14 Nebraskaland • March 2024
By Jeff Kurrus
NOT DONE SHOTGUNNING
There are years when I don't want to put down my
shotgun, even in late winter or early spring. Fortunately, in
Nebraska, I don't have to. While many bird hunters have put
away their pumps, semi-autos and over-and-unders, waiting
until the spring turkey opener, there are still a few transition
hunting seasons to keep you gunning until that first gobble.
Eurasian Collared-Dove — When you find one, you'll find
more. During the winter months, the Eurasian collared-dove
that have stayed around have found food and thermal cover.
Ride roads to scout these birds, which often will inhabit
farmsteads and, on first appearance, might be mistaken for
pigeons. The season is open Oct. 31,
2023 — Aug. 31, 2024.
Crow — I'm always
reminded of the old-
timer who once told
me about his efforts
of calling in crows. "I
could get every crow
in the county in the
farthest tree I could see.
Not a single one came
within shotgun range, but it sure was fun." The season lasts
from Jan. 13 — March 14, 2024. Electronic calls are allowed,
as are any firearm or archery equipment.
Coyote — More than a decade ago, while on a Sandhills
coyote hunt with Chris Pokorny from Omaha, I watched my
host use electronic callers, head-to-toe snow camo and a
long-range tripod and rifle set-up while coyote hunting. But
the hair-raising moment came during our last set of the day
when we walked into a thicket adjacent to a small, grass field
and he had a shotgun in his hand.
"When he comes, he'll be right on top of us," Pokorny said.
And while we didn't get a shot that day, coyotes have always
stuck with me as one of early spring's most exciting quarries.
Coyotes can be hunted year-round.
Sporting Clays — Practice every shot you'll attempt the
upcoming year at one of Nebraska's sporting clay courses.
Organized with "holes" like a golf course, each station gives
the shooter a different shot to attempt. From incoming
waterfowl to crossing rabbits and any number of other
challenging wing shots, there's no better way to extend your
gunning season. Plus, there's nothing to clean — besides
your gun — when you get home.
IN THE FIELD
The hunting season for Eurasian collard-dove is long, running Oct. 31, 2023 — Aug. 31, 2024. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
