Presenting the case against rough weather: the new Remington-Peters "Power-Pak." 100 pocketproof powerful "golden" 22 long rifle cartridges in a specially designed plastic case that really earns its keep... even when it's empty. First we made our 22 long rifle cartridges "pocketproof with a special high-temperature lubricant that resists lint dirt and grit Now... thanks to a specially designed, golden, plastic package our 22s are just about everything-proof. The case keeps the cartridges securely in place and bad weather moisture and dust out And it was designed to fit neatly in the breast pocket of a hunting shirt or jacket The lid of a "Power-Pak" slides back with a series of positive "click" stops ... you can dispense 5 cartridges (or 10 or 15 or however many you need) without fumbling with loose cartridges or packages that are more than a handful. And when the "Power-Pak" is empty, just flip the tray out, and you've got a great place to keep small spare parts, larger cartridges, trout flies, fishing lures, whatever needs keeping. We think the "Power-Pak" is right on target.. .worth looking for wherever you buy your ammunition. Remington Dupont Peters Great guns deserve great ammunition. We make both. "Power-Pak" and "golden" are trademarks of the Remington Arms Company, Inc.

For the Record... WHY HUNT?

In the past few years, probably no other sportsmen have come under such widespread criticism as hunters. From anti-gun groups to protectionist organizations, the hew and cry has been to stop the alleged slaughter of wildlife resources. And, in their efforts to halt what they consider to be indiscriminate killing, a frequently heard query from the ultra-protectionists is: "Why hunt at all?" For this, and questions like it, there are a number of answers.

Hunting is a traditional American heritage. It was born out of necessity when it provided food and shelter for a man and his family. Over the years, it has developed into one of the finest forms of outdoor recreation.

Man is a hunting animal. He has hunted since he has been on this earth. In today's society, few persons hunt for food alone as efforts in one's vocation produce more for the pot. Regardless, who can have the same pride in a turkey from the supermarket compared with one taken in fair chase from the wild? In my opinion, one of the reasons man hunts today is the opportunity to pit his skill against another of nature's creatures, with empty hands the price for failure and a tasty meal the reward for success. In the structured, tightly controlled world of today, few individual efforts bear such immediate and gratifying rewards.

Our game is a renewable, dynamic resource. It is a biological fact that, given suitable habitat, reproduction occurs, a harvest may be taken, and reproduction replaces the crop. All of this, of course, takes proper management, and the hunter understands. He has allowed —even suggested — high taxes on arms and ammunition he uses to finance research and management to the reproduction-harvest-reproduction end. And, his money is not confined simply to game species. With improved habitat for these animals comes better environment for songbirds and lesser wildlife which hunters and non-hunters alike enjoy. But, all too often, the hunter's efforts and contributions are overlooked or even condemned.

For years, the mourning dove has been an object of bitter legislative battles in Nebraska. On the one hand, hunters would like to add them to the controlled season list. Conversely, other factions espouse the conviction that they should not be hunted. At this time, whether the mourning dove will be hunted in Nebraska in 1972 is still to be decided by the legislature. Every fact we know of nature's laws and population dynamics tells us that Nebraska's doves can be safely hunted, with no real effect on the total number of doves. Yet, the hunter cannot legally take the dove.

Hunters and fishermen, through their organized groups, were fighting almost alone the battle for resource conservation and environmental protection long before many of today's instant ecologists and protectionists were born.

The American public needs to know of the license-buying hunter's contribution to the great battle for survival on this planet. With understanding of the positive role of public hunting in the United States and increased responsibility on the part of the few hunters who stray from reasonable standards of conduct, public hunting in this country will continue.

The sons and grandsons of today's hunters will bless this generation if we win the struggle. If we lose, another age-old tradition goes down the drain. It is up to us.

Willard R. Barbee Director Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Speak Up

NEBRASKAland invites all readers to submit their comments, suggestions, and gripes to SPEAK UP. Each month the magazine will publish as many letters as space permits. Pictures are welcome. NEBRASKAland reserves the right to edit and condense letters.— Editor.

REAL JOY —"We look forward to each issue of NEBRASKAland with enthusiasm. However, there are those issues that become a joy rather than just a pleasure.

"The April magazine was such an edition. Rather than being read and laid away, it has become the possession of our 16-month-old girl. When all does not go well or when there is a minute to spare with dad, we look it up (always in the middle of the floor to be found easily) and turn to pages 26 to 33. There sit Dad and daughter, looking at the cows. They turn back and forth several times before it can again be put safely aside.

"Thank you for maintaining such an excellent magazine and Lou Ell's photos are truly excellent."-Mrs. Lawrence Johnson, Greeley.

LAXITY AT LAW - "I would like to answer the letter of Mr. Bruce B. Johnson, East Lansing, Michigan. His letter appeared in the Speak Up column of the May 1971 NEBRASKAland.

"Mr. Johnson, we do not need legislation in regards to firearms. We already have laws regarding murder, robbery, and other crimes committed with guns. The need is for judges to see that these laws are upheld. We have become too lax with laws that are already on the books.

"Let me illustrate with one case here in Nebraska. On June 4, 1965, Dwayne Pope robbed the bank in Big Springs. He forced the people in the bank to lie down on the floor, then shot each of them through the head. Only one of four managed to survive. Pope lives after committing this henious crime six years ago." —George H. Burnett, Omaha.

WHICH ONE-"I read The Hickok Legend in the May issue of NEBRASKAland and would like to know which Waddell was involved in the Overland Stage Company. I would also appreciate knowing where he was from though I assume it was Gordon." —Mrs. Lou Wewel, Newport.

The gentleman in question was William Bradford Waddell. He was born in Virginia October 17, 1807. Later he joined Russell and Majors in the stage venture at St. Joseph, Missouri, and died April 1,1872. -Editor.

WELCOME ADDITION-"I enjoyed your article, From Russia With Partridge, in the May 1971 NEBRASKAland.

"I moved to Maine in 1929 and the partridge were rather plentiful. As I recall, though, the species was known as Hungarian partridge. Very crafty birds, they would roost at sundown in the tall pines or other native trees. When you didn't hunt them at sundown, the next best bet was in the juniper patches where they fed on red berries. They have a very deceptive flight and are very hardy game birds, withstanding severe winters well.

"I would welcome the importation of this game bird to round out the fine selection and present population of Nebraska's upland game."—Edwin G. Pierce, Lincoln.

ANOTHER STRANGER-"The article Stranger in the Basement in the June issue of NEBRASKAland reminded me of an incident which occurred in 1911.

"My wife and I moved into a new home which was not quite finished. We gathered all the blocks and waste lumber which were lying around and shoved them through a window of the basement. The window was meant to be used as a coal chute to serve the furnace.

"One Sunday evening, we returned from a visit and my wife went to the house to get a lantern while I unhitched the team. When she came back, she said there was a noise in the basement. So, when I had finished with the team, I took the shotgun and we went to the basement. There at the edge of the waste pile we saw the head of a skunk. We couldn't get him out alive, so I took aim. And just as I fired, the skunk let go with another kind of ammunition."—A. E. Johansen, Hay Springs.

NEEDS HELP-"In answer to the letter that states 'Hunting should never be considered a sport and should never be enjoyed', (Hunters As Criminals, Speak Up, June 1971) I say that James Skrdlant either has never hunted or never could hit anything. If it were not for the hunters in this country, we wouldn't have anything to hunt — period.

"It is the hunter who pays the bill for the major part of our conservation programs. It is the 'criminal', as Skrdlant puts it, that has stocked deer, turkey, fish, and other animals all over the country.

"I am one hunter and sportsman that is tired of taking the blame for killing all the animals on the endangered species list, and being called a criminal or blood-thirsty killer. The hunter need apologize to no one for enjoying, supporting, and making full use of the natural resources of this country.

"If you don't publish this letter in your magazine, please send it to Mr. Skrdlant He needs help!"—Donald L. Hayes, Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

PARTLY WRONG-"I would like to make it clear that I think James Skrdlant was partly wrong in his letter.

"I like animals too, and don't think they should be killed off till near extinction. However, I hunt pheasant and quail with my father, brother, and friends, and I enjoy it. We eat what we shoot and don't just kill for sport. I believe that the animals were put on earth for man to hunt and photograph."—Tom Eklund, McCook.

Old Farmer: Nebraska by William Beyer, Ft. Pierce, Florida These fields I've known now More than fifty seasons, Harvest And planting, Rain; Drifting snow. And now to go? These long fields Of my youth Are still the same, Wait To be broken, Cleaned of early hay, And walked in Every day.

NEW BOOK -"In a February 1971 Speak Up, a reader asked for more stories of the Middle Loup and North Loup areas. A new book has just come off the press which deals with those locales. It is entitled When You and I Were Young, Nebraska.

