YES OR NO FOR NEBRASKAland

by M. O. Steen Director, Nebraska Game Commission Legislative interim report clouds what was bright tourist-promotion horizon

NEBRASKAland has made great strides in the tourist promotion field. In the last three years Nebraska has become known as a tourist state. The job of accomplishing this in such a short time is unequalled by any other similar effort in the United States.

To appreciate Nebraska's progress, one only has to look at the history of the tourist movement here. Prior to 1959, very little had been done in tourist promotion, although there was an agency that had the responsibility and promotion funds. Activity in the field, however, was very limited.

In 1959, the legislature assigned this function to the Game Commission under LB-428. When the bill was reported in, the committee had this to say: "The introducers and the committee believe that a more aggressive program will be sponsored by the Game Commission in this field and that tourist traffic and income therefrom can be accelerated by this change in administration."

Nebraskans have seen the realization of this legislation. In three short years the state has come from practically no activity to a booming tourist promotion program. Now everyone knows that NEBRASKAland is the place "where the West begins".

It seems, however, that the Game Commission has done so well that everyone is scrambling to get on the promotion bandwagon. This is fine. We love JANUARY, 1963 3   to have them ride. They help keep things going. The problem is that many of them want to take over the driver's wheel, and in the process, upset the entire operation.

YES OR NO FOR NEBRASKAland continued

This fact is demonstrated in a recommendation made by a legislative interim committee studying tourism. Having listened to a lot of people advocating one thing or another, the committee recommended that a new, partisan tourist agency be formed. The proposal is unsound and unjustified and casts considerable doubts on the future of tourism in Nebraska.

Briefly, the proposal recommends that an office of tourism be created to which would be given the tourist promotion responsibility. It would be headed by a director appointed by the governor, subject to the approval of the legislature. The director's term of office would be at the pleasure of the governor.

There are a number of things very wrong with this recommendation. First, it would take tourism out of a nonpartisan agency and put it in a highly partisan position. A direct appointee of a governor, either Republican or Democrat, serving at the pleasure of the governor, would find his responsibility not to the state, but to the party and governor he serves. This would be true of any administration.

The recommendation goes even farther. It proposes to take the parks division out of the Game Commission and place it under the new director of tourism. In other words, it recommends that Nbraska eventually have a political parks department. One has only to look at similar agencies in other states to see some of the sorriest, most degenerate organizations imaginable. There are a few things in public life that by their very nature are nonpartisan 4 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   and should always be kept nonpartisan. Like motherhood and the flag, most everyone is in favor of them. They include conservation, recreation, parks, wildlife, etc. The public interest is best served when they are kept under a nonpartisan administration instead of one that serves the party, not the people.

I have other misgivings about the proposal. Obviously, it would greatly increase costs. Considering the $25,000 appropriation by the 1959 legislature, it appears, or it would seem, that the state could not afford any more for this activity. If Nebraska cannot provide a going agency with sufficient money to pay for the bare cost of tourist-promotion activities, how can Nebraska afford a brand new agency with new personnel, new equipment, and new administrative overhead?

A third point. If the recommendation is accepted by the legislature, all that has been accomplished to date would be scrambled. The Game Commission accepted the tourist responsibility three years ago and the results are obvious to every thinking Nebraskan. I make the flat statement that no tourist promotion agency in any state has ever done as much with as little in as short a time as the Game Commission has done here in the last three years.

JANUARY, 1963 5   YES OR NO FOR NEBRASKAland OUTDOOR NEBRASKA  

Proponents of the new agency say there is a lack of co-ordination between agencies, too many agencies involved in the endeavor, and too much confusion as to who is doing the promotion job. If there has been confusion, it is because the activity is so popular that everyone wants to do some of the driving.

The same is true of co-ordination. Adding one more agency will not eliminate the problem of coordination. It will increase it. Consider what is needed to co-ordinate the tourist promotion field. The tourist is a vacationer. He's looking for recreation, historic sites, scenery, parks, etc., the exact things that the Game Commission is now handling. There is more to co-ordinate in the Game Commission than in all other agencies combined.

The interim committee report says that the Game Commission, "by the very nature of its responsibility in the area of fish, game, and parks, can have only a secondary interest in the promotion of tourism." This is unkind and untrue. The Game Commission must have a primary interest, because most things that make up tourism are in our field.

Just look at the record. The Game Commission took the tourism program when it was practically zero, to its present highly successful status. The Game Commission developed the program; the Game Commission conceived most of the things that are being done; the Game Commission sold tourism to the people of Nebraska. The Game Commission has done more in less time and with less money than any like agency in the tourist-promotion field.

The interim committee proposal is bad, unjustified, and unsound. Adopting its recommendations would serve no good function. It will increase costs, make a partisan activity out of a nonpartisan one, increase confusion rather than decrease it, and upset the present successful program. Nebraska would have to start all over again; throw away the dramatic progress of the last three years. This Nebraska can not afford.

THE END JANUARY, 1963 7

MELEE ON THE MISSOURI

by Gene Hornbeck World-record buster? All hinged on which "close cousin' we had in tow

THE SURGING current of the Missouri tried its best to carry our 16-footer with it, and the anchor rope hummed under the stress. We were losing our battle to hold our position, the single anchor slipping slowly along the bottom.

Off to our left the Niobrara meandered across the sandbars to join the mighty Missouri in its downstream race. John Schuckman, local conservation officer, had piloted us through the channels from a landing downstream at Niobrara. Guiding him to their favorite fishing hole were Al Olson and Glenn Glanzman of Bloomfield.

"We need the other anchor/' Al said, tying a rope to it.

"I'll pull up a little and then we can toss both of them out," John replied. "It's a cinch the one isn't going to hold."

Glenn used a 10-foot cane pole to locate the bar just upstream from the hole we wanted to fish. Once there, Al and I dropped the weights and played out line until we felt them dig into the sandy bottom.

"We should be just about right/' Glenn said, surveying landmarks on both shores. "The hole should be 15 or 20 feet downstream. Let's rig up and find out if the sauger and walleye will co-operate."

These two Bloomfield anglers were veterans at the game. Both were in their sixties and have been 8 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   fishing together for nearly 25 years. In this time they had worked throughout the Great Lakes region and three Canadian provinces. Today, however, was to prove beyond a doubt that Nebraska waters hold as many, if not more, thrills than its neighbors to the north.

"How much lead do we need?" I asked.

