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Fishing &Hunting December 2007

This month’s fishing picture is of a pair of dandies:
Jason Debur & Brain McConnaughey from Auburn showing a pair of Blue Cats taken near Peru this fall.

The Missouri River is very low now due to the end of the barge traffic season. The water is clear & smooth and running around 45 degrees. The cold weather has held out for the most part which is allowing plenty of fishing opportunities. You can really see the deeper holes with the lower water level. These conditions really give you a feel for the lay of the river’s bottom. It’s a long drop to the water’s edge in places and you can see lots of rip-rap rock formations this time of year. The river dike piling towers well above the water’s present level giving you an understanding of the hazard that lay under the waters surface when boating at normal spring & summer river levels. The fishing action is mostly channel cats on dough baits with a fair amount of luck with night crawlers. I’m not saying that the live baits won’t catch fish but there isn’t much action on them right now. Even with the dough baits it’s not a real strong hit but rather a playful tug as they mouth the bait. The bottom line is that they are not as aggressive in the cooler water as they were just a month ago.

This month’s hunting picture is of 14 year old Trent Mertes shown with his first deer – a 10 point buck taken opening day. Sure is a big bodied deer - Congratulations Trent!

2007 Fall Turkey Season is open and permits can still be bought now. All permits are available online at www.outdoornebraska.org, by mail through the Lincoln office or over the counter at any Commission Permitting office.

2007 Fall Turkey Season Dates are:
Shotgun: Oct. 14 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31.
Archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31.

The 2007 Fall Deer Firearm Season was warm but didn’t seem to bother the hunters or the deer. You did however need to get your harvested deer to a butcher ASAP due to the 70 degree weather on the opening weekend of season. It was a little different deer hunting in a short sleeved shirt. But the bucks were in rut and really didn’t mind any thing but the does. Big mistake on their part – several nice bucks were harvested locally and a fair amount of special antlerless permits seemed to be filled also.

There’s a lot of hunting opportunities out there this time of year. With all the seasons in full swing you can almost pick your sport right now. So get out and get yourself some – you won’t be sorry you did.

Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

*Fishing &Hunting October 2007*
The Missouri River has been up and down this last moth with the recent record breaking fall rain we have been receiving. But the fishing has been pretty good for the most part. The biggest problem being: “getting there” due to the rain & muddy roads. They have been cold rains too – the ones that aren’t very enjoyable to stay out in. But as the old saying goes “fish are biting with the river on the river’s rise” is still holding true. They are hitting on just about anything you throw at them. What are they biting on? They are hitting chubs & goldfish hard right now. Leopard frogs are also weighing in on the action and they are plentiful near the waters edge and around the recent mud puddles. Netting them for bait is another story. They can jump a mile! Again remember ‘Big bait - Big Fish’ is policy for this time of year and there are some monster frogs out there this time of year. You really need to get out there, this may be your last chance – soon enough the hunting seasons will be coming along and it’s so long river, except for the duck hunters.	Seth Kerwin from Auburn showing off his 17 pound blue cat caught near Peru this fall.
2007 Fall Turkey Season is open and permits can still be bought now. All permits are available online at www.outdoornebraska.org, by mail through the Lincoln office or over the counter at any Commission Permitting office. 2007 Fall Turkey Season Dates are: Shotgun: Oct. 14 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31. Archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31. The 2007 Fall Deer Season permits are still available on a “fist come first serve” basis for Residents and Non-Residents. Check the Nebraska Game & Parks website (http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/) for permit availability or stop in to a commission office. Deer season is coming sooner than you think and it’s time to get that high power sighted in so it’s one shot one kill when the time is right. If you’re like me I hate to miss. So it’s worth the time to zero your rifle in so it’s lethal when you want it to be. And it’s good sportsmanship to make a clean kill when the time arises and you can’t use the rifle as an excuse when the big one gets away. Blaming the rifle is always easier than blaming the shooter. 2007 Rifle Deer Season Date is: Nov. 10^th thru Nov. 18^th A lot of hunting coming our way as the seasons open one by one. There’s plenty to do and plenty to get ready for. But all those choices are what make this time of year fun. Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

Fishing &Hunting September 2007

The Missouri River has looked good all this month. Making it perfect for fall fishing. The fish are hitting on just about anything you throw at them. They know that the cool weather is coming and it’s time to feed up for the long winter. Many of the fish that are caught now are pretty filled out. With the spawns over there is nothing for them to do but feed up in preparation for next year. What are they biting on? They are hitting chubs & goldfish hard right now. Leopard frogs seem to be drawing attention of the big ones as of late too. It definitely means if you want to see the big ones on the bank of in the boat, now is the time to bait for them. ‘Big bait - Big Fish’ is policy for sure. The mosquitoes are trying to get their last bites in but fall fishing always seem to be the best. Fall fishing is the best for several reasons 1) You always seem to bring fish home, 2) It’s enjoyable to kick back while you’re doing it too, and 3) The smell of fall on the river is like no other. You need to get out and see what you’re missing – soon enough the hunting seasons will be coming along and it’s so long river.