"Berna Hunter Chriswap tells of her family's homesteading on the Middle Loup near what is now Victoria Springs State Recreation Area. She tells it like it was, with some good-time dances and literaries to cheer the people."—Mrs. Leslie Laughlin, Gering.

SEPTEMBER 1971 5

SELLING NEBRASKAland IS OUR BUSINESS NEBRASKAland FOR THE RECORD Willard R. Barbee POCKET OF MINK Lawrence Lindemann HOW TO: SIGHT IN A RIFLE PAGEANT OF THE GUN Lowell Johnson LEGEND IN RED W. Rex Amack 10 14 COLOR IT FUN Elizabeth Huff KIDS IN A CAVE Irvin Kroeker THREE-TO-ONE Jon Farrar 16 fjo 30 (32) HOOKED ON BROWNS Steve Olson COMELY ANTAGONISTS Greg Beaumont WHERE TO GO VENISON TREATS Faye Musil WHERE TO HUNT HUNTER SERVICES GUIDE ROUNDUP 36 38 47 53 58 60 Cover: Fury in feathers, ring-necked pheasant blasts from protection in fall rerun Right: Lonely, forgotten decoy lies near blind remains. Photos by Lou Eli EDITOR: DICK H. SCHAFFER Managing Editor: Irvin Kroeker Senior Associate Editor: Warren H. Spencer Associate Editors-. Lowell Johnson, Jon Farrar Art Director: Jack Curran Art Associates: C. G. (Bud) Pritchard, Michete Angle Photography Chief: Lou Ell Photo Associates: Greg Beaumont, Charles Armstrong, Bob Grier Advertising Director: Cliff Griffin Postmaster: If undeliverable, send notices by Form 3579 to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68503 Second-class postage paid at Lincoln, Nebraska. DIRECTOR: WILLARD R. BARBEE Assistant Directors: Richard J. Spady William J. Bailey, Jr. NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION: James Columbo, Omaha, Chairman; Francis Hanna, Thedford, Vice Chairman; Dr. Bruce E. Cowgill, Silver Creek, Second Vice Chairman; Floyd Stone, Alliance; Lee Wells, Axtelf; J. W. McNair, Imperial; Jack D. Obbink, Lincoln. NEBRASKAland, published monthly by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. 50 cents per copy. Subscription rates: $3 for one year, $5 for two years. Send subscriptions to NEBRASKAland, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68503. Copyright Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 1971. All rights reserved. 6

McCook has gone to the birds CITY OF McCOOK WELCOMES YOU BARNEY'S SUPPER CLUB, 209 WEST 3 CEDAR MOTEL, 1300 EAST C ST. CHIEF MOTEL, 612 WEST B ST. DeGROFFS DEPARTMENT STORE, 123 NORRIS ELKS CLUB, 905 EAST 7 FIRST NATIONAL BANK, 302 NORRIS GAMBLE'S STORE, 215 WEST C ST. GIBSON DISCOUNT CENTER, 1000 WEST B ST. HINKY DINKY FOOD STORES, WEST 5TH & 0 ST. LARRY'S CAFE, 224 WEST B ST. McCOOK NATIONAL BANK, 220 NORRIS MODERN MOTEL, 102 SOUTH 6 J. C. PENNEY CO., 201 WEST C ST. PUBLIC POWER, 416 NORRIS RED HORSE MOTEL, EAST HIGHWAY 6 & 34 RUSTY'S FAMILY DRIVE-IN, 803 WEST B ST. SAFEWAY STORES, INC., 500 WEST 5 McCOOK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 402 NORRIS And the birds have gone to the hunters. Hunters from all over the United States have come to McCook to try their luck at NEBRASKAland hunting. They've gone away happy. Last year, Red Willow County and McCook offered some of the best hunting in Nebraska...this year should be even better. Why not come out to McCook this fall? We'll be waiting with our western hospitality

POCKET OF MINK

Lawrence Lindemann as told to NEBRASKAland

MORNING DAWNED bright and clear, promising a perfect day for our safari to what we had heard was a pocket of mink near the Niobrara River.

Ren Bobenmoyer of Hartington and Fred Doane of Wausa, both farmers with land not far from mine, and I were headed west on Nebraska Highway 12 to the confluence of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers. It was spring, 1925. Fred died a few years ago, but Ren and I remember the incident well. We had Browny, Ren's black-and-tan coonhound, with us in hopes he would seek out all the mink we hoped to find. Although you usually trap mink, it was legal to shoot one if you carried a permit.

Leaving the highway, we crossed a bridge and followed a trail leading south along the Niobrara to a swampy area cut by two drainage canals. It looked like as good a place as any, so we parked the car and started across the frozen marsh.

We hadn't gone far when Browny picked up a mink trail and headed for the river, leading us to the first canal. It was frozen underneath, but two inches of water covered the ice. We thought little of it at the time, though, because we wanted to keep up with Browny.

Pushing through frozen reeds, we came to the second canal. It, too, had water over the ice, but we sloshed across and kept going. By then, Browny was out on the ice, a hazardous move since ice on a flowing river is usually dangerous.

"Boy, oh boy!" Ren said. "I hope she trees before she goes too far downriver." His words were hardly out when Browny changed from trail to tree barking on the other side.

Where we were, the river was about 150 yards wide. It looked safe, but after a week of warm weather we didn't know what to expect. Fred and Ren found long poles, stepped off the bank, and started across. I watched them for a moment, said a little prayer, and started back through the marsh to get the car. That was at 4:30 p.m.

Heavy clouds suddenly moved in. The wind rose and a snowflake or two hit my face. The spring weather was vanishing rapidly and Old Man Winter was coming back. My pace quickened. All at once it felt as if I was walking on a sponge. Looking back, I noticed my footprints filling with water. The marsh was breaking up and I was in the middle of it. When I reached the bank of the first canal my heart sank. It had just broken and was a torrent of rushing water and floating ice.

Then, I noticed a clump of brush in the middle of the 10-foot-wide canal. Without taking time to change my mind, I took a short run, leaped to the brush, and onto the other side. Looking back, I saw the brush floating away with the current.

Footing was a bit firmer and my spirits picked up. The second canal was still frozen, but there was about a foot of water on the ice. Sloshing across, I headed up a trail to the car.

Topping a rise on the drive back, I saw the boys and Browny coming back across the river. It was 5:30 p.m. and I knew we had better get out of there before dark or we would be in trouble. The storm had come up very quickly, even though it had been warm earlier, and the wind was howling furiously now.

I got out of the car and shouted a warning about the open canal but the wind whipped my words away.

Ren reached it first. I hollered again but he stepped out on the supposedly solid ice and sank like a rock. Fred grabbed his collar and pulled him out. Ren looked like a drowned rat and shivered so badly I could almost hear his teeth chattering even at that distance. Fred built a brushpile, and with some difficulty, got it lit. Ren huddled over the fire.

Things looked pretty hopeless until I noticed a cottonwood leaning out over the canal on my side. If I could chop it down and make it fall across the canal it might be their way out. Taking an axe from the car, I went down.

The tree was about eight inches in diameter and I thought it would never fall because the axe was so dull, but finally it dropped just as I hoped it would.

They put Browny on first, and she came across without trouble, but for Fred and Ren it was tough going as they teetered back and forth.

Then came the final blow. A rifle and our mink were still on the other side. Well, it was my rifle, so I crawled back to retrieve it and the animal. Then we walked stiff-legged across the marsh, sloshed over the second canal, and reached the car.

It had been a harrowing experience and we decided that even if we never saw that fur pocket again it would be too soon.

Incidentally, we sold our mink for $20.

THE END SEPTEMBER 1971 9

HOW TO: SIGHT IN A RIFLE

To avoid bungling that buck, zero in on paper, then hit the fields

INSULATED BOOTS and wool socks did little to hamper the penetrating sharpness of the November morning. Legs, numbed by hours of inactivity on the wooden platform, cried for movement. It didn't really seem worth the effort and suffering. Sudden rustlings in the leafy carpet nearby, however, erased all thoughts of frigid appendages and the values of hunting. An arrested pivoting in the direction of the noise justified the morning's frigid vigil. A heavy, beamed 10-pointer crossed broadside, 150, maybe 175 yards out. He was massive in the scope. Crosshairs came to rest solidly on the heart-lung region. All seemed preordained. A repressed breath and subdued trigger release were all that separated the hunter from his trophy. The magnum belched, the buck flinched, and then plunged back into the underbrush.

A tinge of green in the dark-red blood told the story — gut shot. An A solid bench, sand bags, shooting glasses, and ear protectors all help animal destined to hours or even days of suffering and the muff of a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime trophy were predictable even before the season opened.

A substantial number of big-game animals are subjected to agonizing deaths every season because hunters are not concerned about clean kills— not enough to take time to properly sight in their rifles. Many have not yet learned to respect the trophies they covet or to adhere to the discipline of true sportsmen.

