54 Nebraskaland • October 2022
MIXED BAG
TRUCK STUFF
By Jeff Kurrus
I've been hunting and fishing for 40 years and have been
tooling around this great state for Nebraskaland Magazine for
almost 20. During all this time, there are certain items that I
never leave home without.
There are always temporary tenants that last a season or
two, but only the most vital of items are welcomed back into
my truck year after year.
Hip Boots
"You'll get your butt wet wearing those," was all I heard
from the old-timers while I was growing up. And while that's
happened a time or two, they've kept my feet dry much more
often — especially during those early-morning hikes when
dew dampens my entire pant legs without these boots.
Buzzbait
Following the year I caught three separate Master Angler
fish species on a buzzbait, it's imperative to have one with
me at all times.
Binoculars
During spring turkey and fall waterfowl seasons, a good
pair of scouting binos are invaluable.
Tumbler/Cooler/Drinks
I'm always thirstier than I think I will be, and always have
a water-filled tumbler with me. A cooler with drinks also sits
in the back of my truck. Any number of companies make
heavy-duty versions that will remain in the back of the truck
despite high winds or empty bottoms.
Hat/Sunglasses/Stocking Cap
I don't like to squint, so multiple baseball caps and pairs of
sunglasses fill my truck. Often polarized and always cheap,
these glasses have saved my eyes on more than one occasion
— from UV rays to flying crankbaits.
Stocking caps are also a must, as Nebraska's wind gusts are
torture during waterfowl season.
Headlamp
From an impromptu bullfrog hunt to an after-hours blood
trail, a headlamp is essential truck gear.
Fly-rod
With a handful of flies and a four-piece fly-rod, I'm
always ready to accept someone's offer when they invite me
to fish.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
