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/668245
20 NEBRASKAland • MAY 2016 Keep Your Boat Ready By Brian Robinson We all know how weird Nebraska weather can be, regardless of the month. Some anglers, like myself, will fish year-round. Therefore, keeping your boat ready at all times is critical to fishing success. The first, and most obvious, part of this equation is keeping your motor at the ready. After every use, clean, drain and dry your motor completely. I will trim it up and down several times to make sure the motor's drained and also pull the drain plug so the boat drains. If ever in cold water, always keep your motor in the water to prevent freeze up. The other major aspect is treating the fuel system. I will add carefully measured fuel stabilizer to the tank whenever fueling up to make sure all system components are treated. You never know when it may sit longer than you planned due to weather. Right before it gets cold in the fall, I also like to check my lower unit oil too, to make sure it's lubricated properly. Last, keep your batteries charged throughout the year, and you'll be ready whenever it's time to fish. And if you stay on top of these larger issues throughout the year, winterizing your boat will be a breeze when the time comes. ■ B w m f y t t t a t m p I m t m w n y a t t r y t b c April 30-May 1 Living History Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP), Fort Calhoun May 1-22 Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex open on weekends, Platte River State Park (SP), Louisville May 2 Archery Paddlefish Permits remaining following draw available for sale May 2, 16 Hunt Safe Session Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River SP, Louisville May 3 Women's Introduction to Handguns Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 3, 10, 17 Outdoor Skills Club Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 3, 17 Ladies Day at the Range Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 3, 10, 17, 24 Best Shots Rifle Marksmanship Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 4, 11, 18, 25 Beyond BOW Handgun Class Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River SP, Louisville May 6-7 Toast Nebraska Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland May 7 Archery Fun Shoot Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 7 Take Pride in America Day Cleanup at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area (SRA), Verdon May 7 Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo Fort Kearny SRA, Kearney May 7 Critter Corner Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 8 Mother's Day Buffet Fort Robinson SP, Crawford; Ponca SP, Ponca; Platte River SP, Louisville May 8 Family Fishing Event Zoo Pond, Scottsbluff May 11 Introduction to Shotguns and Trap Shooting Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River SP, Louisville May 14 Hooked for Life Kids Fishing Event Red Willow SRA, McCook May 14 Bio Blitz 2016 Niobrara SP, Niobrara May 14 Rimfire Steel Plate Challenge Fun Shoot Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River SP, Louisville May 14-15 Becoming an Outdoors-Family Camp for the hearing impaired Platte River SP, Louisville May 21 Free Fishing and Park Entry Day no fishing or park entry permits required this day May 16-June 3 Eligible landowners may apply for one elk permit May 21 Kids' Fishing Event Fremont SRA, Fremont May 21 Free Fishing and Park Entry Day event at Lake 6, Fort Kearny SRA, Kearney May 21 Free Fishing Clinic Platte River SP, Louisville May 21 Free Park Day Barbecue and Kids' Fishing Day Fort Robinson SP, Crawford May 22 3-D Archery Shoot Red Willow SRA, McCook May 24 Family Fishing Event Holmes Lake, Lincoln May 26 Fishing Formula for Success Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 27 Fort Robinson Inn Restaurant opens for season, Fort Robinson SP, Crawford May 27 Take Aim at Summer Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln May 28 Migratory Bird Day Indian Cave SP, Shubert May 28-30 Living History Fort Kearny SHP, Kearney May 28-Aug. 14 Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex open daily, Platte River SP, Louisville May 31 Spring Turkey seasons close by Jerry Kane By following a few simple guidelines, your boat will be ready year-round. Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at 402-471-0641 or visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more information. Visit HuntSafeNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and BoatSafeNebraska. org for a list of boating safety classes.