Many riflemen look upon the adjustment of telescopic sights as beyond the skill of mortal man — a mysterious task to be accomplished only by a gunsmith. Many would no more attempt to sight in their own rifle than do their own dental work. But in reality, the average hunter, by following simple guidelines, can sight in his own rifle.

Mounting the scope is the preliminary task. Assuming that the hunter has a rifle tapped for scope mounts, as most factory arms now are, and having the proper base, rings, and appropriate scope, this is accomplished with few problems.

It is imperative that all screws, except those retaining the scope rings, be tightened firmly, as rifle recoil or accidental bumps can make the difference between bringing home the meat or not. Use of propersize screwdrivers is an important factor in the firm seating of the screws as well as retaining unmarred surfaces — an important consideration in the resale value of optics.

An effective way to adjust the scope-to-eye distance is to pull the rifle into a normal shooting position while the eyes are closed. That way unconscious position corrections, such as twisting the neck or other compensations that will later prove uncomfortable, are avoided. With the eyes open, slide the scope tube forward and backward until the sharpest, widest angle of view presents itself. Tighten down the ring screws snugly.

One of two avenues, or a combination of both, are open to the hunter wanting to roughly align the scope with the point of bullet impact as a preliminary to the finer sighting-in-procedures.

The first technique is that of bore sighting. This is accomplished by different methods, the choice varying with equipment available and the action type of the rifle.

The job is a simple one on bolt action rifles, requiring no special equipment. Merely remove the bolt and rest the rifle firmly in a clamp. A cardboard box with two V's cut on opposite sides serves handily as a rest for the rifle. Orient the barrel in the direction of the target or a small, stationary object. Sight down the bore and shift the box so that the specific spot is in the exact center of the barrel. Now, sight through the scope and make the necessary vertical and horizontal adjustments with the appropriate dials to correct those variations until the crosshairs, post, or dot in the scope are also centered on the same point. The rifle's point of impact should then roughly fall in the same area the scope indicates.

Bore sighting rifles other than bolt actions is inherently more difficult simply because the action cannot be dismantled. Only by using an optical collimator, or bore sight, can this be accomplished on a pump, automatic, or lever-action. These instruments, though not expensive, are seldom found in the gun rack of most hunters, and a trip to the gunsmith is 10 NEBRASKAland usually in order if bore sighting is required. An alternative is available, though. Sighting in at close range to roughly align the optics and the bore can replace bore sighting procedures completely.

This second method of rough sighting a high-power rifle is usually done at 25 yards, the accepted standard for preliminary sighting in.

A few initial precautions will increase the accuracy and safety of the operation. Shooting glasses with hardened lenses may seem an unnecessary formality, but it takes only one malfunction to maim for life. Loss of one or both eyes will end a hunting career quickly. Ear plugs or protective cups are a necessity when shooting all high-power rifles, especially the big magnums. After several rounds have been fired, a flinch in anticipation of the loud report or recoil can develop. Minor hearing losses have been attributed to excessive exposure to the loud, sharp concussion of high-powered rifles over extended periods.

"SHOWCASE" AT THE STATE FAIR 4 SNYDER FIBER GLASS TUB/SHOWER UNITS Located in the Model Gold Medallion All Electric Home" You've been hearing about this great popular sculptured tub/ shower-now you can see it! Seeing is believing the advantages. If you're planning to build, adding on a room, or doing extensive remodeling, check your plumber about Starlite Modules. Manufactured in Lincoln —Sold Nationally! SNYDER FIBER GLASS COMPANY P. O. Box 4583 / Lincoln, Nebr. 68504 (402) 434-9187 Make this your Target, NOT Insulators! FOR ALL SHOOTERS 25, 50. 100 and 200 yards. All Calibers. Any Sights No. of Shots Oistanoe Score X Centers Name Shooting at power line insulators is very dangerous. Try our Crow Targets instead. They're free! Stop at any Nebraska Public Power office and pick up a handful. They can be used at ranges up to 200 yards, with all calibers, all sights. They're safer and much less expensive than a downed power line. Nebraska Public Power District SEPTEMBER 1971 11   GANDER INN LISCO, NEBRASKA Complete cabin facilities-1 cabin for eight-planning to build four 4-man cabins furnished & all utilities except bedding and food. Heated steel blinds, duck & goose decoys furnished. Ready for hunting. Limited memberships of 24 with 4 members to one blind. Members and guests only. 5-year membership of $400.00 paid in advance. Annual dues of $500.00 per year paid yearly. Over 1,000 acres corn land and wheat stubble for excellent pheasant hunting. The best goose and duck hunting in Western Nebraska. Hunting is in the North Platte River, just 1/2 mile West of where the Garden County Refuge ends. For further information write JACK SONNENBERG Box 706 Alliance, Nebr. 69301 or phone Area code 308-762-3620 THE BEST CANADA GOOSE SHOOTING IN MID CENTRAL 431 SHOT LAST YEAR MARINA • goose shooting • duck shooting on Harlan Reservoir • heated blinds and pits • $15.00 per gun per day • guides for each pit for complete information contact Bill Taylor or Jack Taylor Republican City, Nebr. Phone 799-2615, or 799-2015, or 799-2695 Kansas Permit Needed for Goose Shooting DETOUR SIGNS "No Vacancy." "Closed for Repairs." "Out of Business." "Nobody Home." Travel around these trouble signs, cover the distance by telephone before you go. LINCOLN TEL. AND TEL. CO.

Of significant importance in firing that one-inch group on paper or making a clean kill in the field is the use of a solid rest during sighting-in procedures. Special benches and ranges are built for such purposes, but the majority of hunters do not have access to these facilities. Picnic tables, a car hood, or even a good, solid prone position are infinitely more desirable than a sitting or offhand position when sighting in. Two or three sand bags to rest the rifle on are invaluable.

The target used for rough sighting at 25 yards should have a small bull - about dime or quarter size is large enough at that distance. Often it will be necessary to make your own target as commercial versions usually have much larger bullseyes. The smaller the bull, the finer the sighting.

Fire a three-shot series at the 25-yard target. Measure from the center of the group both vertically and horizontally to the middle of the bull.

Most scopes are calibrated in "minutes of angle", each minute having a value of one inch per 100 yards of range. That means that to move the point of impact one inch at 100 yards you must adjust the elevation or left-right dial one minute to move it the appropriate direction up or down.

Scopes are also graduated in clicks. Four clicks equal one minute of angle on most scopes, but this varies with the manufacturer. Check the instruction sheet accompanying the scope before making adjustments.

For example, if at 25 yards you determine the point of impact is three inches high and two inches to the left, on most scopes you would move the elevation dial down 48 clicks and the horizontal dial to the right 32 clicks. If, on the other hand, you were shooting the same group at 100 yards, the adjustment would have been only 12 clicks down and 8 clicks to the right. Either should move you to the center of the bull.

Now move the target out another 75 yards for fine sighting. Masking tape torn into small pieces will serve nicely to cover previous holes. Fire another group, mark the center of the three, and follow the same procedure as on the 25-yard range.

Where the point of impact should be at 100 yards depends on several factors — bullet weights, intended game, shooting ranges, and handload variations. Keep in mind that the flight of a bullet crosses the line of sight at two places —first at short range going up, and farther out going down. For example, a .30/06, 150-grain bullet sighted in at 25 yards would be three inches high at 100 yards, two inches high at 200 yards, and dead on again at 250 yards. This, of course, varies with each bullet weight and caliber. The W. R. Weaver Company makes a convenient "sighting-in guide" that lists most calibers and bullet weights and indicates where that bullet will strike at various distances when sighted in at 25 yards. This is a handy guide for hunters or target shooters to have. After you have your rifle properly sighted in, do not change brand of ammunition or bullet weight as this will cause a large change in point of impact.

Remember that no one can sight in your rifle exactly for you. Ways of seeing sights differ. Ways of holding the rifle differ. No one can do a 100-percent-accurate job of sighting in a rifle for another shooter.

Remember, too, that rifles should be resighted before every hunting season. Slight jars can throw delicate scopes off* significantly, as can pressure on the barrel due to warping of the stock. You owe it to yourself as a sportsman and to your game. Don't put it off until next year— do it now! Sighting in a rifle is like heeding the Ten Commandments. Everyone should, but puts off getting around to it.