This month’s fishing picture is of Jamie Reeves sporting a thick 8 pound flathead. Look how wide that fish is!

Hunting

A lot of the doves have moved out with the latest cool shot of weather. But if you got out the first weekend of season they were there in droves. You could go almost anywhere to hunt them then, but they are in isolated areas now. Hunters are still having fair luck near creeks and ponds where they go to water. Season is over October 30^th and limits are 15 bag & 30 possession.

The 2007 Fall Deer Season permits are still available on a “fist come first serve” basis for Residents and Non-Residents. Check the Nebraska Game & Parks website (http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/) for permit availability or stop in to a commission office.

2007 Fall Turkey Season permits can still be bought now. All permits are available online at www.outdoornebraska.org, by mail through the Lincoln office or over the counter at any Commission Permitting office.

2007 Fall Turkey Season Dates are:
Shotgun: Oct. 14 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31.
Archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31.

You can, kind of, pick you preference right now between “fishing” of “hunting”. It’s cooling off and time to get the rifles out for sighting in. Also time to sharpening up those shotgun skills for pheasant and quail seasons just around the corner by shooting some blue rock. But all those choices are what make this time of year fun.

Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

Fishing &Hunting August 2007

This month’s fishing picture shows a fine pair: Jack McConnaughey (left) with a 56 pound Flathead Catfish & his son David McConnaughey (right) shown with 55 pound Blue Catfish.

Fishing

The Missouri River has been steadily dropping the last month. The piling and rip rap rock formations are easily in sight. The sand bars for the most part were washed away this spring with the flooding. But they will eventually return with the a few rises and falls of the river and soon enough they’ll be reestablished in behind the trail dikes the way they were last summer. With the sand bars changing so goes the fishing strategy. Basically there are three places to fish - the rocks, the bars, or the holes. Now that the sand bars are washed out, that fishing is out for now so that leaves fishing the rocks which takes patience & tackle. The rocks are not very forgiving - when you’re hung up “you’re hung up!” That means breaking your line a lot and loosing your rigging. So what’s that leave you? Fishing the holes right now is the right place to be. The river water temperature is over 85 degrees and there is only one place the fish like to be when it’s that hot –IN THE HOLES. You are at the mercy of the brush and snags that are also in the holes. But that’s where they are, keeping cool in the deep water. What are they biting on? They are hitting sand toads (which are plentiful on a flood year) pretty regular. But it seems the night fishing has had the best results with goldfish and bluegill. Get out and give it a try but take lots of sunscreen and bug spray. The only cool spots are in the shade and unfortunately that’s where the bugs are too.

Hunting:

The 2007 Fall Deer Season permits are available on a “fist come first serve” basis starting June 11^th by Residents and Non-Residents. Check the Nebraska Game & Parks website (http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/) for permit availability or stop in to a commission office.

ATTENTION

2007 Fall Turkey Season permits can be bought beginning August 14. All permits are available online at www.outdoornebraska.org, by mail through the Lincoln office or over the counter at any Commission Permitting office.

2007 Fall Turkey Season Dates are:
Shotgun: Oct. 14 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31.
Archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 - Dec. 31.

Summer is here and it’s hot. But there is nothing cooler than getting around some water and the river is no exception. If there is a breeze in the area it’s at the river, add a little shade, and it’s not too bad. It really is time to get out there – the fishing is good. And you won’t be sorry you did. Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

Fishing &Hunting

July 2007

The Missouri River has settled down and returned inside its banks. The damage done during the spring flooding seems to have mended and those areas have grown over in vegetation. The river is ready to except boaters and fishermen. The high waters have cleaned the banks back and removed that old favorite log you tied to last summer. So new land marks are needed to mark your favorite fishing hole. Do I have a favorite fishing hole? You better believe it! In my opinion it’s the location that that you can always get a bite and if you miss it then it’s your fault. Fishing has been real good this last month. Fishermen are getting the best out of the cool spring water fishing mixed with the warm summer water fishing seasons. The early season’s cooler water brings the Blue catfish success and the later warmer water brings on the Flatheads. Both seasons are sprinkled with Channel catfish success. And baits seem to vary also with early cool water fish reacting to dough and cut baits and the warmer water fish hitting the live baits. Some big ones have been landed pretty frequently as of late. Make sure you take the bug spray because there are no shortages of mosquitoes. It seems when you’re in the shade so are they. The spray will keep them from biting you but it won’t keep them from swarming you. The only thing you can do is move to another location or hope for a breeze.

