18 Nebraskaland • June 2026
Outdoor Nebraska's founder didn't
waste much time before creating
the magazine when he assumed a
leadership role in the Nebraska Game,
Forestation and Parks Commission,
nor did he rest on his accomplishment.
Frank O'Connell was named the
chief game warden in 1925, the year
prior to the first issue, and promoted to
director of the agency in 1929.
S a mu e l R . Mc Ke l v i e, w h o h a d
recently returned to his position as
editor and publisher of the Nebraska
Farmer after serving two terms as
t h e s ta te 's gove r n o r, m e n t i o n e d
a n e n c o u n te r w i t h O 'Co n n e l l a t
the capitol in a 1926 issue of his
publication — decades before his
name would become attached to
what is now the Samuel R. McKelvie
National Forest in Cherry County. It
indicates that O'Connell was eager to
show off the new magazine and the
state's natural resources.
"I asked him if there were any trout in
Nebraska, and he replied emphatically
in the affirmative," McKelvie wrote.
"Then he handed me a copy of the
first issue of Outdoor Nebraska — just
out — and there was a picture of a fine
catch made near Minatare."
Outdoor Nebraska's stories beneath
O'Connell's byline show that he
w a s a g i f t e d w r i t e r p a s s i o n a t e
about wildlife conservation, but he
didn't limit his messaging to print.
In 1937, he provided the script and
introduction for "Nebraska Beautiful."
The 26-minute film, in its black-and-
white glory, highlighted Nebraska's
attractions, leading off with its new
capitol building. Reports indicate he
took the film on tour and showed it at
events throughout the state.
He e a r n e d re s p e c t fa r b eyo n d
Nebraska. In 1937, the International
Association of Game Commissioners
elected O'Connell president during the
organization's meeting in Mexico City.
A military man, O'Connell served 30
years of active duty with the U.S. Army
and National Guard during a period
that spanned both world wars. He later
would be active in the American Legion
and serve as deputy state director for
the Selective Service System.
O'Connell died in 1971 in Lincoln at
age 79. He was a native of Malcolm
who graduated from Raymond High
School and New York University.
Magazine a Top Priority
for Chief Game Warden
By Justin Haag
In the Field
Frank O'Connell was named chief game warden in 1925, the year before he started
Outdoor Nebraska magazine.