THE END 12 NEBRASKAland Unbreakable THERMOS Bottles • Famous THERMOS vacuum bottles with stainless steel construction inside and out. Keep liquids cold or hot for longer periods. Insulated, threaded stopper, non-drip pouring lip, polypropylene cup. No glass liners to break. Can't rust or break. ( Pint 2'/j lbs.-Quart 3'2 lbs. ) Handgun Holsters ( ON-091-HGH ) $3.99 • Bucheimer PACEMAKER handgun holsters to fit a great variety of handguns. Full grain steerhide with heavy duty lock-stitching. Designed for easy, quick draw. Equipped with safety strap and quick-remove belt loop. Black, right hand only. ( 1'2 lbs. ) PUMA Sportsmans Knives • Puma knives are world reknowned as some of the best sportsman's knives money can buy. Crafted with special formula high carbon steel that has been correctly tempered and diamond point tested. Non-folding hunting knives are furnished with finest quality leather belt sheath. ( 2 lbs. avge. shipping weight ) (1) . ' ( 6 ) 1 - ( #ON-09l-6396 ) - Bowie Knife, BVi". $1 7.88 2 -( #ON-09l-6377 ) - White Hunter, 6".. $19.88 3 -( #ON-09l-6394 ) - Hunters Comp, 5''. $16.88 4 - ( #ON-09I-G397 ) - Hunters Pal, 4" $12.88 5 -( #ON-09 1-675 ) - Stock Knife $15.88 6 -( #ON-09I-97I ) -Plainsman $24.88 SOLINGEN STEEL HUNTING KNIVES • Two popular, high quality hunting knives from the famous steel forges of Solingen, Germany. Furnished with belt sheaths. Deluxe stag handles, mirror polished blades. ( 2 lbs. ) 7 -( #ON-091-053 ) - Buffalo Skinner, 5" $6.88 8 -( #ON-09I-054 ) - Bowie Knife, 5" $6.88 Game Hoist • ( «~ON-091-SGH )-- 2000 lb. capacity hoist, has 7 to 1 ratio, rot-proof 75-foot, 4 ' diam. poly rope, aluminum and nylon blocks. Use when dressing large game, many other hoistingor lifting jobs. ( 2 lbs. ) MAIL ORDER CUSTOMERS Please Read * When ordering by mail be sure to include enough money for postage and insurance. We refund any excess remittance immediately. 25"; deposit is required on all C.O.D. orders. You save the C.O.D. fee when you make full remittance with order. NEBRASKA CUSTOMERS please include the Sales Tax. 11 Ben Pearson Hunter" Bow • ( -ON-091-BPB ) -- Ben Pearson Model No. 7375. Top grade, powerful hunting bow that has acquired a large group of enthusiastic users. 52" with distinctive stripe. Plastic-fiber-glass over exotic hardwoods make this a beautiful yet rugged bow ready to take the hard knocks in the field and still look good in the rack. 45 and 50 lb. draw weights in right hand model. Available in left hand model, 45 lb. draw weight only. ( 5 lbs.) $29.99 BEN PEARSON HUNTING ARROWS • ( -ON-091-BPA )--Hand select- ed Port Oxford cedar, 5" fletching, 29" long, with Razorhead point. Choice of 45-50 lb. or 50-55 lb. splines. Priced per '2 doz. ( 6 ). No mail orders for singles. Wt. 2 lbs. Per Half Dozen $7.88 Ben Pearson "Adjust-On" Bow Quiver • ( ON-091-ABQ ) -- Ben Pearson "Adjust-On ' quiver is easily attached, easily adjusted to fit any size bow. Has cushioned shroud that will hold 6 broadhead arrows quietly without clicking or rattling. A "must" for hunters. ( 2 lbs.) $11.99 Camouflage Netting $6.88 • ( ON-091-CBN ) - - Mosquito-bar type netting in 4-color camouflage pattern that can be draped, tied or tacked almost anywhere to make up a game blind. You can see out, game can't see in. Pick it up when through, fold it up, carry in game pocket. 38" wide, 30 ft. long. ( V2 lbs.) ( ON-091-TBP ) - - Pint... ( ON-091-TBQ ) - - Quart. $11.99 $14.88 L0HMAN Game Calls • ( ^ON-091-111 )- Predator Call...... •( ON-091-103 ) -Duck Call........... •( ON-091-300 ) - Deluxe Duck Call. •( •ON-091-301 ) - Deluxe Goose Call $2.29 $2.29 $4.49 $4.49 SURPLUS CENTER Deluxe Hunting Coat $14.88 • ( ON-091-DHC ) - -Deluxe hunting coat designed for the most particular hunter. Provides maximum toughness, comfort and value. Free action back, zipper drop rubberized game bag, fully lined, corduroy recoil pad, zipper breast pocket, 1-button vented cuffs, vented underarm gussets, corduroy collar, shell loops in front pockets. Made of heavy duty Army Duck. Sizes 36 to 50. ( 5 lbs. ) Chamois Cloth Hunting Shirts • Ideal for hunting, fishing, sports, casual wear • Tough, but soft double fleeced cotton flannel • Very comfortable, wash beautifully, get softer after each washing • Color choice, tan, red, green, camouflage • Sizes S, M, L, and XL ( l'2lbs. ) ( ON-091-CCS ) $5.88 Camouflage Coveralls Quality Tailored By jSsE • ( ON-091-CCA) --Effective camouflage pattern in medium weight, all cotton fabric. Water-repellent treated, colorfast, Sanforized. Full cut for tops in comfort and unrestricted shoulder and arm action. Roomy pockets. Zipper front. Sizes S, M, L and XL. $10.88 Camouflage Hood • ( ON-091-CNH)-- Per- fect for crow and varmit hunters or any hunting de- pendent on camouflage. Four color camouflage print, light, water repellent, drawstring at neck. Universal size. $1.49 nib) Hunting Coat $10.88 • ( ON-091-HC ) - - Medium weight army duck with corduroy collar, colorful flannel lining, one button vented cuffs, hooded breastpocket, pocket, pockets with shell loops, reinforced shoulders, ventilated underarm gussets, rubberized game bag. Sizes S, M, L and XL. ( 4 lbs. ) Hunting Pants ( ON-091-KCP ) Knit Leg Cuffs Your Choice Either Style $7.88 ( ON-091-SCP ) Straight Leg Cuffs • Heavy weight Army Duck hunting pants in either straight or knit leg cuff style. Rubberized seat and knees, zipper fly, 2 front and 2 rear pockets plus watch pocket. Sizes 32-46. ( 2 lbs.) Deluxe Game and Shell Vest $4.88 • ( -ON-091-DHV ) - - Medium weight army duck with rubberized game pocket. Equipped with breast pocket, 22 elastic shell loops. Game pocket can be turned inside out for cleaning. Sizes S, M, L and XL. ( 1'2 lbs. ) Game and Shell Vest • ( ON-091-SHV )-- Low priced, good quality hunting vest has 22 elastic shell loops, 3 button front, breast pocket, 2 front pockets, rubberized game bag. Sizes S, M, L and XL. (l'2lbs. ) $2.99 CAMOUFLAGE HUNTING CAP • ( ON-091-JHC)--Jones style, camouflage pattern, laminated foam insulated. 6-7/8 to 7-5/8. ( 1 lb. ) $2.29 Dept. ON-091 Lincoln,Nebraska 68501 SEPTEMBER 1971 13

Pageant of the Dun

Fiery flintlocks to dainty deringers, firearms tell a story of state's progress

by Lowell Johnson NEBRASKAland

NO SINGLE INVENTION, with the possible exception of the frying pan has been so near and dear nor so important to mankind in the past several hundred years as the gun. It played a critical role in shaping the country's history, providing food and comfort in the settling of a new nation during the gradual westward movement.

Guns have ranged from cumbersome, almost grotesque arrangements of metal and wood to some of the most elaborate, ornate, and beautiful things designed by man. They have, at times, reflected some of the most creative craftsmanship and delicate inventiveness.

Nebraska's brief history precludes many steps in the advancement of the firearm from its humble, even humorous beginnings in some obscure and unknown workshop.

Whether Coronado ever came to Nebraska is open to question, but it was his expedition or some unknown trader or trapper who first introduced guns to the Indians of the plains.

From that point on, Indians acquired the same desire for the noisy weapons as white men, and within several hundred years, they owned them. But, it happened in a very roundabout way, giving the encroaching pioneers a definite advantage for many years. The Indians, unable to manufacture their own arms, had to rely on purchasing, trading, or stealing weapons from their newly found "friends".

Nebraska's past is representative of the entire western half of the nation as far as gun history is concerned. In fact, Nebraska was a forerunner of things to come in many instances because of its geographic location.

Since Coronado's time, firearms had progressed. Wheel locks had been the second major step. Then came flintlocks, which were used for many generations. These were the mainstay of the early trapper and frontiersman, serving until the advent of the percussion cap in the early 1880's. Still, it was another 50 years before cap-and-ball guns came into general use, and many flintlocks were still in evidence during the Civil War, even after cartridges and breechloaders were available.

