50 NEBRASKAland • APRIL 2016
PHOTO
BY
JUSTIN
HAAG
River Bottoms
River bottoms provide unique
challenges to turkey hunters, as well
as some benefits. Knowing where
birds are roosting gives you an
idea of possible locations to set up.
Look for tracks on sandbars to see if
birds have a travel route across the
river. If there is any natural cover, put
a blind or a series of blinds along the
routes or make natural blinds from
branches and weeds to hide in when
you're ready to hunt.
If you're trying to lure a big tom
across the river, hope you're upwind
of a bird so your calls reach him.
Use a hen and jake decoy in the early
season, placing them on sandbars
when possible while using one of your
Turkey Hunt Now
Nebraska's turkey hunting
opportunities are among the best
in the nation. Not only are turkeys
abundant, with populations in
every county, but the permits
are affordable and unlimited in
quantity. In addition:
●
Good hunting opportunities
are available on more than
500,000 acres of public and
public-access land.
●
Nebraska's spring season
is among the longest around.
Archery season opened March 25.
Youth shotgun season opens April
9 and the regular shotgun season
begins April 16. All seasons close
May 31.
●
At $23 for residents and $95
for nonresidents, permits are
affordable. Plus, youth age 15
and under can buy a permit for
just $5.
●
Spring hunters are allowed
up to three permits, good for one
turkey each.
●
Hunters have high success and
satisfaction rates.
●
The northwestern region of
the state provides opportunities
to hunt the highly sought-after
Merriam's subspecies.
Two tom turkeys walk the border of Chadron State Park and the Nebraska National Forest attempting
to attract hens.
