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: https://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/377644
PHOTO BY RICK RASMUSSEN NEBRASKAland Magazine • Waterfowl Hunting Nebraska EBRASKA IS BLESSED WITH A VARIETY OF WETLAND HABITATS that waterfowl use both during fall and spring migration, habitats that also provide for different hunting opportunities throughout the season and across the state. With teal season beginning in September, the light goose conservation order in February, and the regular duck and goose seasons in between, Nebraska hunters have much to look forward to. Prior Planning If new to Nebraska, coming from outside Nebraska, or wanting to explore new or different areas of the state, waterfowl hunters first need to consider when and what they plan to hunt. If individuals want a combination waterfowl/grouse hunt, that will dictate a lot of when and where they need to go. If hunters can only visit during Thanksgiving break, or near Christmas, these times will also dictate hunting location. Hunters should also consider what equipment they have. While a good johnboat is mandatory on a place like the Missouri River, waders or even hip boots can be used in many areas of the state throughout the waterfowl seasons. Additionally, waterfowl hunting in Nebraska requires a lot of flexibility in both timing and location, for both in the fall regular seasons and the light goose conservation order. Being a mid-latitude state, Nebraska is more subject to the whims of weather than its neighbors to the north and south. A timely cold front can bring in migrating ducks and make for excellent hunting, but a prolonged warm spell wouldn't be good. Also, finding water on the landscape can be as important as hitting the next cold front. Those hunters who can be flexible are likely to have more success. EB EB EB E th th th th th pr pr pr pr pr pr pr p ac ac ac ac ac ac go go go go go go g i b N Rynn Hollrah of Whitney waits for ducks to approach his blind, which was constructed from tree limbs that had fallen after an early blizzard. PHOTO BY JUSTIN HAAG