During their respective eras, flintlock, percussion, and cartridge guns played vital roles in Nebraska. Although the number of guns involved in earlier years, from late in the 1700's (Continued on page 45)

16

LEGEN in RED

National champ, Nebraska is the pick to score coup performed only once in Big Eight history

by W. Rex Amack

A STUNNING DEFENSE with all the ingredients to smother a ground game and freeze the air; a devastating offensive machine that poses a threat with each snap of the ball; the nation's winningest coach; impressive depth, and a roaring, deeply lodged enthusiasm and pride. In a nutshell—that's the 1971 pre-season stack-up for the defending National Collegiate Football Champions. the University of Nebraska Cornhusker

Top pigskin prognosticators across the nation have tabbed Big Red as the No. 1 team heading into the 1971 collegiate football scramble. Street and Smith's College Football Yearbook and GamePlan College Football, both tops in predicting college action, have picked Nebraska to finish first. And, Big Eight Conference area sportswriters and sportscasters recently named Big Red to take the conference championship in the upcoming season. In 25 years, these experts have been right 15 out of 25 times.

Reporting into the Huskers' fall football camp on the Lincoln campus were 38 returning lettermen and a host of promising sophomores, each dedicated to the proposition of defense— defending their valiantly earned 1970 national chmapionship. The honor of national champs has come only once to Nebraska since the award's origination in 1936. Before last year, the SEPTEMBER 1971 17   only other Big Eight Conference team to have had the precarious honor of defending the prestigious title was Oklahoma which nailed it down in 1955. The Sooners managed to hang on to the coveted crown that next season.

Nebraska's versatile offensive power centers around a returning one-two punch at quarterback in Jerry Tagge and Van Brownson. Checking into fall camp in good health after being plagued with injuries last season, Brownson shores up the field's general position as one of the brightest in the country. And, dazzling freshmen team director David Humm brings even more strength to the quarterback slot

Husker boosters will undoubtedly miss the high-flying antics of Guy (The Fly) Ingles, the perfecto kicking of Paul Rogers, and the superb performances of other heralded Huskers such as Bob Newton, Jerry Murtaugh, Donnie McGhee, Eddie Periard, Joe Orduns, Dave Morock, and Dave Walline. All were stars last season who walked the way of the cap and gown. But, the return of six offensive and seven defensive starters helps ease the pain.

Stinging halfbacks Jeff Kinney and Johnny Rodgers, enough to make any opposing coach wring his hands, both returns to the 1971 Husker backfield. A Husker star since his sophomore debut in 1969, Kinney is one of the most versatile athletes on the Husker squad. A converted quarterback from McCook, Jess elicits beams of pride from (Continued on page 62)

18 NEBRASKAland RETURNING LETTERMEN SEPTEMBER 1971 19

20 NEBRASKAland

COLOR IT FUN

More than a century old, State Fair is still biggest drawing card Nebraska has

Photographs by Bob Grier. Text by Elizabeth Huff

FOOT-LONGS, CARAMEL corn, and cotton candy-these and a thousand other aromas greet visitors to NEBRASKAland's biggest event. State Fair fills the air, beginning the Thursday before Labor Day each year, and its special magnetism draws Nebraskans to Lincoln like crickets to a hearth.

Bumper-to-bumper the traffic streams into the capital city, and elbow-to-elbow the crowds swarm through the gates. There's nothing else quite like a State Fair, and it's been a success for a mighty long time. From the parades of prizes to lovingly-cared-for animals in the 4-H competitions to the cry of the barker ringing across the midway, State Fair is a true NEBRASKAland happening. From tot to teen to senior citizen, everyone thrills to the sights, sounds, and scents of 21   fair time. And, despite the sore feet and tummy aches from too much walking and too much of the wrong kind of food, fair is a happy thing.

For more than 100 years, Nebraskans have thronged to take in this once-a-year time. Back before the turn of the century, though, things were just a little different. The family piled into the old buckboard, laden with provisions for a long stay. It could take quite a time to make the journey to Lincoln and the return trip home.

Modes of transportation have changed over the years, and so have the fairgoers. And, the big event that attracts them has kept pace. Sure, there are still kids with grimy hands stuffing cotton candy in their mouths...and hair...and eyebrows. There probably always will be. But, at one time the fair was almost the only place to get together with friends not seen often and to catch up on the latest farming and ranching equipment and techniques.

Mom ogled the needlework, quilts, jams, cakes, and vegetables. Meanwhile, Dad inspected the latest in plows, the blue ribbon cattle, and the prize crops. The kids tagged along for awhile, until the exciting cries of the hawkers lured them away to indulge in those particular pastimes that appeal only to the very young.

22 SEPTEMBER 1971 23   24 NEBRASKAland

State Fair is a tradition, and it still presents the latest in machinery and ideas. But, its scope has broadened. Today, its diversity appeals as much to city dwellers as country folk.

There is a nostalgia connected with State Fair. It stirs memories of a simpler time, an era when man worked hard from sunup to sundown but the pace was not as hectic and ulcers were almost unheard of. It recalls the days when man was concerned only with getting crops in and battling the fickleness of nature.

Just as industry has come to the plains, State Fair has reflected that coming. And, the fairgoer of the 70's can see or buy almost anything from nutcrackers to airplanes.

Mechanization has infiltrated the fair as it has Nebraska's cities, villages, and ranches. Its public address systems broadcasted SEPTEMBER 1971 25   everything from country music to politics. Animated displays vie for the visitor's attention, while neon lights blink their messages to the people passing by.

Changes come subtly. Who remembers the dates of the first public address system or even what color the grandstand was last year? Such detail is hardly important, as long as the fair keeps pace with the times.

Year by year, displays or contests ease out of the picture to be replaced by others. The consistent fairgoer would scarcely notice the passing—unless the going altered a familiar landmark or personally cherished event.

For city-bound youngsters, it is carnival with the rides and games as well as a chance to see a cow or a chicken close up. For the country lad or lass, it means the thrills and agonies of winning or losing a long-anticipated and much-prepared-for 4-H competition. It's effort rewarded with purple ribbons, and blue ribbons, and red and white ribbons for everything from honey to lambs. It's shows with name stars and home-grown talent with the opportunity to strut their stuff before the "big audience". It's snow cones, crazy sweatshirts, gadgets of every description, and home-made pie from the church booth on the corner.

26 NEBRASKAland 27   26 NEBRASKAland

But what of tomorrow? Pessimists and doom-mongers across the nation predict the demise of such time-honored events. Not likely in Nebraska. With a century of success to build on, State Fair is here to stay. Whatever the future brings, the fair will tune in with a spirit that lives on.

Conveyor "walks" or plastic domes may be "in" features in years to come, but bricks and mortar do not make a fair. It is a people and their spirit, and in NEBRASKAland that is a lasting thing.

THE END 29

Kids in a Cav

by Irvin Kroeker Steeped in history, winding hallways of Scotia mine lure young explorers

IT SHOWED. Russell Strauch was girl-conscious. He would never admit it, of course, but he was. A sixth-grade redhead, he was in the mixed-up process of growing up —too tough to concede that girls have their place, but keenly aware of them during the past six months or so, and still too young to hide his boyish grin when adventure called.

Mary Fischer was different. A vivacious, 12-year-old blonde, she bubbled with excitement and embraced the idea of exploring an underground haunt with delightful enthusiasm when this was suggested to her.

They met at high noon one day this summer at the entrance to the Chalk Mine State Wayside Area near Scotia, 48 miles north and slightly west of Grand Island. Everybody was there from Lincoln —Jody and Trudy, Russell's older sisters; Mr. and Mrs. Vern Strauch, his parents; Jim, Mary's younger brother; and Mr. and Mrs. John Fischer, her parents.

They were picnicking outside the mine's yawning mouth in a glen sheltered on one side by Happy Jack 30 NEBRASKAland Hill and surrounded on all others by tall trees except for the narrow opening where a rutted lane led down from Nebraska Highway 11a few miles south of Scotia. Fingerlings of sunlight filtered through the treetops to lush grass below, bathed that morning by a gentle rain and now shimmering with moisture.

It was one of those glorious days when everything smells fresh, plus the delicious aromas of a spread fit for a king. Plastic and thermos containers filled with tantalizing salads, scrumptious southern-fried chicken, fancy cookies, spicy cakes, hot coffee, and sweet punch covered the picnic table. The kids chattered and planned their afternoon activities while the grownups talked about the mine and its history. Although it sounded very interesting, they agreed to stay where they were and sip lemonade. Jody and Trudy, too, thought they would stay. Jim would climb the hill.

Russell liked the mine. So did Mary, and that worried him. He claimed he was not interested in having some girl tag along when he went in. The way he talked, the very existence of girls caused him pain, but he stole a few glances at the pretty blonde across the table from him whenever he thought no one was looking.

Slender, attractive, and unusually self-confident for a girl her age, Mary took it all in stride, insisting she was not afraid and sayiig she would explore some nooks and crannies in the mine where even Russell might be afraid.

Feigning resignation for the worst, Russell agreed to let her come along. With that settled, he looked at the cave's black opening. Finally he stood it no longer.

