46 Nebraskaland • November 2021
Getting There and Staying
From the metro area, the drive out to Scottsbluff can be a long one, so set aside a three-day weekend to hunt. If you're
leisurely travelers, like me, tack on a couple more days to see other sights on the way there and back. I recommend setting
aside half a day for scouting if you're not familiar with the area.
The fastest route to Scottsbluff from Omaha or Lincoln is on the I-80. Everyone knows that long stretch to North Platte can be
boring, so bring a fi shing rod to visit one of the I-80 lakes, if you have the time. Then stop for a late lunch in Paxton. Although
Julie Geiser has written about Ole's Big Game Steakhouse in a previous travel story, it didn't prepare me for the greeting I
received when I walked in — a massive polar bear stood near the doorway, followed by countless animal mounts from every
continent that fi lled every inch of wall space. It's a lot to take in, and you'll relish every bit of it.
If you're coming from Lincoln, it would make more sense to stick to the I-80. But those coming from Omaha have another
option: Hop on the 275 toward Fremont, then head straight west on the 91. The Sandhills start opening up once you get near
Ericson. Check out the Northside Bar in Burwell, a cowboy watering hole complete with bull fries on its menu — the drinks are
cheap, the service is friendly and all the old rodeo photographs are fun to look at, too. This route will take you onto Highway 2,
which isn't called the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway for no reason.
Stay in Scottsbluff or Gering for the hunt. I've found that hotel prices are slightly cheaper in Gering; the Cobblestone Hotel
& Suites and the Monument Inn & Suites are both pet friendly if you plan to bring a hunting dog; however, make sure to call
ahead.
Ross Juelfs's English springer spaniel, Beaufort, is 14 years old. Although Juelfs has tried to retire Beaufort on
several occasions, the old dog still loves to hunt.
