60 Nebraskaland • May 2025
PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST
Duck (goose) hunting near Kearney, 1972
My father, Robert, and I were hunting ducks on the Platte River west
of Kearney on Nov. 25, 1972. We rarely saw geese in that part of the state
back then, so we were surprised when this lone goose flew by. We didn't
have any goose decoys in our spread, let alone a goose call. My father had
a knack of imitating many different animal sounds, and he was able to
"call in" the goose using his voice. We talked and laughed about that hunt
many times in the years to follow. Dad and I were able to hunt waterfowl
together until he was 88 years old.
– Larry Bragg, Kearney
Send contributions to: Portraits from the Past, Nebraskaland Magazine, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370. Or e-mail to Tim.Reigert@Nebraska.gov.
Photos should show people enjoying Nebraska outdoor activities, such as camping, boating, hunting or fishing, and must have been taken before 2000. We will give
priority to unusual photos or activities. When possible, please include a story about the photograph and identify the people, places and approximate date it was
taken. Text may be edited and photos adjusted for reproduction. All photos will be returned.
Mule deer hunting near Crawford, 1960
This is a photo of myself with my dad (Danny). This mule deer was shot
in November 1960 on the family ranch near Crawford. The rifle was a Parker
Hale .270. I had just turned 1 year old that September.
– Mark Staman, Grand Island
Coyote hunting in Boone County, 1989
This photo of Ron Cruise calling coyotes was taken by Tim
Simmons November 1989 in Boone County. We had recently
purchased a new Pentax camera and I was hoping to get some
wildlife shots, coyotes my dad would call in. The coyotes did not
cooperate, the rifle was silent. But the shot of the day came at
dusk of my dad in his element.
– Kris Simmons, Otoe
Pheasant hunting near Loup City, 1989
Pheasant opener at Sherman County Lake near Loup
City. From left: my uncle, John Lucas, Jr.; his son, Mark;
and myself. Lots of weedy draws, shelterbelts and corn
fields all over. An annual event for us.
– Bill Anderson, Platte City, Missouri