"I don't want dessert." Thinking his father might command him to finish his meal if he hesitated, he jumped up, grabbed his flashlight, and ran across the glen to the mine's entrance with Mary hard on his heels. Their parents just gunned as the mouth of the mine swallowed the pair.

Inside it was cool, and it took a few moments for their eyes to adjust to the darkness. Light from the opening behind them caused (Continued on page 56)

SEPTEMBER 1971 31

THREE-TO-ONE

Comparison of shells expended to number of pigeons downed, confirms the hunting potential of the domestic bird gone wild

by Jon Farrar

THE WEEDY DRAW exploded with a mass reverberation of wings as a score of birds broke near the startled gunner. The superposed Browning snapped mechanically into place, the beads along the rib instinctively aligned on the lead bird. An unaccustomed air of calm prevailed as the hunter deliberately squeezed off. Expecting the inevitable shower of feathers, the scattergunner rebounded from the trap load's light recoil only to note the lead bird dodge, and finally the whole flock. A jangled second shot ended the whole affair —the birds wiser but unscathed.

Quail or grouse? No. October? No. It was only mid-June and the name of the game was pigeons. That's right, pigeons; not the clay variety, but live, darting, smart pigeons — or rock doves or bandtails or whatever you choose to call them — providing some outstanding pre-season gunning for Lee Rupp of Monroe and visiting Bob Dobson of Orange, California. Lee, a graduate student in zoology at the University of Nebraska, had revived a bit of youthful interest in the domestic-birds-gone-wild. He and Bob, a die-hard advocate of dove hunting in his native state, had decided that a few theories could be tested and some off-season hunting could be found in pursuit of the pigeon.

Bob was set to test the hypothesis that pigeons in the wild provide the same sporty hunting that the mourning dove does in many other states. Lee, more wildlife oriented, had in mind to sample the extensive populations of pigeons that thrive in many of the man-made structures in the area. Could they be an untapped game species for the state's hunters? Theories to be proven and some sporty hunting to be had, the pair launched their mid-week hunt early in the morning.

"A local farmer northeast of town has pigeons that roost in his barn. He likes having a few around, but there are too many now and he would appreciate having them thinned a bit. That should be a good place to start our hunt," Lee filled his partner iii as he turned onto the gravel road leading out of town.

The Beretta 12-gauge had that familiar feel like a well-worn glove as Lee eased it from the case, but it seemed a bit out of season to be handling the over-under. The day promised to be muggy with the temperature already in the 70's.

The superposed Browning that Bob had borrowed for the day's outing seemed a bit strange at first, but it came up comfortably at first pull. Only the mechanics of the arm remained awkward until the first few shells were run through.

SEPTEMBER 1971 33   34 NEBRASKAland

A short conference with the farmer produced an unexpected turnabout. Most of the birds had vacated his barn.

"Might as well try that farm we passed on the way out," Lee suggested. "Two years ago we shot a good mess of birds around his steel Quonset and had some outstanding pass shooting as they flew from there to an old wooden barn several hundred yards away."

A quick check with the owner brought a nod of approval and the two took their positions at the front and back of the steel building. Lee's rattling of the back door shook things loose, sparking the day's first action. Half a dozen multi-colored birds burst from the open door on the other end. Flaring wildly to the right of Bob, they continued their erratic flight. Running a pair of 7Ws out after the fleeting targets did little to alter their direction.

"Well, it doesn't look like we'll decimate the population too badly today," Lee jabbed at his competitor.

"No excuses for missing those, but it does kind of jangle a hunter to have birds coming straight at him rather than hustling off in the other direction," Bob said. "Looks like they headed for the wooden barn. Give me another go at those devils and I'll see if I can't rescue my score."

Reversing responsibilities turned the tables. Bob's banging of the barn door jarred a triplet from the rafters in his cohort's direction. Picking out the birds over a pair of barrels, Lee dumped the lead bird and automatically swung on the last as it hustled toward a row of cottonwoods. The second tube belched and Lee racked up the day's first double.

"Not bad for a college boy," Bob chided as he rounded the freshly painted white barn, bracedfor the impendingrib.

"They came out real nice for a double, so I'll hold off on the brag until we bust into a few more and see how my average holds up," was the only reply to Bob's kidding, as they moved on to another spot.

Parking just below the crest of the hill, Bob and Lee popped two fresh hulls down the tubes and split the road, crossing the fences into the tilled fields on either side. Paralleling the fence lines, the gunners topped the hill and closed the distance to the county road bridge. Bandtails had been using the understructure for a roost, and chances were good that some would flush out on one side or the other. Whatever their choice of direction, one of the mid-summer hunters should get some action. When the birds passed the fence line onto private ground they would be fair game.

About 10 feral pigeons broke to the north, and again that many to the south. The weedy draw exploded with action as Bob leveled on the northbound birds. His success, as described earlier, was less than satisfying. Lee faired equally poor on the southbound handful.

"That knocks my average down to 50 percent," Lee lamented. "Fortunately I held off on the bragging back at the barn."

"Now that was my kind of shooting. Just like the pass shooting on doves back home. These pigeons can't be too distant a relative of the wild rock doves or mourning doves. All have that erratic flight that makes for lots of shooting and scanty larders," Bob observed.

"How are doves hunted out there?" Lee queried, content to forget the latest round of firing. "Does it compare to hunting pheasant or grouse?"

"Pass shooting in the morning and evening fills the bulk of our dove hunting. Favorite spots are established over the years by hunters and the sites are guarded like duck blinds are here. Shooting is fast and tricky on the gray birds as they wing between roosting areas and feeding or watering stations," Bob (Continued on page 66)

SEPTEMBER 1971 35

HOOKED ON BROWNS

Denny Doolittle's prized trout swims Snake Riven Question is: will it be his? by Steve Olson

TWO HUNDRED yards below, the Snake River lay like a serpent. From the high vantage point, the river's fast current and rapids were lost, and it appeared as a smooth, silver ribbon cutting a winding course through the canyon.

Although it was almost 6:30 p.m., the sun was still high in the west as Denny Doolittle started down the canyon slope. It had been a busy day at the tire shop where he worked in Valentine, and he was happy to be away and alone. As he neared the river, the muffled roar of the intermittent rapids filled the air, reverberating from the canyon walls. At the water's edge he joined the two sections of his spinning rod and selected a specimen from the small box of lures tucked in a pocket of his vest. The icy water sent an electric-like chill through his entire body as he stepped into the (Continued on page 50)

SEPTEMBER 1971 37

Photos and text by Greg Beaumont NEBRASKAland

Comedy Antagonists

Often damned, the rogues seldom are as bad as pictured

THE BOUNTIFUL earth makes no distinctions between its creations. Seeds are sown into the soil neither weed nor flower, each to await the season and circumstances of their germination.

Prairie soil is a vast storehouse of seed, scattered through the years and brought to rest by wind and flood. Some weed seed, if deeply buried, will SEPTEMBER 1971 39   sleep decades, patiently waiting for its own combination of heat and moisture. Most troublesome weeds throughout Nebraska and the Midwest are not native but introduced from other continents, where cultivation has gone on for centuries and allowed some plants, through natural selection, to develop characteristics that better enable them to compete with crop plants. The persistence of some weeds is a result of this struggle for survival, which demanded hard seeds that could lie dormant through unfavorable conditions, an ability to mature seed heads quickly, and the capability to produce seed that closely resembled desirable crop seed.

Weeds are a constant annoyance to the farmer. Not only do they rob cropland of moisture and nutrients, their rapid growth crowds out and shades desirable seedlings. Some are parasitic on useful plants, or harbor disease and pests. Some, like the hemlock, locoweeds, and night-shades are poisonous to livestock if areas where they grow are not managed properly and cattle are forced to graze them. Injurious hooks, burs, or awns are also produced by some weeds. All weed seed lowers the value of agricultural seed. Weeds are expensive to eradicate, requiring labor, machinery, and chemicals. It is no wonder land owners see little beauty in the fragile mask worn by the tenacious wild rose when it encroaches upon their pastures, or are galled by the innocent array of faces shown by the insidious field bindweed. Struggle to maintain a bluegrass lawn and you feel none of the fever of spring carried by the wild, billowy dandelion, and discover no delight in the secret, yellow flowers of the black medic. There are curses for crabgrass, genocide for plantain and chickweed. The bright, blue heads of the bull thistle bloom only in non-crop areas.

SEPTEMBER 1971 41   42 NEBRASKAland

Yet all land is not needed for agriculture, and the game birds introduced to this continent are largely dependent upon these unused areas for cover and food, demands which are met by weeds.

Few weeds are so undesirable as to be classified noxious and any plant in the wrong place, be it corn in wheat or wheat in corn, is classified a weed.