David McConnaughey (left) and his fishing partner Joel McConnaughey (right) shown with the big 80 pound prize winning
Blue Catfish
.

On a bigger note: Old Man River Fishing Contest biggest catfish prize went to David McConnaughey who landed a whopping 80 pound Blue. David reported that the monster bit on a bluegill and never stopped. The fish spool out David’s reel and if not for his nephew Joel cutting the boat loose from the bank the fish would have surely been gone. Congratulations David!

This month’s fishing pictures are: The winners of the Old Man River Fishing Contest Joe Whisler (left) won the biggest carp
(61/2 lbs) and biggest catfish winner David McConnaughey (right) shown with the “Catch of the Day”- an 80 pound Blue Catfish.

The 2007 Fall Deer Season DRAW units fist round application have been drawn and the remainder of those DRAW area permits are available on a “fist come first serve” basis starting June 11^th by Residents and Non-Residents. Check the Nebraska Game & Parks website (http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/) for permit availability or stop in to a commission office.
Summer is here and so is the fishing season. Flatheads are hitting hot and heavy. And the bait situation seems to be good for this time of year. It’s time to get out there - You won’t be sorry you did.

Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today?
So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

Joe Whisler & Jeff Dewitt Jr. with a fine pair of toms

Joe Whisler showing a ¾ pound Morel Mushroom found in the hills of Peru.

*Fishing*	*June* 2007	*Hunting*
The Missouri River has been a mess the last month. Spring rains have caused the river to swell to 5 & 6 foot over flood stage. Though these levels were only for a few days, but this was more than enough time to eliminate access to the river for several weeks. The receding waters left some good and some bad. There is a layer of settlement (top soil) over the entire area flooded by the high waters. This allows low spots that normally have water sitting in them to fill. And areas where water rushed though left holes that water is still setting in. So the soil thing is a trade off “holes where there were none & previous holes filled in with silt.” Several bad things come with river flooding, one is mosquito breeding areas where the water is trapped or will not run off. We can most certainly expect a nice population of these pests. Another item not real pleasant when flood waters recede is the smell of rotting vegetation and the dead fish trapped when the flood water receded into the river. So the river fishing is on hold while the River settles out and the access & banks dry out. I’m sure the catfish are biting if you can get there because the water temperature is getting right for fishing.		The 2007 Spring Turkey Season is drawing to a close. And it has been a dandy! I believe there was moderate success among hunters. The bird split up nicely and as big as the flocks were there were plenty of single toms & jakes to be had. Although the wind didn’t help hunters much, blowing most days since the season started. Or at least most of the weekends that I hunted. Turkeys don’t seem to want to talk a lot when it’s windy and lay pretty low as far as moving around also. So you would have days when the toms wouldn’t talk to you or come to your call. But if you stuck with it, it seemed you would finally have one come your way. It’s been said to “stay were you are, they can hear you”. Well, it worked for me to move if I had nothing answering my calls to where I did get a response. You take the risk of being seen but some times it pays off. Mushroom Hunting: This spring wasn’t one of the best years for Morel Mushrooms but some folks were lucky enough to find a few. I went several times and many times came up dry where I had found them in the past. Some have blamed the lack of truffles was due to the cold spell we had at the end of March where wind chills reached into the single digits and we even has a late snow & ice storm. What ever the reason, the season was not the best around here.
Spring seem to have turned into summer with the 90 degree days recently. Higher temperatures mean river time to those who like to get into the Flathead cats. It’s the Blues turn right now in the cooler water but as the water approaches the 70 degree mark, then comes Flathead season. We have got a lot of good fish between now and the real hot weather so get out and get yourself some. You won’t be sorry. Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time *“Happy Hunting & Fishing.”*

May 2007 Fishing

Hunting

River fishing is opening up slowly but surely. But is still has been pretty cool to get out on the water in a boat but that doesn’t stop the fishing from the bank. There you can pick a place, in out of the wind, and be pretty comfortable because the sun is pretty warm as long as you get out of the cool wind. This has entirely nothing to do with fish biting itself but face it to catch fish you have to put in the time. Your definitely are going to spend more time fishing if your comfortable doing it. Local fishermen have been landing channels for the most part and some larger blue cats. What are they biting on? Chicken livers and night crawlers mostly, with moderate action on dough baits. They aren’t hitting the hardest, but the fish are there and reacting to bait. That’s good! You just never know what’s on the other end when they mouth you bait this time of year.