"Two ounces ought to do you with that light spinning line," Glenn answered, as he rigged his casting rods with No. 6 hooks, spinners, and added an egg-sized bell sinker.

"We use 25-pound-test line on these casting rigs and need three to four ounces of lead to get us down," Al added. "Walleye and sauger generally feed close to the bottom, especially now when the water temperature is low," he continued, as he cast his minnow-baited rig downstream. "They won't move far to take your offering, either, so we leave the minnow in one place for 5 to 10 minutes".

Al was first to get both of his rigs set and Glenn and John were right behind. My light spinning outfit bowed under the weight of the heavy sinker, once in the water. The current pulled angrily at it and the rod bowed constantly. I made a mental note to bring a heavy casting rod on my next venture to the river.

The early morning sun gained strength and with the warmth came the wind, first in brisk gusts and then leveling off to a steady, strong blow. White caps licked at the edge of the anchored boat and whipped the rod tips, making it nearly impossible to tell whether a fish was nudging the minnow. Heavy parkas soon had to be shed as the wind turned warmer.

Glenn was the first to get a strike. Only five minutes had gone by when he slammed back on the rod and set the hook in a fish. It and the current JANUARY, 1963 9   made his big casting rod bend heavily, but two or three minutes later a one-pounder swirled up out of the boiling waters and Al slipped the net under him.

MELEE ON THE MISSOURI continued

We had high hopes of boating some big saugers. This was the same area that produced the world-record sauger for Betty Tepner of Plainview, an 8-pound, 5-ounce beauty. It was also turning up lunker walleye, which creates no end of frustration to many anglers bent on breaking the sauger record. The walleye and sauger are more than close cousins; they could be termed identical twins to the novice.

I could only imagine what the reaction of an angler would be if he boated a huge walleye and began thinking he had a record sauger. As if prompted by my thought's, Glenn's reel buzzed suddenly as a fish took the bait.

Reefing back, Glenn put the pressure on. The strong rod sagged precariously over the stern as the battle against fish and current progressed.

"Wow," Gleen blurted excitedly, "I've got a whopper. He's harder to hold than a mad tiger."

The action didn't cover much ground. His big fish stayed in the hole and fought deep, using the current to hold his ground. There was little to indicate the size or strength of the fish to the rest of us. Only the heavily bowed rod and Glenn's excited face gave an idea that he'd tied on to a big one.

Minutes ticked by slowly as the fish dogged the sandy bottom. "Stick with him partner," Al grinned. "I know you can whip him. You're bigger than he is.

But Glenn took the chiding. He figured he had a record-breaking sauger in tow. Ten minutes passed, then the fish gave up and ghosted to the surface through the tumbling, swirling current.

"What did I tell you," Glenn gulped as he saw the fish. "Look at the size of him and I think he's a sauger."

"Walleye," Al offered. "We couldn't be lucky enough to take that big a sauger." He went into action with the big boat net. The fish swirled under the boat, swung up along-side again, and Al fielded him neatly. Al groped into his tackle box for his scale as Glenn lifted the big fish from the net. His prize weighed out at 9 pounds, 2 ounces. The question of whether the fish was a sauger or walleye remained to be answered.

John lifted the dorsal fin to check it for the spots prevalent on the sauger. The fin had a few smudges but these were very light. For further proof, he checked the scales on the cheeks. These were sparse. To check further, he counted the soft rays or spines in the rear dorsal and anal fins. There were 21 in the dorsal and 14 in the anal, again indicating that it was a walleye.

"I'll concede that he's a walleye but you won't find me complaining," Glenn said. "He's the biggest walleye I've ever caught anywhere, and I've caught a lot of walleye."

"I've checked a lot of fishermen coming out of this area," John said, "and this is the biggest walleye taken here to my knowledge."

Al was next to get a taker. The fish again fought deep and we were happily surprised to see a 5-pounder swirl into the net. This time it was sauger and a real prize. Not to be outdone, John hooked into a fish 20 minutes later and another good-size sauger, just a shade smaller than Al's prize, came to the net.

Al almost lost another big sauger a little later. This fish had fought hard and deep and came to the boat in a splashing fury. The wind had picked up new volume and as Glenn scooped for him, the wind and waves flopped the net bag around the rim, closing it. The sauger lay suspended for a split second, then flipped back into the river.

Glenn apologized for goofing up and readied the net for another try. It swooped into the current and came up with another big sauger. Our stringer was beginning to look pretty respectable.

An hour went by without so much as a strike, then John connected on a two-pounder. I was still blanked. About mid-afternoon I cast my rig out for the hundredth time, propped the rod against the rail of the boat, and forgot about it for the next 20 minutes. When I finally lifted the rig and started to reel in I found it wouldn't move.

"If this is a fish it must have a log tied to it," I said in disgust. I conceded the terminal rig to the river and pumped, jerked, and pulled on it to break it loose. It didn't give so I tightened up the drag, flipped the reel on anti-reverse, and began pulling to break the six-pound-test line.

"Hey, I'm moving the snag," I said, as I felt the line move slightly across current. "Wouldn't you boys feel bad if this turned out to be the granddaddy of the river?"

"If you have one on that rig after the abuse you gave it, you don't deserve a fish," John ribbed.

It was then that I felt the sure surge and knew I was fast to a good one. Playing the snag bit, I horsed it closer to the boat (continued on page 32)

10 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

the WEST'S SHOW PLACE

Interpreting pioneer spirit of the prairie is Joslyn heritage

ONE OF THE greatest windfalls yet to come NEBRASKAland's way is the tremendous Maximilian-Bodmer collection of priceless paintings and documents of the early West. Housed in beautiful Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, the collection offers an authentic look at the day when only Indians and mountain men roamed the wilderness beyond the Missouri.

JANUARY, 1963 11   the WEST'S SHOW PLACE continued 12 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA  

NEBRASKAland's benefactor is Northern Natural Gas Company of Omaha. It purchased the 427 watercolor drawings as well as journals and mementos connected with Maximilian's expedition into the West in 1833-34 at a price of over $1 million. The company's choice to place the collection in the hands of Joslyn was a natural. Here, Bodmer's paintings can be viewed by thousands in the safe confines of the museum's galleries.

Nowhere is the absorbing story of the Western Plains Indians more dramatically told than through the literary and pictorial record of the expedition. For nearly 100 years, the original documents and paintings were lost. Their rediscovery in the 1950's at Neuwied Castle in Germany, marked one of the great historical and art finds of the century.

