Nebraskaland

58 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2015 T he term "mixed bag" summons up various images in people's minds. For me it is a term that defines opportunities found in the southwestern portion of the state. In this case and in this area, the term "mixed bag" refers to enormous fish and game opportunities. No matter if you are on the water or in the field, it is very possible to harvest multiple species. Just this past hunting season such an opportunity presented itself. My son Logan, son-in-law Brandon and I embarked on a mixed bag quest on a snow-covered day in December. First we discovered four turkeys slowly working their way across a corn field. We positioned ourselves in the best possible location to intercept these birds. As the birds moved in closer, it became clear that two of the birds were going to remain out of range of our secluded position, but it looked possible that two of the birds would pass inside shotgun range for Logan and me. After a few more minutes the birds were getting close. Logan was in the best position to get a shot, so I told him to pick one out and take the shot when he was ready. I would then try to harvest the second bird before he was able to depart. Logan's shotgun barked and one bird went to the ground. The second bird hesitated just a moment before he began his escape. I quickly got in position and was able to put the second bird in the bag. So with a couple of nice turkeys in the bag, we decided to change locations, pick up my dad, Larry, and give some upland bird hunting a try. I unloaded my Gordon setters, Abbie and Willie, and they went to work. About 15 minutes into the hunt Willie pulled up on a staunch point. Brandon was first on the scene and in a moment a covey of 20-plus quail burst into the air. Brandon was able to put two birds in the bag. Dad and I were able to add three singles to the bag on points by Willie and Abbie. We then decided to let the rest go for another day. We moved on to another nearby location, released the dogs and within moments a rooster flushed with a loud cackle. A quick shot from Logan's side by side added this rooster to the mixed bag. We decided that was enough for this day and retired to the house to clean birds and recall the moments of more great memories made in what I have come to call the Mixed Bag Capital. I have lived in this area my entire life and have been fortunate to participate in many outings of this type. I was A Letter from the Mixed Bag Capital By Jerrod Burke Jerrod Burke (right), his son Logan Burke and their two dogs, Willie and Abbie, are advocates for the ample hunting opportunities, including pheasants, in southwestern Nebraska. Choosing what to hunt could be the toughest part. 58 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2015 PHOTO COURTESY OF PHEASANTS FOREVER

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