April 2026 • Nebraskaland 29
WHAT TO DO IN APRIL
Sporting Clays
April | Statewide
Recently, a huntering partner who
h a d b o u g h t a n ew p u m p s h o t g u n
was struggling with this new action
versus what he had shot his entire
life. "Sporting clays," I told him. "A lot
of kinks can get worked out on these
courses." With facilities across the
state, these courses allow shooters to
replicate scenarios like pass shooting,
birds dumping into a decoy spread and
rabbits on the run. And April is the
perfect month to practice for the fall
season.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
Gobble Time
April | Statewide
As photoperiod increases and days
b e g i n t o w a r m , t o m s w i l l b e g i n
separating from the flock in search of
mating partners. The early part of the
season is so advantageous to hunters
because toms aren't call shy, and there
are just enough grasses to hide in if
you're stationary or on the move. On
cooler temperature hunts or when
birds are flocked up, hunt the middle
of the day to catch insecure toms by
themselves.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
Take a Hike
April | Statewide
The earliest spring wildf lowers are
in bloom, and hikers should keep an
eye out for these small beauties. In
the wooded hills of Ponca and Indian
Cave state parks, white fawn lily and
Dutchman's breeches add color to the
forest floors. In tallgrass prairie at Rock
Creek Station State Historical Park and
Niobrara SP, look for the purple flowers
of prairie violet and buffalo bean, along
with the white tufts of field pussytoes.
Out west at Fort Robinson, Chadron
and Wildcat Hills state parks, white
star lily, pussytoes and several cushion-
like milkvetches with various-colored
f l owe rs s t a n d o u t o n t h e r u g g e d ,
prairie- and pine-covered escarpments.
BY GERRY STEINAUER, PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
raska