This month’s fishing picture shows Jamie Reeves with a nice 5 pound channel cat – look a the belly on that fish!

2007 Spring Turkey Season is in full swing. There are lots of birds and at this point they aren’t breaking up the best. When you see them – you see a lot of them. “So what’s the problem?” you ask. It’s simple: You call the Tom to you with a hen call. If they are with 10 hens why would he come to your lone call? It’s tuff until they split up a little. When I say splitting or breaking up I mean eventual the toms will run the jakes off from the flock and with the hens laying eggs the groups will get smaller and smaller, thus increasing your chance of luring a tom within shooting range. Again there are unlimited permits this year (if you want one --buy one). And you can obtain up to 3 permits. The permit is the same as in the past – one male (Tom) or bearded hen per permit. Permits can be obtained from now through May 20^th over the counter or online.

Fall Deer Rifle Season Draw units applications (Residents Only) can be sent in from April 16^th to May 4^th. Our area is Blue Southeast and if you want an either sex for this season you’ll have to draw during this application period. Otherwise if you want to bag a buck in this area you’ll have to obtain a Statewide Buck Permit.

This month’s hunting picture is of me opening weekend of Spring Shotgun Season with a 20 pound tom sporting a 9 inch beard.

Spring is here and it’s time to pick your pleasure – fishing or hunting. The cool weather will turn to hot soon enough, so get out and enjoy some of the activities that are opening themselves up this spring. We need to enjoy the spring while we can.

Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today?
So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”


*April 2007 Fishing*	*Hunting*
No river fishing yet but it’s just around the corner. It has been a crazy month. We have seen very cold days one week only to be followed by record breaking temperatures the following week. With the sudden heat up came the flood waters due to the snow melt run off. This compounded by the ground still having frost doesn’t allow much water to soak in so the run off is pretty significant. Areas north of here received over a foot of snow the last go around and when it melts it all seems to come our way. The river is presently at flood stage and is full from bank to bank. There is good and bad about every thing the river does. The good is that the spring snow melt cleans a lot of the brush and debris (tree limbs, grass, etc.) off the river’s banks and sand bars. It also cleans creeks and streams out and with this water comes bait for the fish in the river. Thus comes the saying “Fish bite better on the River Rise”. But high waters also make a mess trying to get to the river and it’s hard to get a boat in. So what is there to do? It’s time to hit the ponds & lakes. With the high temps and the winds it didn’t take long to get the 12 inches of ice off the area ponds & lakes. It’s time to throw a minnow on and catch some Crappie. Several fishermen have been having luck in the last week. But if you have ever fished for Crappie you know that they are a little touchy when they are going to bite. When I say “when they are going to bite” I mean the time of day. So this mean you have stay with it because when they start to hit the feeding frenzy only goes on for an hour or so and as fast as it starts it’s over. The whole time you are reeling in , removing fish, and re-baiting as fast as you can so you can to get as many as you can while they are hitting. That little burst of action keeps the crappie fishermen coming back. Plus they eat pretty good too. Crappie are considered panfish and Limits are 30 bag (on the stringer) & possession 60 (in the freezer).	2007 Spring Turkey – Starting January 10^th thru the end of season you can purchase your statewide spring turkey season tag. There are unlimited permits (if you want one --buy one). And for the first time in you can obtain up to 3 permits. The permit is the same as in the past – one male (Tom) or bearded hen per permit. You however can purchase up to 3 permits (at one time if you wish). “What’s up with that?” You say. One thing is you can get bow and shotgun permits. The second thing is you can keep hunting after you get one. The second option seems more logical to me. You scout them out - you find them – you call one in – and you bag one. You season is over. Did you like it? Do you want some more? Whip out another permit and go again. Sound fun to me! I tell you another thing that has happened to me and others have stated the same thing. Two toms come in to your decoy. Now you can try to bag them both. Permits can be obtained from now through May 20^th over the counter or online. Seasons start as follows: Archery – March 25^thShotgun -- April 14^th Spring has sprung. I told you hunting wouldn’t be suspended for long. Deer season seems like just yesterday and now It’s Turkey Season. Let’s not forget about getting our fishing poles ready for a little spring fishing. Ready or not spring is here. You need to get out there & get yourself some.
This month’s fishing picture shows Joe Whisler with Crappie take through the ice at a local sand pit.	Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time *“Happy Hunting & Fishing.”*

