NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/644631
MARCH 2016 • NEBRASKAland 21 NEBRASKAland Visitor and Last issue's winner of the Visitor drawing was Larry Sindelar of Columbus, Nebraska, who found the stag beetle on page 14-15. Readers are encouraged to contact NEBRASKAland within 10 days after this issue's publication with the correct page number and name of this issue's "Visitor" – a critter found in Nebraska. We will then gather the correct entries and draw one to win a NEBRASKAland mug. To enter each month, write: NEBRASKAland Visitor 2200 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503. Or e-mail: Tim.Reigert@Nebraska.gov with "Visitor" in the subject line of the message. HINT: This issue's visitor is not on pages 9, 13, 19, 21, 40, 41, or 42. The giant stag beetle (Lucanus elaphus) is found in deciduous forests in the U.S., from the north- east, west to Nebraska. The stag beetle is a very large, dark brown beetle, with males growing up to 2.5 inches in length. Male stag beetles are easily distinguished by their very large mandibles, the antler-like pinchers at the front of their head. They use these to defend themselves, and to fight other males for females. Females also have pinchers, but they are much smaller. Female stag beetles lay eggs in rotting logs and stumps. Grub-like larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on decaying wood, feeding for more than a year before pupating and emerging as adults. The giant stag beetle causes no harm to trees, and in fact may be beneficial as they assist with breaking down and recycling decaying wood. Special thanks to Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Fishing Logbook By Brian Robinson Sometimes I amaze my friends with the little details I'll remember from a fishing trip, like the date of a specific catch. I'm not sure why I do, but for all the details I can't remember, a fishing log has been the answer. I've been keeping a log since February, 2000. It started very simply, but soon escalated into recording details about how the fish reacted to certain baits, or how fast I was trolling. As my logbook has evolved, there are certain things I now always record. They include the date, times of day, where I was, whom I was with, and especially the water temperature and weather conditons. You can determine how specific you want to make your log, as it can help increase your fishing success in upcoming years. I have one friend who swears by moon phases, and another who's obsessed with atmospheric pressure. I often look at information in my log before I fish a familiar spot and compare notes when done. Sixteen years of information takes up little space and has helped me increase my skill level, thus putting more fish in the boat. Give it a try to see what it can do for you. ■ h reacted pating and le ay wood. to Julie Van Meter, ska Department Send Us Your Trail Cam Photos! David Shafer photographed this stand-off between a white- tailed deer and a coyote near Burwell. Please submit your trail camera photos by e-mail to: nebtrailcam@gmail.com. Also include any information that will help explain your photo.