But when the spring sun lights the morning dew on the yellow bromegrass, and the new wind shakes the mare's tail and nimblewill, the urgent earth smothers all such distinctions. So come the peppergrass and shepherd's purse. The business of summer is insistant, bringing forth fleabane and sunflower, bristlegrass and buffalobur. Beggar's ticks and wood sorrel mature in the ripening fields. The long, late summer afternoons are filled with the clickings of grasshoppers in the perennial goldenrod. But this, too, must come to term with the rising autumn moon that cools the spent yucca and cracks the milkweed to spill its seed across the land.

THE END SEPTEMBER 1971 43

PAGEANT OF THE GUN

(Continued from page 15)

until the late 1800's, was comparatively small, those flintlocks were almost a necessity for survival and certainly cause for some measure of security on the wild frontier. There were many unknowns about the country which made a powerful weapon comforting to have. And, living off the land meant taking game.

Although the Indians were fairly tolerant when only a few whites were in the area, there were bound to be some skirmishes. These disagreements increased in frequency and dimension, and were a factor in developing faster and more effective arms.

Flintlocks, a system utilizing a piece of flint clamped in a vice on the front of the hammer to produce a spark to ignite powder in a flashpan, were fairly slow to operate. But they were dependable. Such weapons were carried by the 32 men of the Lewis and Clark expedition into and beyond Nebraska in 1804. While there is some confusion as to the make of guns they had along, at least 15 of them were supplied by the United States Arsenal at Harpers Ferry, being the Model 1803. These were .54 caliber with 33-inch barrels. They also had a sprinkling of pistols, several short-barrelled blunderbusses with belled muzzles, and one powerful air rifle. This latter weapon was used mainly for demonstration purposes because of its noiseless killing power.

A solitary trapper working a territory along the Missouri or up a feeder stream was typically equipped with a long musket, which was a smooth-bore weapon of questionable accuracy but faster to reload than the rifle. Rifling in a barrel required a tight-fitting ball, which meant considerable effort poking it down the tube. Muskets, on the other hand, could be reloaded even while running or riding a horse by slopping in a measure of powder, then dropping in a ball and pounding it on the ground or saddle to settle it atop the powder charge. A quick priming of the flash pan and cocking the flint put it in business again, providing the ball went all the way down.

If accuracy was more important than speed, a rifle was needed. Special expanding bullets, dubbed the "Minnie ball", made rifle loading easier as the bullet was smaller until the weapon was fired. The lead spread into the grooves by the exploding charge, but this refinement didn't come until the mid-1800's.

Powder horns or measures, a pouch for bullets, ramrod, swatches of cloth or buckskin, knife, and cans of tallow were the necessary accoutrements to be in the shooting game. These held over into the percussion era as well.

The major advantage of the percussion gun was that powder was no longer needed to prime the main charge. The priming powder in the pan, merely an open tray on most flintlocks and thus exposed to the elements, could easily be blown away or dampened by rain, requiring a fresh charge. In the percussion system, a small hole extended from the main charge in the barrel ending at a nipple upon which the percussion cap fit snugly. When the hammer fell, it set off the primer which in turn fired the main charge.

This was the primary weapon of the Civil War era, and again gave the white settler an advantage over the occasional Indian who was fortunate enough to have even a flintlock. Trade guns, which got their name because they were long-barrelled, inexpensive smoothbores, were about the only firearms filtering into the Indian's hands.

Among the percussion guns in the midwest were the Hawken "plains rifles". These heavy barrelled, sturdy, accurate rifles were of such quality they were used by many men long after the faster breechloaders and repeaters were available. Their shorter barrels and larger bores were distinct advantages over the Pennsylvania or Kentucky types for mounted hunters on the plains.

Military rifles kept pace with innovations, with the trap-door Springfield being one of the most notable. It was one of the first major breechloaders used by the U.S. Army. With the advent of the cartridge, repeating arms were a natural progression, yet even a single-shot weapon enabling the shooter to reload rapidly was a great advance. So strong was the Springfield action that it continued to be popular even after the repeating rifle was available.

Such notables as General George Custer and professional buffalo hunter Bob McRae lauded the Springfield as the best rifle made. Custer went so far as to write the company telling of his respect for the gun, and McRae established the dubious record of having the longest string of one-shot kills by dropping 54 "buffler" in a row. "Buffalo Bill" Cody frequently used the Springfield.

Another famous buffalo rifle was the Sharps, and it, too, was claimed as the ultimate weapon for downing the rugged buffalo. Although originally percussion guns, later-model Sharps were altered for cartridges, using the standard .50-caliber army round.

Although not as powerful as the big bore, single-shot guns preferred by the methodical hide hunters, repeaters played a big role in history since their introduction in the 1860's. The Henry, forerunner of the Winchester, and Spencer, were right in there taking a big toll of animals and people.

Government ordnance experts operated somewhat differently back in those days, but they did attempt to have troops supplied with what they considered to be the best weapons available. Unfortunately, there was often a considerable lag between the time better arms were developed and when the troops got them. This was expecially true during the Civil War period when repeaters first appeared.

Individual homesteaders, drovers, gamblers, or peddlers purchased the best guns they could afford or deemed necessary. Lawmen and lawbreakers probably kept themselves armed with the finest. A cartridge-type revolver showed all manner of benefits over the percussion type, and for a number of years it served as a status symbol as well. During a time when barroom brawls often resulted in a body or two being carried to the undertaker, it must have been gratifying to have a fast, simple, dependable gun hanging somewhere on one's person.

Handguns were actually more advanced in design than long guns. Multishot revolvers were available in several makes, notably Colt and Remington, the famed "knuckleduster" of James Reid, and the lesser-known models of Pettingill, Whitney, Savage, and Starr.

Even some rifles incorporated the revolver principle, but they were never very numerous or popular. Accuracy left something to be desired, and the advent of the cartridge repeaters came rather quickly, (Continued on page 49)

HOLDREGE ...A MIXED-BAG HOT SPOT Next to his dog, a hunter's best friend is the secret of success.., ...and the secret of great mixed-bag hunting is HOLDREGE, in the center of a well-stocked game area. Holdrege, bustling hub of south-central Nebraska, is where you'll find birds plentiful and the happiest hunting grounds ever. Nearby is the State-owned Sacramento-Wilcox Game Management Area with nearly 1,600 acres open to public hunting. An average of 50,000 ducks visit the area each fall and duck blinds are yours free of charge. You'll find Holdrege, located on U.S. 6-34 and U.S. 183 and only 17 miles from Interstate 80, a truly hospitable place to stay-for a day or a lifetime. There are excellent motels, hotels, eating establishments, services, clubs, and firms ready to serve you. So...take aim and head for HOLDREGEland for hunting action. If you'll write now, your name will be placed on a special list to receive a hunter's packet due off the press October 10. Write-HOLDREGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. BOX 183, HOLDREGE, NEBRASKA 68949

Where to go

Grove Lake Trout Rearing Station, Ballard's Marsh Special Use Area

AN ANGLER BUSILY hauling in rainbows from Two Rivers State Recreation Area or other Nebraska put-and-take lake seldom gives a second thought to the sources of his fish. Yet, a sunny September junket to northeast Nebraska will fill him in on part of the story behind the Game Commission's trout production efforts, and provide the whole family with an enjoyable outing in the bargain.

Grove Lake Trout Rearing Station near Royal nurses trout fingerlings from about three inches in size to as large as 10 inches before they are stocked for eager fishermen at Two Rivers. Besides frequent shipments for the put-and-take lake, the Grove Lake facility also produces and releases some 300 trout each week for a three-mile stretch of Verdigre Creek below the rearing station.

A one-day visit or a weekend stay in the area can include a look at the trout-rearing operation, fishing for trout in Verdigre Creek, sightseeing in the oaklined Verdigre Creek Valley, and a number of activities at Grove Lake, downstream. A family can headquarter there in one of Grove Lake Special-Use Area's three campgrounds, and venture out from there on various forays.

Last year, the trout station raised some 134,000 rainbows in its 10 rearing ponds, and two new 192-foot raceways brought into operation this year will increase the total for 1971 considerably. Two similar raceways planned for next year will boost production even more in the future.

Nestled in the scenic valley of Verdigre Creek, the trout-rearing station is open to public inspection weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Although guided tours are not conducted, fisheries personnel are on hand to answer any questions from visitors.

People stopping by will see the rainbows close up through the sparkling waters of Verdigre Creek, which is the source of water for the raceways. They may watch one of the four daily feedings, or feed the trout themselves with pellets from a vending machine in the area.

After touring the trout-rearing station, visitors may wet a line in a trout pond northwest of the area, or go after rainbows in several miles of Verdigre Creek downstream. Part of the creek is on private land and permission to fish is required from the owner, but a good share is open to public access. The areas open to the public are posted "Wildlife Management Area", and parking areas are nearby.