March 2007

Fishing

In the last issue I had stated that “It’s time to look for some place north or south if you want to fish” because it wasn’t cold enough for ice on ponds and the icy river was definitely out. Well, north came to us this last month. Ice on area ponds and lakes is 10 inches or more. But then the weather is bitter cold. So you need to brave the wind and below freezing temps to get the ice fishing in. Then there is the problem of finding bait this time of year. It’s not easy to ice fish but when you get into them it makes it well worth I the effort. How do you ice fish? You ask. Well, this is my angle on it. Looking the pond over and finding deep spots can be challenging (i.e. you have drill holes and check the depth). But when you find the holes, usually by the pond spillway, now its time to figure how you’re going to fish it. There is basically three ways to ice fish. 1) There is the Jig Technique – you basically drop your bait to the bottom and slowly raise the bait towards the surface accompanied with short jerks (Your Jigging). When you see a hit on your rod tip you then set the hook and reel them in. 2) Using a bobber – your bobber is a slip type that slides up & down you line and is set by a pin when desired depth is achieved. Basically you let your bait to the bottom with the pin out of the bobber then raise the line off the bottom to a desires level and set the bobber with the pin. In this technique you watch for the action of the bobber and set the hook. You then take the line by hand and pull the fish to the surface. After the fish is removed you re-bait if needed and drop the bait right back to the same depth due to your bobber has set the depth. This works for fish that school together like crappie & bluegill. Many times by the time it hits the depth you have action again. You simply set the hook and pull them in remove the fish and get it back in while the school stays in the area. 3) Using Pop-ups – pop-ups are, for a lack of other words, a “mouse trap” that works on fish. These are devices that are placed over the hole in the ice and while the bait is suspended at a desire depth. The spring loaded arm of the device is lowered and latched. The trigger sensitivity can be set so the lightest tug on the line actuates the arm that rapidly swings up thus hooking the fish. The arm has an orange flag on it so when a fish is on, the fisherman can see this and remove the fish and re-bait. Many times you will see dozens of these over a pond and the fisherman moves between them removing fish and re-baiting. Basically flag’s up – fish on. Limits for panfish are 30 bag (on the ice) & possession 60 (in the freezer).

This month’s fishing picture shows Jay Moran from Peru jigging for panfish on a local farm pond

Hunting

The only winter hunting season open right now is cotton tail rabbit season and lasts to the end of February. The recent frigid temps & snow cover keeps them holed up but morning and evening bring them out to foraging for food. There seems to be plenty of rabbits this year the for sure. Bagging a few of them shouldn’t be problem. Limits are 7 bag (in the pouch) & 28 possession (in the freezer).

NEW FLASH – NEW for 2007 Spring Turkey – Starting January 10^th you can purchase your statewide spring turkey season tag. There are unlimited permits (if you want one --buy one). And for the first time in you can obtain up to 3 permits. Permits can be obtained from now through May 20^th over the counter or online.

Seasons start: Archery – March 25^thShotgun -- April 14^th

This fall & winter hunting is about over but next year’s seasons are now being set for the 2007-2008 seasons by the Nebraska Game & Parks. You already can obtain your spring turkey permits if you want. It may seem cold and gray till the weather warms up but now is the time to clean the guns up or re-string you fishing poles for the up coming year’s adventures. You can never be too ready.

This month’s hunting picture is
Myself with a couple cotton tails
taken one snowy morning

Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today?
So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

WILD COUNTRY TAXIDERMY

February 2007

Fishing
The frigid Brownville Nebraska Bridge surrounded by Ice Lilly Pads.

It’s time to look for some place north or south of here to do any fishing for a while. The Missouri River is full of Ice Lilly Pads from the recent near 0 temperatures. But it hasn’t been cold enough or long enough to put any ice on area ponds & lakes. The recommended thickness of ice is 4 inches of clear ice but it’s one of those things “the more the merrier” or should I say “Safer”. This area doesn’t get that thickness for long so one must be ready to take off work or dedicate as weekend if one wants to enjoy a nice mess of Panfish. The snow & sleet we got when it turned off cold didn’t do the pond & lake ice any good either. When these are mixed with the freezing surface water it gives the ice a frosty look that doesn’t make the ice as strong as clear ice. So you have to wait even longer for thicker ice when is the case. The frosty look is much like when it is melting off a lake in the spring – it’s not clear and therefore not as strong. Ice fishermen call this “rotten ice”. You can fish out on it but much more than the recommend 4 inches is required – I suggest twice as much (8 inches or greater). I’m going but I just don’t know when right now – I’ll let you know how I do. Pan Fried Panfish sounds pretty good to me right now.