Joslyn has long been recognized as the home of priceless art and historical mementos since the beautiful edifice was completed in 1931. Both old masters and the most modern of contemporaries are on display. It is the headquarters of all things creative in the West.

JANUARY, 1963 13   OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   the WEST'S SHOW PLACE continued

But Joslyn is more than a showplace for art. History comes alive in a host of displays portraying the broad sweep of the push West. Here an authentic old Conestoga can be studied. Frederick Remington's famed bronzed sculpture, "Bronco Buster", can be seen. Period rooms complete to the last detail can be enjoyed. They are but a part of the countless items to be discovered by the visitor.

Touring Joslyn is an all-day affair, even for the casual visitor. And those who see it once are anxious to return again. The museum is open from 10 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 on Sunday. Special concerts, programs, and classes are also held throughout the year. Anyone who loves NEBRASKAland and the West will want to make Joslyn an important part of their traveling agenda.

THE END JANUARY, 1963 15

PROGRESS '62

by Bob Morris Banner year tor sportsmen, with the Game Commission having its finest year in recent history

NEBRASKA IS discovering NEBRASKAland. Through the efforts of the Game Commission, the state enjoyed a banner tourist season in 1962. All records for the number of visitors at the tourist stations at the Capitol and Blair were broken. Not only did out-of-state vacationers visit Nebraska as never before, but state residents, more aware of NEBRASKAland's recreation and vacation opportunities, spent more time exploring the state.

Tourism was just one of the advances made by the Game Commission during the year. New kill and permit marks for the number of deer rifle and antelope were made, as well as a new deer archery permit record, pointing out again the vast hunting potential available. Some 17,500 nonresident hunters flocked to Nebraska, eager to take on the nation's best mixed-bag hunting. Wild turkeys were hunted for the first time with outstanding success. Park visitations continued to rise.

In spite of limited funds, the tourism program paid big dividends for the entire state. Utilizing its variety of communications media, the Game Commission effectively put Nebraska on the tourist map. A highlight of the program was the 27y2-minute sound-and-color movie, "NEBRASKAland, where the West begins". The 16-mm motion picture, which shows every major attraction in the state, was written, filmed, and produced by Game Commission personnel. Backing the film up is a new colored-slide series. Participation in sports and vacation shows, publication of special brochures and editions of OUTDOOR Nebraska, distribution of nonresident hunter 16 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   packets, and a co-operative program with other local and state organizations all helped in the NEBRASKAland selling program.

Funds from the .30 mill tax levy earmarked for state parks will become available during 1963. Much work and planning was completed in 1962 to enable construction to move into high gear this spring. Acquisition of land for the Platte Valley Parkway proceeded with available funds, as was preliminary work at these sites.

Reconstruction of the stockade at Fort Kearny nears completion. Work on replicas of representative buildings that once were a part of this famed frontier post will begin in the near future. A big step in the long-term program of equally famous Fort Robinson was the securing of full title to the land used for park and museum purposes. Work on Buffalo Bill's Scouts Rest Ranch proceeded with restoration of the original residence and barn. Development of this area will make it one of the state's great historical attractions.

Much has been done on new lakes in the Salt-Wahoo watershed, a recreation windfall for eastern Nebraska. Three lakes, Nos. 4, 8, and 17, were renovated and stocked. Plans for boat ramps, parking lots, and access roads at these sites have been completed and work on them will begin early this spring for summer completion.

Hunters enjoyed one of their finest years in Nebraska. During 1962 the longest pheasant season in state history was held, wild turkeys were hunted for the first time, and big-game permit and kill figure records were broken.

Pheasant hunters had the longest season in the state's history and again, the longest pheasant hunt in the nation. Ideal weather was on tap for at least the first half of the 86-day season, although heavy cover hampered hunters for the first few weeks.

A total of 8,853 deer were taken, eclipsing the mark set in 1957. Hunters scored a 67.7 per cent ratio, a 20 per cent increase over 1961. Permits issued reached 13,460. The 1,150 antelope permit holders took 967 bucks for a success ratio of 84.6 per cent.

The state's first wild turkey season in modern history was also an outstanding success with 281 of the 500 permit holders bagging one of the Merriam's in the Pine Ridge. These birds were from an original plant of 28 in 1959 which increased to a whopping 3,000 birds in only four short years. Releases of Rio Grande wild turkeys, which began on a small scale in 1961, were completed with a total of 518 birds planted along major river systems throughout the south-central portion of the state.

Hunter success for quail increased in the southern area's prime range, but grouse hunters failed to match 1961's success figure. Duck hunting was also off, due to the very restrictive federal regulations geared to protect diminishing populations. Weather during the open season hampered what otherwise could have been a good year for ganders.

Fishermen had a banner year, topping three hook-and-line records. Cletus Jacobsen, Big Springs, smashed the northern pike mark with a 27-pound, 8-ounce battler. The smallmouth bass record was broken with George Ford, Madrid, catching a beauty weighing 3 pounds, 15 ounces. Delmer Butler, Sidney, carried off the crappie mark with a 3-pound, 15-ouncer. All three records were set in Lake McConaughy.

Fishery production topped the 51/2-million mark with walleye accounting for nearly two million of the total. Two new species, Sacramento perch and Kentucky spotted bass, were stocked, as were 40,000 muskellunge, the first planting of this species in the state. Renovation work was (continued on page 33)

JANUARY, 1963 17

CLINKER AND THE GOPHERS

by Dr. John P. Merritt The battle lines were drawn, with doubting banker holding the bag

BESIDES HIS minor duties of hauling away and burning wastepaper from the post office and courthouse, and his garden and horseradish peddling, "Clinker" Atchison trapped gophers. He had close to 70 or 80 traps, but more important, the ability to outsmart gophers. Clinker traveled around a lot in his Model T. When he saw a clover or alfalfa field liberally sprinkled with gopher mounds, he would find the owner and offer to rid the field of the pests.

Clinker was nearing 80, but because of his coal-black hair with scarcely a trace of gray and soldier-like carriage and sprightly walk, no one would have taken him for more than 55. His real first name was Grover, but Clinker was the name nearly everyone called him.

How he got that tag is a story in itself. It was given him by reason of a serious mistake he had made. While cleaning up the yard around the school superintendent's new clinker-brick mansion, he thought he would do a good turn. He got a hatchet and knocked all of the clinkers off as far up as he could reach.

