November 2023 • Nebraskaland 39
indicative of good reproduction and a population that should
grow.
Let's talk gear. What do you prefer for a shotgun?
I am probably not going to give a very exciting answer
to this, as I'm not that interested in owning every gauge of
shotgun ever made or caliber of rifl e produced. I tend to fi nd
a gun that works for me and stick with it, so I hunt upland
birds with a 12 gauge over-and-under shotgun I purchased
off the used gun rack at a Cabela's about 15 years ago. With
non-toxic shot, I use cylinder and improved cylinder choke
tubes in my gun.
That said, the most eff ective shotgun and choke tube
combination for any hunter will be a gun they can carry for
hours while walking, comes up to the shoulder well, and that
they can hit fl ying targets with. You could have the fi nest,
most expensive shotgun on the market but if it is too heavy
and doesn't fi t you well, you are going to hit less birds.
Any other gear advice?
Grouse hunting can be a minimalist pursuit. Probably most
important among gear is a good pair of hiking or hunting
boots as you'll only go as far as your feet will take you. Pair
good boots with clothes that keep you comfortable. I like
moisture-wicking shirts that can be layered as needed and a
decent pair of hunting pants that resists stickers and burs.
Also, a hunting vest with enough pockets to carry adequate
water for you and your canine companion, a shotgun and
shells are pretty much all you need. And snacks!
The refuge requires the use of non-toxic shot. Any
preference among the various types, such as bismuth,
tungsten and steel?
I have not tried all the diff erent non-toxic shot available.
I started bird hunting as a relatively poor college student/
biological technician/graduate student, so I used the most
inexpensive non-toxic shot available, which was steel. I've had
success using steel shot, so I have not felt the need to use any
other shot types. I usually use 2
3
⁄4-inch shells with 1
1
⁄8 ounce
of No. 4 shot traveling at 1400 fps, which seems to be a great
all-around load for grouse, pheasants and ducks over decoys.
What other special regulations should people be aware
of?
As far as the refuge goes, the main things to know are that
we do not allow camping, fi res, or the use of ATVs or UTVs;
hunters are allowed access from 2 hours before sunrise to
2 hours after sunset; and vehicle travel is allowed only on
refuge trails designated as open to motor vehicles.
N
The refuge brochure with all regulations is available at
https://shorturl.at/cwBMW
Nenneman gives Patch a drink. Especially while covering large expanses, a hunter must tend to the dog's needs.
