails Finding rails is as easy as fi nding a marsh or wetland, many of which are on public hunting areas in central to southeastern Nebraska. Our hunt was during a wet year, which gave ample areas to fi nd and hunt rails, which use temporary, seasonal and permanent wetlands with fl ooded vegetation. Many United States Fish and Wildlife Service waterfowl production areas along with Sandhills and Rainwater Basin wetlands, U.S. Corps of Engineers and Game and Parks wildlife management areas hold rails throughout Nebraska. As we started our walk through the densely-covered marsh, spreading out like we were on a pheasant hunt, I soon learned most shots come from fl ushing birds into fl ight. Walking in the thick cover and using a dog to cover more ground forced birds to fl ush. If you like the challenge of hunting with a 16, 28 or 20 gauge shotgun, now is the time to dust off these guns and get them in the fi eld. Light 12-gauge loads also are the trick, as these birds didn't take much fi repower to knock down. Steel shot may be required in some areas, so be sure of regulations. One- ounce of No. 7 steel is adequate and will be good for other early-season birds, such as teal or doves. Many shots we took on this day were less than 20 yards out. About Rails Rails are part of the Rallidae family, which includes several species found in North America. The Virginia and Sora rail are the two found in Nebraska. Both may summer and breed in Nebraska, but those that do not summer here will head to southern U.S. and Mexico during the winter, traveling at night and corresponding to their secretive nature. Rails are small-to-medium sized, highly camoufl aged shore birds that often are heard and not seen, as they prefer dense marches and wetlands where they blend into their surroundings. Their diet includes small fi sh, frogs, snails, slugs, insects, seeds, berries and leaves. Season Dates The rail season runs Sept. 1 through Nov. 9 in Nebraska, and hunters willing to hit the wetlands in hip boots or waders will like this fast-paced and exciting hunt. Rail hunting can fi ll a gap for hunters itching to hit the fi eld for an early season primer and sharpen shooting skills. Rails aren't the strongest fl yers and tend to be slow, giving hunters good practice for later pursuits and are good on the table. For those that like the dark meat similar to that of a dove, you'll savor the fl avor of rails. It's also not uncommon to fi nd snipe and woodcocks in the same areas as rails. Season dates for snipe are Sept. 1 through Dec. 16, and woodcock are Oct. 2 through Nov. 15. These seasons overlap, so know your birds and be on the lookout for additional hunting opportunities. When in pursuit of these webless migrating species, hunters will need a Harvest Information Program or HIP number. RAIL HUNTING By Julie Geiser An early-season primer John Laux's dog, Lucy, retrieves a downed rail. JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND Laux holds a rail he harvested. JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND

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