Nebraskaland

NEBRASKAland July 2018

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/999185

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JULY 2018 • NEBRASKAland 19 NEBRASKAland Visitor Last issue's winner of the Visitor drawing was Joan Christen of Tecumseh, Nebraska, who found the ten-lined June beetle on page 2. 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 page 5, 16, 17, or 19. The ten-lined June beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata) is a large, beautiful scarab beetle, native to Nebraska. It can be found over much of the state, and prefers light, sandy soils. Adult beetles are approximately 3 ⁄4" to 1 1 ⁄2" in length and brown, with distinct white stripes running the length of the elytra. Adult beetles emerge in June and can be found throughout the summer. They are active at night; look for them in the morning around outdoor lights. Males have much larger antennae than the females, which they can spread to resemble a fan, or appear feathery. When threatened, the beetles make a loud hissing noise. The larvae are typical C-shaped grubs, feeding underground on plant roots, and can grow to 2" in length before pupating. Adults feed on plant foliage, but cause little damage. Special thanks to Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska Department of Agriculture. 106 Degrees? No Problem By Jeff Kurrus It was 106 degrees when my fishing partner, Brad Feeken, and I got back to the truck last July, and we just had one of our most successful fishing days of the season at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. We had caught trophy bass and northern pike on a series of lures including spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, topwater scum frogs and creature baits. We targeted the thickest cover we could find, including bulrushes and cattails, and made repeated casts to areas in an attempt to entice fish into striking. But we were completely alone on the lake. I've heard numerous anglers talk about the morning and evening "bites" on triple-digit days when the temperature and sun lower. Yet I have had just as much success at this time of the year during the hottest parts of the day. As long as you don't mind sweating, use the same strategies you're using during other parts of the day – making sure to also add targeting thick cover to your to-do list – and you'll find success. You'll likely also have the lake to yourself. ■ Brad Feeken of Gretna holds a largemouth bass caught on a 106-degree day. July 24-26 Archery Academy Camp Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln July 25 Family Fishing Event Benson Park, Omaha; Red Willow Reservoir, McCook July 27-28 Campfire Christmas in July Indian Cave SP, Shubert July 28 Jingle Bell Junk and Craft Market Indian Cave SP, Shubert July 28 TBF SAF State High School Fishing Tournament Missouri River, Niobrara SP, Niobrara July 31-August 2 Learn to Hunt Camp Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center July 31 Family Fishing Event Prairie Queen Lake, La Vista PHOTO BY JEFF KURRUS the d on grow ti The wranglers of Fort Robinson State Park make their way along the parade route during the annual Crawford Fourth of July celebration Beyond BOW kayakers prepare to paddle under the Chief Standing Bear Memorial Bridge on the Missouri River.

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