Grover had finished one side when the school superintendent's wife came home. When she saw what had been done she didn't faint, but the old odd-jobs man sincerely wished that she had. From that day on Clinker was the new name for Grover Atchison.

One day while looking for gophers he saw an 80-acre field of alfalfa with scores of mounds on it. The land belonged to a banker in town. Clinker called on the banker, offering to clean out the gophers for $75.

The astute old banker laughed at him. "I would like to get rid of the gophers, but at no high and 18 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   fancy price like that." He acted like the interview was over.

"First thing you know you can't cut that alfalfa with a mowing machine," Clinker offered. "Those mounds are everywhere and more coming each day."

"You can't catch gophers in a trap," said the banker, "they're too smart. They have to be plowed out. But if you want to fool with them, I'll give you 25 cents for every gopher you kill."

Clinker waited a short time, pretending that he was giving deep thought to the offer. Suddenly he extended his old boney hand and with a twinkle in his eye, said, "It's a deal. Shake on it."

That day Clinker got all his steel traps together. There wasn't a thing Clinker didn't know about gophers. He had learned how to set a trap so that it seldom failed to make a catch. Before the sun went down, he had set more than half of them out, putting a little red flannel marker at each set. Two weeks later Clinker went to town and called at the bank. He was carrying a large paper sack.

"Here's some gopher tails for you," he said in a businesslike way to the banker.

"How many do you have?" the banker asked. "Did you have any luck?"

"Better we go in the back room to count them," Clinker said. "They don't smell too good. They won't be so bad when they dry some. Do you want to count them, or do you want me to do it?"

The banker held his nose. "You handle them. I'll watch."

Clinker emptied his bag on an old table and counted tails. Fascinated, the banker watched. When the job was finished, Clinker said, "Seven hundred and six. Call it seven hundred even for easy figuring."

OUTDOOR Nebraska proudly presents the stories of its readers themselves. Here is the opportunity so many have requested—a chance to tell their own outdoor tales. Hunting trips, the "big fish that got away", unforgettable characters, outdoor impressions—all have a place here. If you have a story to tell, jot it down and send it to Editor, OUTDOOR Nebraska, State Capitol, Lincoln 9. Send photographs, too, if any are available.

The banker looked at the pile of tails in amazement. "Well, I'll be darned," was all he said, knowing he'd been outsmarted.

Clinker got his check for $175. The next day the trapper went to Iowa to visit his grandson. The offspring was mighty glad to see his grandfather, especially when the old fellow handed him 700 pairs of gopher claws. The Iowa County where he lived paid bounty on them. As Clinker says, "You can't beat that."

THE END JANUARY, 1963 19

OUTDOOR NEBRASKA  

the OLD WEST LIVES AGAIN

State's pride gets big boost with rebuilding of historic Fort Kearny and Scouts Rest Ranch

BOLD VENTURES made possible by LB 208 funds are turning the state's neglected historical sites into places any Nebraskan will point to with pride. Fort Kearney and Scouts Rest Ranch are just starters.

Restoration work must be of the highest quality to insure exact duplication of the originals. Surveys were so extensive at Fort Kearny that workers drilling holes for new corner timbers unearthed the original logs. Scouts Rest will be presented just as Buffalo Bill knew it, clear down to the rifle-shaped barn timbers and colorful posters. This perfect duplication will insure NEBRASKAland history. (continued on next page)

JANUARY, 1963 21   OLD WEST LIVES AGAIN continued 22   JANUARY, 1963 23

PELLETS FOR CROW

by C.G. Pritchard It looks like a toy, but this quiet killer opens up a whole new field for hunting varments

THE WESTERN sky carried just a hint of light from the setting sun when the first raucous call of a crow coming to roost ruptured twilight's stillness. All had been quiet, except for the whisper of wind brushing over my hiding place among the cedars. My rendezvous with the black bandits was a roost in the Axtell area.

Swooping in low over the shelter belt, the crow bolted high into the air again, then plummeted down into the top of a cedar 20 yards away. Others winged in over the trees, first in twos and threes, and then bunches of a hundred. The air was filled with the thunder of wings as the main body of the flock came to the roost.

Remaining well hidden, I checked the quiet killer I hoped would bag a few of the black rascals. This hunt had started two or three years back, at least in my mind. I had hunted the roosts with a shotgun on many similar evenings, and it was on one of these trips that the idea of working over the crow population with a pellet gun came to mind.

Up to this time, though, I had discarded pellet gunning as being a little farfetched. But the idea continued to intrigue me. The pellet gun was not a new weapon in my arsenal. In fact, it was used more than the others. Powered with two C02 capsules and firing .22 caliber pellets, the weapon offered hours of economical fun, each shot costing only 24 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   a penny. Though many look on it as a toy, the gun is far from a plaything. It is outstanding for either indoor or outdoor target shooting.

The term, "power without powder", used in connection with the air-powered guns, is well stated. The muzzle velocity of the various makes ranges from 300 feet per second to a top of 700 fps, in comparison to a .22 short-target load's 950 fps., making it deadly enough to take care of small varments such as rats and ground squirrels as well as cottontails. The .22 caliber, soft-lead pellet is boat-tailed for accuracy with a flat nose to help it flatten on impact. The pea-sized missile is driven by either 2 C02 capsules or compressed air.

The test to see what the pellet gun could do on crows finally led me to the crow roosts in the Axtell area. The previous evening had been spent following the large flocks of birds to the roosting area. One flock of about 2,000 was using a grove of trees in the village of Funk. Another roost area with about 7,000 birds in it was two miles east and two north of the same village. The flock coming in now probably contained somewhere near 5,000 birds, and was two miles north and two miles east of Wilcox.

Swarming into the cedar trees, the crows settled for a few seconds and rose in a great swarm, then descended like a great swarm of locusts into the trees. The black scavengers were going through the nightly ordeal of finding a limb to sit on. Even when they settled in the trees, the din of a thousand sleepy crows was ear-shattering. They fought among themselves for a foothold on a branch, all the time crowing, cawing, and flapping.

After nearly a half hour the birds finally settled down. Then I cautiously began inching my way out of my hiding place. A dozen crows took wing from a tree 10 feet away. Successful shooting would depend on catching the crows silhouetted against the sky so I scanned the outline of the cedars.