Hunting

This year’s hunting is about to end as the hunting seasons close one by one. But there are other seasons still open. One such season is the cotton tail rabbit season that lasts to the end of February. With the snow cover on now it’s time. Morning and evening are the best time but once in a while if there is a storm moving in they will be out foraging for food in the middle of the day. I hunt them with a 22 rifle and wait for a still shot while others take shotguns to catch them on the run. Either way there seems to be plenty of rabbits this year. Bagging a few of them shouldn’t be problem. Limits are 7 bag (in the pouch) & 28 possession (in the freezer).

Late Rifle Deer Season came and went. And I’m here to tell you “it was a cold, white one”. It rained, then snowed, then got colder than all get out in a couple of days time. This weather all started at the very start of the season and the cold lasted all the way through the two weeks of late season. I never saw a lot of hunter out during this season, myself, but I saw a lot of deer herded up. I saw deer in areas that I hadn’t seen any deer moving around for months. The bitter cold and the ground covered with snow really brought them out in droves to feed especially in the evenings.

The hunting seasons are drawing closed one by one. So get out and enjoy some good small game hunting while you can. There are some fishing opportunities opening up also – weather permitting. So get out and get yourself some you won’t regret that you did.

Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

This month’s hunting picture is of Jack Gene Whisler with a Late Season Doe. Taken with an Old Enfield 303 British Caliber Rifle.

January 2007 Fishing
The Missouri River has seen some interesting changes in this last month. The weather has an awful lot to do with that, but boy has it been different. We have experienced single digits one week which filled the river full of ice paddies. And the next week record highs into the 60s. Along with the change in temperatures came the changes in river levels which sometime would change as much as 3 foot over one day’s time. Fishing is out for now but if the weather is staying mild the fish will want something to eat one of these days. When that day comes you can always trust night crawlers to tell the story. I’ll let you know how that works out.
*Hunting*
With the changes in the weather, so comes the changes in the hunting - in general. The ducks and geese can’t figure whether to go or stay so hunters are cleaning up on this opportunity. Many hunters scoring limit days on ducks as well as dark geese. That is unusual to have such success because the migratory birds don’t stay in this area all that long on their way south. Again you can thank the weather for that. Along with the ducks come the Bald Eagles. They are a pretty common site on the river bottoms but I have seen several Eagles miles from the river as the ducks and geese frequent local farm ponds. They are big and it’s not hard to tell what they are. You have no problem seeing the white head and tail feathers from a several hundred yards away. Muzzle Loading Deer Season opened December 1^st and runs till the end of the year. The bucks are back to chasing the does again. For several weeks I didn’t see deer wondering around and just like clock work the does that didn’t get bred the first round (Rut) are back into estrus. A doe will continue to come back into estrus every 30 days until she is bred, even if that means in the late winter while she’s in the heard. That is why many times you’ll see a fawn in the fall that still has spots. Bow hunters see this pretty often due to the bow season opening in September. What is crazy is that if that fawn is a doe it can and many times will be bred. Then we wonder how the deer population can get out of control. As long as there is good food supply this cycle will continue and the hunter is the only tool to use to reduce the deer heard numbers to a manageable level. Remember – New for this year - Fall Turkey Season opened back up after The Regular Rifle Deer Season was over and runs to the end of the year. Permits are ‘Buy’ so you can purchase one any time. There are plenty of birds around but a little harder to bag due to they do not come to a call in the fall. There are plenty of hunting seasons to choose from right now. And big game permits are still available. The weather is holding for now but I feel that is may change to snow soon, so get out and enjoy some good hunting while you can. I know you that you won’t regret that you did.	This month’s hunting picture is of Joe Whisler with another nice buck. This one was taken during the Muzzle Loading Deer Season. This month I also get into the act with a big doe taken on a Season’s Choice Tag with a Muzzle Loader.
Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time *“Happy Hunting & Fishing.”*

