62 Nebraskaland • January-February 2025
MIXED BAG
A look at the forecast this time of
year often seems repetitive: Cold, with
periods of snow. But a conscientious
viewer of the weekly forecast can
see openings that some people don't,
glimpses of memorable days afield
right around the corner. Here's what
to look for:
Ice-Fishing
When ice-fi shing, pay attention
to the same weather patterns that
produce good results during the open
water. Clouds, before a storm, can
cause a feeding frenzy. Otherwise,
look for stable weather over a period of
days, especially as it warms toward a
thaw, for the best bite.
Upland Hunting
Sleep in if you're an upland hunter.
Pheasants will feed early and
then return to cover. If there is any
precipitation, they may feed even
longer.
For quail, most defi nitely stay in bed
and wait until 10 a.m. to hit the fi eld,
giving birds time to put scent on the
ground for dogs. Overall, bypass windy
days as birds can be overly skittish
and often fl ush wild. Calm, sunny days
are often more productive, especially
after a fresh snow when birds can be
tracked.
Goose Hunting
During extremely cold, sunny days,
Canada geese will sometimes sit on
the roost for as long as possible, not
fl ying past your decoys until well after
shooting time has expired.
If there is moisture in the air,
however, they will eat early. And
knowing their food supply could soon
be buried, birds will feed up to, and
during, a snowstorm.
Late in the season, if there are two
to three days of warm weather with
southerly winds, get to the fi eld or
water immediately. You'll have some
birds heading back north to decoy.
Deer Hunting
Deer will also feed long in front of
storms before hunkering when it hits.
Be sure to sneak back into the woods
when the snow stops falling, as deer
emerge to feed once more.
Squirrel Hunting
When squirrel hunting, look for nice
weather. Those same warm afternoons
that hunters like when they are in the
fi eld are the same ones that brings
squirrels out of their nests.
When it comes to winter hunting,
weather is key. There is always quarry
within reach. You just have to be
adaptable.
Thanks to Daryl Bauer, Eric Fowler,
Todd Mills, Jeff Rawlinson, Ryan Sparks,
Gerry Steinauer, Mark Vrtiska and Greg
Wagner for their expertise regarding
winter hunting.
Drew Beard of Gretna holds a bluegill caught at a pond near Louisville. Three days
of cloudy weather produced a banner day for Beard, a newcomer to ice-fi shing,
and his friends last January. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
WEATHERING THE STORMS
By Jeff Kurrus
Drew Beard of Gretna holds a bluegill caught at a pond near Louisville. Three days