Hiding in the dense cedars, I was well concealed. By now my eyes were more accustomed to the dim light and I finally spotted the outline of a crow perched on an outer limb. Flipping off the safety, I eased the gun to my shoulder and lined the open sights up against the light of the sky. Lowering the muzzle until the sights were blotted out on the bird, I squeezed the trigger.

The pellet zipped out of the barrel with a light report and the crow flopped forward as hundreds of birds came boiling out around my head. Bedlam is a mild word to describe the scene as the crows milled and then settled farther up the belt. Remaining motionless I looked for another crow to take shape against the sky.

A single flapped overhead and settled on top of the same tree. Once again (continued on page 31)

JANUARY, 1963 25

ROLL YOUR OWN

SOME OF THE fodder of the smooth-bore fraternity has undergone a quiet technical revolution in recent years. Reloading shotgun shells, once done by many in the black-powder days, dwindled to the activities of a few for years after the advent of the smokeless powder shell. Reloading tools were clumsy and slow, and reloaded shells often did not work too well in the increasing numbers of pumps and semi-automatics coming into common use. Powder, shot, wads, and primers were not readily available at retail in many areas.

Since World War II, and especially in the last 10 years, this situation has changed. Today, there is a tremendous amount of shot-shell reloading. Estimates now indicate that 70 per cent of all shells used in trap and skeet shooting are reloads, with the figure being about 30 per cent for those shells used in hunting.

Why the change? The most impressive reason is simple—more bang for your buck. The most expensive single component is the empty brass and paper shell itself. When the shooter reloads this spent shell, using it several times before it must be discarded because of frayed paper, substantial savings can be made. Components for field or trap loads in 12 gauge cost about $1.25 per box. If you do much shooting, and if you count your labor as hobby time, and when the first cost of a reloading tool is spread over several years, reloading is a bargain.

Reloading is not, however, for the person who can't take the time to be careful, can't follow directions to the letter, or hasn't enough maturity to use common sense. Modern loading tools are safe, provided the correct brand and type of powder are used.

Reloads are reliable, but won't make you into a super shot. Despite all calculations, most shotguns are a law unto themselves. Working with various safe combinations of powder, wads, and amount and size of shot, and spending some time on the pattern 26 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   boards will pay dividends in providing the most effective loads for your individual shotgun. Also, you can make safe loads unavailable on the market today. With the standardization of shot shells by the manufacturers some time ago, many favorites were dropped. No's. 3 and 7 field loads are not usually available over the counter, but you can roll your own.

To thrifty shooter, reloading is simple, inexpensive hobby by Frank Foote

A wide variety of loading tools are on the market, from low-cost kitchen-table models which do well to produce 25 shells per hour to more expensive turret types featuring much automation and a production which will approach 500 shells per hour. Most reloaders who have been in the game for a few years advise neophytes to start with the simpler tools, learn the basics, and then trade up to the more sophisticated tools as interest and shooting demand dictates.

Rolling your own can be fun and a challenge in this do-it-yourself age. Any hunter who takes his sport seriously will find it a good way to while away the hours between treks afield.

THE END JANUARY, 1963 27

DID YOUR son get a sled for Christmas? Good, then you're already part-way equipped for ice fishing. This is the time of year when hardwater anglers come into their own. In spite of being a rather specialized type of fishing, the equipment is generally a collection of hunting and fishing gear. It isn't necessary to go whole hog, money-wise, in outfitting yourself.

Ice fishing has a number of other advantages. Often it is more productive than midsummer angling. Perch, bluegill, walleye, crappie, trout, and northern pike are fairly active feeders during the winter months.

First consider necessary clothing. "Long Johns" are a must. You've got to be warm to enjoy ice fishing. Next comes shirts, pants, and jackets. Instead of putting on the heaviest shirt you have, it's much better to wear a light wool shirt, sleeveless sweater, and sweat shirt topped with a down-filled jacket with parka hood. A pair of heavy trousers over light cotton pants is a good idea.

In this way you are able to shed clothing as it warms up and put it back on later in the afternoon when the temperature drops. Layers of clothing also have the advantage of trapping air between garments and serve as additional insulation.

Your greatest concern will be your feet. They must be dry and warm. Since you may be standing in slush part of the time, wear boots that are waterproof. Perspiration will cause cold feet. Wear a pair of light socks under heavy woolen socks to prevent this.

Several sets of inexpensive cotton gloves will keep your hands warm. As soon as one pair gets 28 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   wet, discard it and put on another. A pair of warm mittens for in-between times will come in handy. Sun glasses are another must item. Even on cloudy days the glare from the ice can bother you.

As far as equipment goes, some of your present fishing gear will work fine. The rest can be purchased at a small cost. One of the most important items is the spud. Made of heavy steel with a sharpened blade, it cuts through the ice in short order. An ax does the job if the ice is not over four inches thick. When using a spud, don't forget to wrap the leather thong around your wrist. Otherwise, it can slip through your hands and end up on the bottom of the lake. Another necessary bit of equipment is a skimmer used to keep ice and snow out of the hole. It can be had by appropriating one from the kitchen or punching holes in a one-pound coffee can. You'll find ice fishing rods are quite inexpensive. Usually less than three-feet long and made of fiberglass with a wood handle, they cost around $1. If you wish, you can use the tip of a discarded fly or spinning rod, fitting it on a wooden handle. Three to six-pound monofilament line is best on the rig used primarily for perch and bluegill. For trout and northern pike, heavier line is advisable.

For northern pike and walleye, many anglers use tip-ups. The January, 1962 issue of OUTDOOR Nebraska has plans for an excellent homemade model. Nebraska fishing regulations allow the use of up to 15 hooks used singularly or five on each line. This gives you the opportunity of using plenty of lines.

Bait? There is an endless variety. Corn borers, goldenrod grubs, small red worms, minnows, and hellgramites are the most popular live baits. The eye of a perch is another fish getter. A small, curved spoon producing a fluttering action when you raise the rod and allow the lure to sink back toward the bottom is also very good. Small ice flies are gaining in popularity. They give out their best action when jigged up and down.

A list of Nebraska lakes offering topnotch ice fishing would be endless. Almost any lake large enough to freeze over in the winter months is a good prospect. Just make sure that the ice is thick enough and watch for cracks and air pockets. Prospective waters include everything from Lake McConaughy's whopping 37,000 acres down to small farm ponds. The Sand Hills lakes such as Bull, Shell, Hackberry, Watts, Big Alkali, Willow, and Clear are just examples. Whitney and Box Butte reservoirs, Smith, Minatare, Shell, and Cottonwood lakes are prime panhandle performers.