HUNTING & FISHING 2006 Reviews

	Decembeer 2006 *Fishing*
The Missouri River is low and still offers fishing opportunities to those that want them. It’s clean and clear as you will ever see it. Visibility of a couple of foot is my estimate. Usually it’s pretty muddy & murky. “Does this make the fish bite better?” You ask. I can’t say for sure because you have your good days and bad days all year long at the river it seems. But it sure makes the river look a whole lot more attractive when it’s clear rather than soup. What are they biting on? They are biting pretty regular on dough baits and there are always night crawlers. These are not big fish but add fishing fun anyway. I think we’ll have to wait till spring to get back into the big fish again. So give it a try but don’t forget you jacket the getting real cool now, measuring at 49 degrees. If you go take your camera, the Bald Eagles are following the duck through on their migration south. You can see them pretty up close and personal right now.
	*Hunting*
Hunting seasons galore! You can just about take your pick – from water fowl to big game, the choice is up to you. What hot right now? It’s the 10 days of the Regular Rifle Deer Season! The season hit just right near, if not right on, the peak of this year’s Deer Rut. Bucks are fighting and does are strutting. That’s not real good on the car fender but it sure helps the hunter bag a decent deer without too much trouble. Deer are pretty alert up until this time of year. Keeping their distance and staying cautious. But during the rut they focus more on each other rather than the hunter or your car, which brings up another reason for harvesting deer. Not just for the meat or the horns but to control the heard so less auto accidents occur. Deer in the roadway end up being not only costly but dangerous. Remember -- Fall Turkey Seasons opens back up after The Regular Rifle Deer Season is over and runs to the end of the year. Permits are ‘Buy’ so you can purchase one any time. There are plenty of birds around. I tried some wild turkey that my neighbor had smoked and it was excellent. Just in time for Thanksgiving too.		Joe Whisler with a nice buck taken during Regular Rifle Deer Season
It’s cool in the mornings and warming up to the mid 50s during the day. But when the sun goes down in the late afternoon & evening it cools right off. That’s a sign that there’s not much Fall left. So get out and enjoy it while you can. Half the fun is just getting out there – you won’t regret that you did. Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

	NOVEMBER 2006 *Fishing*
Brad Johnson Auburn with a 7 lb Flathead taken near Peru this fall.	The Missouri River has been lowered to it’s winter level and river barge traffic season is over. This is good and bad – The Good Thing is: this allows you to see exactly where the deeper holes are and where the rocks are located, these holes are where the fish have to be congregating. This gives a whole new meaning to ‘Fishing Hole’. These holes are where the fish are because they don’t have any where else to go except back into the current that takes them to the next hole down stream. With the lower water temperatures slowing the fish’s metabolism down they are not as aggressive and sort of ‘Go with the Flow’. What a life! The Bad Part of fishing the holes are: in these holes there are plenty of snags so you loose your tackle often and if you hook into a big one it can also tangle your rig on the snags costing you more tackle. But you never know what you’re going to catch and that’s what keeps you going back. It’s cooler now so there are no bugs to mess with. And there are still big ones to be landed. So give it a try but don’t forget your jacket, the cooler water puts off a bit of a chill.
*Hunting*
Hunting seasons are sneaking up on us one by one. You can pretty well pick your critter before to long. I prefer getting in a little squirrel hunting before the deer rifle season starts. Squirrel hunting also gives you and opportunity to scout areas for turkey and deer. You might say I’m a ‘multi-tasking hunter’. The truth is the same habitat is used by a number of the different species of animals. Ever had the wrong weapon for what you run into in the timber? I have! I’ve been there with a shotgun turkey hunting and see a trophy buck that’s well inside bow range. Also I have had squirrels running all around me when sitting in a deer stand with a high power rifle. A guy can’t cover all the bases but patients usually prevail. I concentrate on hunting the specific species I set out to hunt and that works the best for me. And if I see other animals running about it’s a bonus. I’ll bring something special just for them next time. Fall Turkey Seasons are open. Bow opened October 1^st and Shotgun opened October 14^th. New for this year: The two seasons run parallel till the Regular Rifle Deer Season starts, November 11^th, and it stays closed for the duration of that season. Then the Fall Turkey Season re-opens till the end of the year. Permits are ‘Buy’ so you can purchase one any time. There are plenty of birds around. They do not come to a call in the fall but you are allowed to shoot a hen or tom. It’s a little challenging to get close enough to get a shot but if they decide to wonder your way – you can take your pick (as long as you can stay still) they spook easily with any movement. And when they spook they are out of shooting range fast. We’ve had a couple of frosts and the foliage is turning colors and falling. The smell of fall is in the air. But the weather won’t hold forever so get out to the timber and get some hunting in or try the river before it gets too frigid. You won’t be sorry you did. I think you’ll find fall was well worth the wait.		This month’s hunting picture is of myself with a mess of squirrels harvested from the Hills of Peru.
Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

