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/902203
conducted 45 minutes before legal shooting hours for that day, and hunters must check in at the station to be eligible for the drawing. On weekends, the slots that can be reserved are typically filled, and there may be more hunting parties than there are blinds remaining. On weekdays, however, there is typically room for all who want to hunt. Blinds not filled in the drawing and those vacated during the day are assigned for use on a first- come, first-served basis. There is an 18-shot shell limit per hunter using the blinds, and only non-toxic shot is allowed at all areas of Clear Creek. Part of the fun of hunting at Clear Creek is meeting the folks who come to join the hunt during the drawing. Many people have hunted Clear Creek longer than I have – 25 years – and make it a tradition to meet up with hunting partners there, whether they are locals or out-of-staters. Seasoned hunters at Clear Creek will bring two-wheel carts to haul gear to the blinds or sleds when there is snow on the ground. Some of the blinds have a walk-through door, making it easy for hunters and dogs to get in and out. One blind is wheelchair accessible. Each blind is equipped with two dozen goose decoys for hunters to use. Waders or hip boots should be on hand when hunting blinds six through 10, as there are wetland areas around them. Hunters are also encouraged to use hunting dogs to retrieve downed birds from wetland areas, the North Platte River and the refuge. Downed birds may be retrieved from the seasonal refuge by hunters or a dog sent for a retrieve, but no firearms are allowed on the refuge, and no decoys may be placed past the refuge boundary signs. ■ For more information about Clear Creek WMA and opportunities there, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/ waterfowlchecklist/. NOVEMBER 2017 • NEBRASKAland 45 Hunters may hunt only with the group they registered with for the drawing. Resident hunters age 16 and older and all nonresidents must have a valid Nebraska hunting permit, habitat stamp, Nebraska waterfowl stamp, federal migratory waterfowl stamp (duck stamp) and HIP registration. Permits and stamps are not sold on the area, so purchase these required permits and stamps in advance. A Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program number (HIP) is required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regulations. HIP registration is free and is available 24 hours a day by calling toll- free 888-403-2473 or online at OutdoorNebraska.org. Aside from the hunting season, Clear Creek WMA is popular with hikers, mushroom hunters and birdwatchers. Birders enjoy some excellent viewing opportunities of waterfowl, swans, cranes, songbirds, raptors and shore birds found throughout the year in the wetland meadows of the WMA. Planning Ahead for the Hunt