A number of the Tri-County Irrigation System lakes on the Platte come in for special attention as do Harlan and other Republican River reservoirs. Lewis and Clark Lake is also good. In short, pick out any lake with good populations of perch, bluegill, crappie, walleye, trout, or northerns.

After you have made your selection, pick the place to fish it. Knowing hangouts of the species you are after is a big help. Bluegill, crappie, northern pike, and bass frequent in and around weed beds, particularly near drop offs. Perch and walleye prefer rocky areas. Keep your bait a few inches off the bottom for best results. Perhaps the best method for beginners is to follow the crowd, assuming, of course, the other anglers know what they are doing.

Spud out a few holes near successful fishermen. If nothing develops within a half hour or so move on to greener pastures. Newly cut holes are often productive. Whether cutting the hole attracts the fish or not remains to be seen. Stamping your feet around a hole often accomplishes the same end. And, if it doesn't bring on the fish, it at least warms your feet. This last method has its drawbacks, if nearby anglers don't share the same philosophy.

Ice fishing offers some of the most interesting and productive angling you are apt to run into. For a small investment you can get in on the fastest-growing sport in NEBRASKAland.

THE END JANUARY, 1963 29

MILBURN

Unique lake that comes and goes feature of this Sand Hills spot

WHEN THE catfish are biting there is little time for conversation at Milburn Diversion Dam Special Use Area. Anglers concentrate below the small irrigation dam's tailwaters, eager to take on the whiskered clan that concentrate on this portion of the Middle Loup River.

Located 20 miles north of Broken Bow off of Nebraska 2, Milburn provides the opportunity of latching on to these favorites almost year round. Action begins late in the spring when water temperatures reach 60 degrees. Fishing continues through the summer months. In the fall, when water is no longer needed for irrigation, it is returned to the river and another flurry of fishing brings anglers from miles away to share in this exciting sport.

Milburn is unique in that water diverted for irrigation spreads out, forming a lake every spring. Then in the fall it is allowed to go back into the river, leaving a sandy marsh over much of the area.

Built by the Bureau of Reclamation, the dam provides irrigation for thousands of acres of previously marginal farming land. At the same time, fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational opportunities are available.

The 700-acre tract bordering the river was acquired by the Game Commission in 1959. Milburn is situated in typical Sand Hills country. The lake consists of 320 acres throughout the summer months while irrigation is in progress.

The broad sandy beaches provide a perfect spot for a day of leisure. Children find them ideal for building sand castles. After a dip in the cool water, you can spread out a blanket and soak up the sun for a healthful tan. The beach leads gradually into the water, making it safe for the children and easy on the minds of their parents.

Fishing comes in for plenty of attention. Channel catfish and walleye offer prime sport below the dam. Upriver fishing for bass is featured.

Boating has been the big attraction at Milburn but silting is cutting down on this activity. Nearby 30 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   residents have made the spot a real boating and water-skiing playground in the past.

In season, hunting comes in for attention. The rolling hills around the area provide top grouse hunting. Ducks and geese are also in abundance, and deer hunters find the area productive.

But be it swimming, fishing, or boating that you enjoy, you'll find the picnic area to your liking as well. Here you can eat a snack or a meal prepared at home or cooked to perfection over one of the readily available fireplaces.

Take Nebraska 2 or any of the 15 or more sand trails leading in from nearly every direction and find a day's relaxation and enjoyment at Milburn. You'll be glad you did.

THE END

PELLETS FOR CROWS

(continued from page 25)

the pellet gun popped. More crows came swarming out of the surrounding trees, and my second crow was flapping on the ground. Shooting was off to a much better start than I expected.

Working from tree to tree along the shelter belt, I spent almost an hour waiting, looking, and then picking my targets. Sighting became more and more difficult as it became darker. The open sights were almost useless and the shooting was more instinctive.

The crows co-operated well but the misses were as frequent as the hits. An ivory or white front sight would help and I made a mental note to add this to the gun and also try to mount a 2X scope on it. The scope would aid in gathering light. Although the cross hairs would be difficult to see, the circle of the scope would be enough to center the bird in and accuracy would be improved.

After working the cedars, I turned on my flashlight and moved back along my path looking for dead crows. I had killed seven. My next stop was the grove of trees north of Funk. The crows were roosting in small cottonwood and locust trees. Stalking silently into the grove, I made my way directly under a mass of roosting crows.

Though the birds were aware of my presence, very few spooked until my first shot. The shooting was much easier than it had been in the cedars. The birds were roosting on bare limbs and were well silhouetted against the light of the sky. My first shot was taken from about 20 feet. I heard the pellet hit and the bird fell as the rest rose thunderously into the air. I picked out another that had not spooked, put the barrel on him, and squeezed. The pellet zinged off a twig and the crow stayed put.

To check clearance, I shined the flashlight into the branches. The light stabbed through the darkness and came to rest on the crow. He was fidgety but still didn't move. Dozens of small twigs and branches were between me and the crow. Holding the light under the rifle, I zeroed in on the bird and dropped him easily. This system worked well on two more singles.

Moving 25 yards down the grove I picked out another bird without the light. This time the pellet found its way through the twigs and to the scavenger. Switching on the light again, I worked over a half dozen others that didn't leave the tree, scoring on three out of six.

Engrossed in the hunting, I worked the grove of trees until all the birds had finally left. Glancing at my watch, I noticed it was nearly midnight. I had been here almost two hours. My light searched out the fallen birds and I stacked up 25 of the black bandits. Five birds had been crippled and I had to finish them off on the ground.

The pellet gun was very effective and every bit as much fun to hunt crows as with any other gun. For my money, this quiet killer is a must in any hunter's gun rack.

THE END JANUARY, 1963 31

PACIFIC'S NEW DL-150

DESIGNED WITH THE HUNTER IN MIND FAST—Over 200 loads per hour NEW—Quick change "Tip-Top' shot and powder measure with Clear-Vue Hoppers Removable shot and powder bushings SAFE—Shot and powder bushings cannot be reversed Built-in Wad guide for fast in-line wad seating VERSATILE—will load all types of shells (paper, metal, or *plastic) ACCURATE—UNIFORM. Every operation ends on complete stop —eliminates all guess-work. Perfect reloads even for beginners. Interchangeable die sets available for 12, 12 Mag, 16, 20, 20 Mag, 28, 410 and 410 Mag complete one guage *Single acting crimper needed AVAILABLE THROUGH DEALERS ONLY from Western Gun and Supply 3730 North 56th Street Lincoln, Nebraska

MELEE ON THE MISSOURI

(continued from page 10)

without telling my partners that I had a fish on the end of the line.