OCTOBER 2006 *Fishing*
Mike Tynon, Peru 23 lb Flathead Cat	The Missouri River has been up & down with each fall rain. With the cooler rains come the cooler water temperatures, now dipping into the 60’s. This really has kicked the fish into feeding up for the winter. They are hitting about anything you throw at them right now. Hooking them is another thing all together though. The channels are tap – tap – tapping - cleaning your hook bare. And the big ones are hitting hard – stripping the bait before you can set the hook. This time of year is really exciting because you never know what you’re going to catch. “What are they hitting on??” The big ones are still hitting chubs & gold fish and the little ones on crawlers and dough baits. Remember Big Bait, Big Fish, so the bigger the bait the better. Be prepared to hold on to your pole though because when they hit you may be missing a pole if you aren’t careful. These fish are big enough to do that easily.	A fine pair of 25+ lb Blue Cats Labor Day Brian McConnaughey, Auburn; Jay Moran, Peru.
	*Hunting*
Hunting seasons are here with plenty of success. The Nebraska dove season opened September 1^st and there are plenty of birds around despite a few rainy weekend and dropping temperatures. I have been lucky enough to lure a few close enough to bag a mess for a meal. I thought that someone was really having a lot of luck one morning last week when I heard shooting echoing across the Peru Bottom. Come to find out that it wasn’t doves they were shoot, or shooting at, but rather DUCKS. The Fall Teal Season had opened up. Teal are the first duck to migrate through the area and are the smallest duck to boot. That why I stated “shooting at” because they are hard to hit. The area that is in our region of Nebraska is the Low Plain Zone and is open from Sept. 9 thru 24, with limits of 4 Bag (in the blind) and 8 possession (in the freezer). New for this year when hunting ducks and geese you must purchase a “NEBRASKA Water Fowl stamp”. This is in addition to the Federal Water Fowl stamp. Don’t forget – in addition to the stamps to hunt migratory birds you also need a HIP number along with a small game hunting permit. The leaves are falling and the water is cooling off. There won’t be a lot of warm days left if you want to get some fishing in. There are a lot of hunting season here and coming up. And it’s time to site in those high power rifles too. Seems like we’re never completely prepared for the change of seasons but we always seem to make the best of it. I know I do. Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today? So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

SEPTEMBER 2006
Fishing

The Missouri River is up with the recent rains – some areas near Omaha received as much as 4 inches in one night. Sounds more like spring rains than fall rains. The high temperatures are still hanging in there but the water has cooled off with the influx of rain run off in recent weeks. The temperature of the river today is 79 degrees and you wouldn’t think it was very much of a difference from last month’s 85 degrees but the fish are moving out of the deep holes and feeding a lot more during the day light hours. What’s hitting? Big Blues & Flathead mostly, with small Channels still hanging in there. “What are they hitting on??” The big ones are hitting chubs & gold fish and the little ones on crawlers and dough baits. Remember Big Bait, Big Fish, so the bigger the bait the better if you want to test your tackle. I think the fish are feeling the pressure of the summer’s end and are starting to feed up for the long winter ahead.

Hunting

The first of this month’s fishing pictures are of Jim “The Whis” Whisler with a 45 lb Blue Cat.

What can I say? Hunting time is here. And it’s time to sharpen up your shotgun skills on some blue rock in preparation for the up and coming dove season. I can report this last week I witnessed several groups of doves, some with over a dozen birds grouped together. So the migration is on, although I have seen & heard plenty of local birds this summer. The recent rains seem to group them up and drive them out of the grass to the road sides so you can really get an idea how many are around just by driving around. Water and hemp are still the main attractions when it comes to hunting doves and with the recent rains there seems to be plenty of water puddles to hunt around. Don’t forget – to hunt doves you need a HIP number along with a small game hunting permit.

Attention!! Nebraska Residents can still apply for fall deer hunting permits.Permits may be obtained by stopping at NGPC Offices, Online at http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/guides/biggame , and/or by Mail

NEBRASKA BIG GAME PERMITS
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
P.O. Box 30370
Lincoln, NE 68503-0370

Summer is winding down, but not without a few more hot ones. But fall is coming and all the hunting seasons that go with it. There is still a lot of good fishing to be done and you’ll soon have to choose between fishing or hunting. That’s not all bad – what a choice!

Remember I’m not an expert but I have my share of luck. I wonder if the experts are having any luck today?
So until next time “Happy Hunting & Fishing.”

A 42 lb Flathead landed by Papa Joe Whisler and his fishing partners Colton & Dillon.