"Say Glenn," I asked nonchalantly, "Would you pick up that net and get ready to land my snag?"

Going along with the gag, Glenn reached for the net and then saw the fish swirl alongside the boat.

"Why you lucky dog," he said in surprise. "You do have a big fish on."

Glenn brought a netful of sauger over the side. My unearned fish proved to be the top sauger of the day at six pounds. Glenn had lost a fish about an hour before and had remarked that he wasn't even sure it was a fish, just a slight tug and his line parted. His story was proven by my catching the same fish with his spinner and hook still in the sauger's jaw.

Two more small sauger were taken by John and Al. It was nearly 4 o'clock when I noticed the wind had calmed. Glancing upriver, I noticed a hazy front coming at us. I had hardly spoken when the blast hit us. The river began to roll into a seething, white-capped fury. Waves sloshed dangerously close to the rails.

We were more than busy with anchor ropes. The big weights had sanded in heavily and Glenn and I fought to free them. I tossed life jackets to everyone as John kicked the motor over to pull upstream for some needed slack on the anchor ropes. Water beat at us from all sides and dust filled our eyes.

Glenn finally freed the aft anchor and gave me a hand on the other. Winning our tug of war, we turned tail and ran for the lee shore to get out of the wind. Wet, but thankful to be out of a bad predicament, we hugged the shoreline and headed for the landing.

We created quite a stir when we lugged our stringer into Stubbens Market at Niobrara to weigh our catch. The combined weight was 35 pounds, the four big sauger weighing from 4 to 6 pounds, the walleye 9 pounds, 4 ounces, and the three smaller sauger in the 1 to 2-pound class.

Undoubtedly ours had been more than an average day on the river, but then when you fish the Missouri it's hard to say what an average day is.

THE END 32 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA

OUTDOOR ELSEWHERE

Record Pollution Byoff

PENNSYLVANIA . . . The Fish Commission recently announced that it will accept a $45,000 voluntary contribution from the Glen Alden Corporation for fish killed in the North Branch of the Susquehanna River by acid mine drainage in October, 1961. The $45,000 payment, according to Albert M. Day, executive director of the commission, is the largest settlement for fish killed by pollution ever to be made in the United States.

Rock-A-Bye Baby

MISSISSIPPI ... A wren picked an unusual place to build its nest this spring. Commissioner Aubrey Seay, Oxford, found his daughter's doll in his garage with a bird nest built in its arms.

Fishing Fallacy

MICHIGAN . . . Findings of a 13-year Michigan study have revealed that "fly-only" regulations are totally ineffective as a management tool intended to increase populations of brook trout. The study also confirmed previous findings that "hardware" lures are not as lethal as many fly-fishing advocates have contended. About the only effect of the fly-only regulations was a greater catch per hour for the fewer anglers who fished under the regulations.

The restrictive rules did not, as many fly fishermen contended, bring about increased populations of smaller fish to result in greater numbers of large trout to be taken. This came as no shock to qualified biologists, who never expected it to happen. They knew that fish, or any other wild animals, cannot be stockpiled beyond the long-term carrying capacities of the environment.

Alligator Poachers Active

LOUISIANA . . . The high price now being paid for alligator hides—up to $4.75 per foot—has made alligator poaching an attractive endeavor. At Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, two men were apprehended with 32 alligators in their possession, and five other hunters have also been caught. The seven were charged with illegally killing alligators on the refuge during the closed season. One of them was fined $150 and 120 days in jail.

Two refuge personnel at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia, escaped injury when an alligator hunter was encountered and fired gunshots at them during flight from arrest. The assailant's boat was found and readily identified. The FBI was called and a warrant issued. The boat contained three dead alligators, lights, and equipment typical of a professional hunter.

Starling Stew?

NEW JERSEY . . . Noting that starlings devoured $4.5 million worth of farm crops in the state last year, the New Jersey Farm Bureau has launched a campaign to promote broiled starlings as a gourmet dish. Shades of "five and twenty blackbirds."

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS 10 cents a word: minimum order $2.50 FOR SALE: Original SNABB Swedish Ice Augers. Takes the work out of ice fishing, cuts through 36 inches of ice in 25 seconds. Dealer inquiries solicited. Retail price $14.95 post paid. Myers Supply Company, 414-16 North Sycamore Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. KEEP WARM: Send 10 cents for handbook catalog of down clothing and lightweight camping equipment. Gerry, Department 238, Boulder, Colorado. AKC Black Labradors: Top hunting and Field Trial prospects. Pups. Breeding stock. $50.00 up. Proven sire available. Kewanee Retrievers, Everett Bristol, Valentine, Nebraska. Phone 26W3.

PROGRESS 62

(continued from page 17)

done on 37 lakes, including some of the Platte Valley Parkway waters. Two rearing ponds were added at Grove Lake Trout Rearing Station to increase production.

A big step in wildlife research was made with the formation of a section to work on these problems exclusively. The section is working on projects dealing with pheasants, prairie chickens, sharp-tailed grouse, farm ponds, development of fish-tracking devices, fish food organisms in selected lakes, and fish populations in the Missouri River.

The purchase and development of special use areas was accelerated in 1962, with seven new areas added in the Platte Valley Parkway alone. A waterfowl management unit was established at Sherman Reservoir and improvements made in the existing area at Plattsmouth. Wildlife development on private land was accomplished through the introduction of habitat improvement practices.

Boating continued its annual increase with a total of 17,936 registrations. Ramps were constructed at Omadi Bend and Brownville on the Missouri and Lake No. 20 at Fremont. Parking lots were built at Omadi Bend and Brownville.

The advances made in 1962 have gone a long way toward putting Nebraska solidly on the map as a major recreation and vacation center. Increased recreation opportunities plus an ever-expanding parks program are paying off already and promise even greater returns in the future.

THE END JANUARY, 1963 33

notes on Nebraska fauna...

WOODCHUCK

by Bob Havel District Game Manager

HE'S WILDLIFE'S weather prophet, a large yellowish to reddish-brown stocky rodent with flattened head and medium-length furred tail known as the woodchuck, Marmota monax. The woodchuck, also known as a whistlepig, ground hog, and popularly called a chuck, is a member of the family Sciuridae which also includes the marmots, squirrels, and chipmunks. His feet are black or nearly so and the lighter hair tips on the body give him a grizzled appearance. The weight varies between 4 to 10 pounds, but he has been known to tip the scales at 14 pounds.

You can often see a woodchuck early in the morning or late in the afternoon or early evening, the times when the animal feeds. He eats so little animal food that for practical purposes he can be called a vegetarian. Favorite plants include alfalfa, clover, dandelions, and tree bark. A chuck 34 OUTDOOR NEBRASKA   is capable of climbing trees and shrubs for fruits such as cherries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Waking up after a winter of hibernation, he's looking for a mate, and caring little about his shadow

This rodent is rather solitary and the home range usually is less than 100 yards, although rutting males wander widely. He digs his own burrow system. The tunnel may be constructed on a hillside, in a gully, or in a forest (the original home of the woodchuck). The preferred site, however, is a bushy wood border at the edge of a meadow. There he digs two or three burrows several hundred feet apart. Each burrow usually has several openings. The entryway has a large pile of freshly removed earth, but this circular earth mound is absent at exit or plunge holes. Burrows vary in depth, depending upon the soil. In soft earth, a tunnel may be as much as six feet below the surface of the earth. In hard soil, it is only three to four feet below or even less.

Generally, the burrow system has several tunnels leading to rooms measuring 15 to 18 inches in diameter and 7 to 10 inches in height at the ends of principal chambers. A sleeping chamber is usually high up in the tunnel system to avoid flooding. Smaller chambers are lower and are used for resting and hibernating. Cottontails, skunks, and even foxes move into the ground hog's home when the need arises. The fox, of course, has to do a little digging before he can fit.

Legend has it that if, on February 2 at 11 o'clock in the morning, the woodchuck sees its shadow upon emerging after several months of hibernation, there will be another six weeks of winter. If he doesn't, then winter is over and an early spring is at hand.

The woodchuck's reputation as a wildlife weather prophet dates back to colonial times. In European folklore, the badger is supposed to come out to look for its shadow on Candlemas Day, and early European settlers here transferred this myth to the woodchuck. The animal couldn't care less about the weather. He's more interested in finding a mate.

Hibernation is spent in a grass-lined side chamber or at the end of a tunnel. The chuck buries himself alive by sealing off the sleeping chamber with dirt scraped from the far end of the room. Once this operation has been completed, he rolls up in a ball, his head between his hind legs. Breathing slows down until it almost stops and the pulse becomes faint. The ground hog gets colder and colder until finally his temperature drops to between 40 and 57 degrees. At this point, he's insensible to touch and sound and whiles away the winter months in deep sleep.

When the woodchuck emerges from hibernation in the spring, he has lost one-third to one-half of his weight. Males wander in March and April in search of their mates. Each mates with several females. The annual litter of 3 to 6 young is born after 31 to 32 days gestation. They are pink, hairless, wrinkled, and blind. Each is less than 4 inches long and weighs about 1 to 1V2 ounces.

When nursing, the female sits on her haunches or stands on all fours. Eyes of the young open in 26 to 28 days, and the coat is well developed in a month. The mother carries some food into the burrow. When a month old and still nursing, her offspring come out to forage for themselves. After another two to three weeks, they leave the mother or are forced out. Captive woodchucks have lived five years, but in the wild, life expectancy is somewhat less.

The woodchuck is found in the extreme eastern counties of Nebraska. From there his range extends to Labrador, south to Alabama, west to Kansas, and north through central Canada to the northern Rocky Mountains.

Hunters find the woodchuck is a sporty target. Few landowners object to some thinning of the animal's ranks, particularly the open-field dwellers. Don't leave bagged chucks to rot in the field. Properly handled and prepared, the woodchuck can be a gourmet's delight at the barbeque pit. The woodchuck is one of the cleanest animals around.

Field-care procedures are easy. Chop off the head, then the feet and tail. Make one three-inch cut with a knife from side to side across the back. Grip each side and pull to remove the skin. This done, clean the skinned animal in the normal manner.

Woodchuck can be cooked in many ways, but there is one preliminary step that should be followed. Boil the meat in salted water for a half hour. This done, the meat can be roasted, fried, or made into stew by substituting the woodchuck for the regular meat in your recipe. If you have an outside fireplace or a grill, try barbecuing. You won't have a dish equal to roast quail, but you'll find that this legendary weather prophet is good eating.

THE END JANUARY, 1963 35

FISHING 63

Year-round opportunities, generous limits all add up to a banner season AREA OPEN: ENTIRE STATE except those areas closed by Game Commission regulation, federal or state law, or city ordinance. SEASON: YEAR-ROUND SIZE LIMITS: NONE Species Doily Bag Limit Possession Limit TROUT (exception: Two Rivers Area) 7 7 BLACK BASS (includes largemouth and smallmouth) CATFISH (includes channel, blue, and flathead) WALLEYE AND SAUGER (in combination) NORTHERN PIKE PADDLEFISH BAIT MINNOWS BULLFROGS (open season July 1 to November 1) CRAPPIE, WHITE BASS, BULLHEADS, PERCH, FRESHWATER DRUM, SAND STURGEON, GIZZARD SHAD, ROCK BASS, BLUEGILL, AND SUNFISH (includes green, orange-spotted, pumpkinseed, redear) AND ALL NON-GAME FISH 8 8 6 6 2 4 100 100 12 12 No Limit No Limit Crystal Lake, Ayr, Adams County Memphis Lake, Saunders County Litchfield Lake, Sherman County Fremont Carp Lake, Dodge County (east U.P. Lake, east of Victory Lake) In the following state-owned lakes the daily bag and possession limit is 10 fish in the aggregate, either game or non-game fish, or both: All Two Rivers Lakes, Douglas County Niobrara Park Lake, Knox County Lake No. 1A (NE) Louisville, Cass County State Lakes, Jefferson County Dead Timber Lake, Dodge County Hord Lake, Merrick County In all "put and take" lakes stocked by the Game Commission, the daily bag and possession limit shall be 10 fish, either game or non-game fish or both, unless otherwise provided by special regulations.. For complete fishing regulations, see 1963 Guide to NEBRASKAland Fishing