Grove Lake itself, a 45-acre impoundment on Verdigre Creek about 2 miles downstream from the trout station, offers a gamut of family outdoor recreation. Anglers will find trout, channel catfish, bluegill, bullhead, crappie, walleye, and some of the finest largemouth bass in the state ready to take baits and lures.

Boating is allowed there, with a five-mile-per-hour speed limit.

All three of Grove Lake's public-use areas offer camping. Picnic facilities, drinking water, fireplaces, and sanitary facilities make a comfortable campsite for the family's overnight stay and a good base of operations for the daytime activities.

Hiking is one of the things to do there, with more than 1,600 acres of natural surroundings to explore. Several varieties of trees can be identified, including oak, elm, and basswood. Those interested in further study of plant life should visit a tree and shrub display along either side of the entrance road to the middle public-use area. More than 100 varieties of plants can be identified there.

Frequent glimpses of wildlife also add to the hiker's enjoyment. Species inhabiting the Grove Lake area include whitetailed deer, pheasants, quail, squirrels, rabbits, several species of waterfowl, many kinds of shorebirds, muskrats, beaver, turtles, and an endless variety of songbirds.

The first day of September brings hunting back to the Nebraska scene with the opening of cottontail and squirrel seasons. A leisurely hunt for bunnies and bushytails on a warm September day is one of Nebraska's most enjoyable outdoor experiences, and Grove Lake offers the perfect opportunity to introduce younger members of the family to the sport of hunting.

Archers should also keep the area in mind, with the bow-and-arrow deer season opening September 18. Later in the year, Grove Lake offers nimrods fine sport on pheasant, quail, and a variety of waterfowl.

Grove Lake Dam is located in northern Antelope County, three miles north and half a mile east of Royal. The trout-rearing station is about two miles south and 1 1/2 east of the dam.

Another Game Commission area farther west also offers an enjoyable outdoor experience, providing primitive camping, hunting, birdwatching, and hiking. Ballards Marsh Special-Use Area, just north of the Valentine SEPTEMBER 1971 47   National Wildlife Refuge about 15 miles south of Valentine on U.S. Highway 83 is a less-developed area and offers a more primitive outing.

But, a visit there provides a first-hand look at a natural setting typical of a large part of Nebraska, a Sand Hills marsh surrounded by lush, unspoiled dunes and "choppies" in their natural state.

The marsh itself covers some 500 acres and is a haven for a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. Occasional geese can be seen there, along with mallards, gadwall, pintail, blue-winged teal, and a few species of diving ducks.

The 900 acres of surrounding land is in much the same condition as it was in pioneer days. Hikers can get a close-up look at native grasses, yucca or soapweed plants, and sagebrush so common throughout the Sand Hills.

They may also see sharp-tailed grouse, an occasional prairie chicken, various lizards such as horned toads, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a mule deer or coyote.

With grouse season opening on September 18, hunters should keep the area's sharptails and prairie chickens in mind. And, later in the year, the marsh offers good waterfowl hunting for shotgunners.

Ballards Marsh has only minimum camping accommodations, limited to drinking water, picnic tables, fireplaces, and sanitary facilities. However, a campsite there can serve as a springboard to exploration of another Sand Hills attraction nearby, the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Camping is not allowed on the refuge, but the Ballards Marsh facilities are nearby, providing a convenient headquarters for visits to the refuge for glimpses of its many birds and animals.

September's pleasant transition from summer to fall is an excellent time for relaxed family outings, and Ballards Marsh and Grove Lake provide ideal settings for family outdoor fun.

THE END Good heading from NEBRASKA A Bibliography of the Published Works of CHARLES M. RUSSELL Compiled by Karl Yost and Frederic G. Renner Long awaited as the only up-to-date bibliography of the famed Western artist, this handsome volume catalogs and describes 3,500 items. 42 illustrations, 18 in full color. Cloth $25.00 NEBRASKA: A Pictorial History Edited by Bruce H. Nicoll "A work every Nebraska family should have"-Nebraska History. 372 rare photographs, paintings, drawings, and Cloth $8.95 WATERFOWL: Their Biology and Natural History By Paul A. Johnsgard "The world's leading authority on waterfowl has prepared a magnificent book for the layman"-Inland Bird Banding News, 148 photographs (59 in full color), 16 drawings. SANDHILL SUNDAYS and Other Recollections By Mari Sandoz Autobiographical pieces centering on "Sandoz country" in northwest Nebraska are "an appealing collection ...the humus of a good life firmly planted in the soil"-0/77a/7a World-Herald. Cloth $5.00 At bookstores or from UNP sandhill Sundays «At SAWDOZ fiic maps (112 in color). Cloth $6.95/paper $3.95 BLACK ELK SPEAKS: Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux As told through John G. Neihardt "As close as we can ever get to the authentic mind and life of the plains tribes"-Paul Engle. "A beautiful document" -Western Folklore. Paper $1.50 University of Nebraska Press Lincoln 68508 LEARN UPHOLSTERY! HOME Upholstery Whitehead Oil Company DISTRIBUTOR FOR PHILLIPS "66" PETROLEUM PRODUCTS RHODEN'S "66" SERVICE MELICHAR'S "66" SERVICE N. 9th Street Hwy 77 & I-80 Interchange Downtown I-80 Interchange LINCOLN, NEBRASKA SEND FOR UPHOLSTERY CAREER BOOK ... on home study course for upholstering sofas, chairs, footstools, built-ins. New methods, all styles including fabulous new Naugahydes (above). Free special upholsterer's tools. Fine spare time income, high-paying job opportunities all over. Earn while you learn in spare time. Fascinating. Write for free book, free sample lesson. APPROVED FOR VETERANS MODERN UPHOLSTERY INSTITUTE, Box 899-ETA, Orange, Calif. 92669

PAGEANT OF THE GUN

(Continued from page 45)

making the lever action more practical because of the increased magazine capacity.

After the near-extinction of the buffalo and subsiding of Indian troubles, the importance of guns lessened considerably. Their use again turned to less controversial uses such as taking game. And, the shotgun became more important. Nebraska still had a plentiful supply of birds and small game —always welcome on a struggling "nester's" table. For such sporting purposes, the percussion system was still desirable. The introduction of shotgun shells came around the same time as rifle cartridges, but there was not the same dire need for rapid fire when shooting at game.

Avid poachers —and there were always some of those — sometimes substituted heavy fire power in one shot rather than relying on numerous small ones. The swivel, or boat gun, was a real bird getter. This device consisted of a long barrel, up to 8 or 10 feet, with a bore measured in inches rather than gauge or caliber. Into this gaping maw would be poured several pounds of shot or even scrap metal, much like the pirate cannons aboard ships. When a boat with one of these guns silently slipped up on a mob ofducks on a lake and the terrifying gun was fired, the rest of the morning was likely spent collecting possibly hundreds of dead birds.

Market hunting was a cinch with such an efficient flock shooter, and it took a number of years before legislation finally outlawed the long gun.

Craftsmanship in guns varied markedly over the centuries, depending upon the general economy and political temper. Gunmakers, far behind schedule because of flooding orders, could not take pains to create presentation models. Weapons for war need not be pretty — only workable. When business was slow and customers were able to pay, artisans took over where the ordnance men left off. Gold and silver inlaying, engraving, carving, and use of exotic materials showed up at certain periods. Not many of these ornamental pieces were used in Nebraska, however, since the emphasis here was on shootability rather than gawdiness.

With settlement of the frontier, guns gradually became less prominent. But they did not disappear altogether. A large gun may not have been a necessity, but it was still considered proper to be armed, so the pocket pistol was the answer. A vast array of such equipment showed up, including the deringer.

Originally, the deringer was a compact, single-shot percussion gun. This was the instrument, designed by Henry Deringer, used to assassinate Lincoln, and it chalked up a great number of deaths in the days of the California goldrush. Few models enjoyed such an immediate following, and other manufacturers jumped quickly on the bandwagon to turn out duplicates. The same principle, incorporating small frame and large caliber, was used for subsequent cartridge models. Even today, the similar but differently spelled name "derringer" is used to describe such handguns.

Pocket guns, often small enough for vest pockets, were carried as spares or "holdouts" by men otherwise armed, and by storekeepers, bankers, and women.

Gradually, even secret weapons were little needed as the country tamed down. Attention switched to farming, ranching, and other business, and firearms were again relegated to those few who still found them necessary — lawmen, bad guys, hunters, and competitive shooters.

So, the colorful and ever-changing history of the gun continues its centuries-old pageant. Thousands of gunmakers and millions of users have crossed the stage or appeared in the limelight, and many lives have been changed because of firearms. From the daring trapper along the Platte to a stubborn pioneer protecting a wagon train to a frontier marshal riding herd on rowdy drovers to a small-town lad potting clucks on a pond, the role of the gun has been intriguing.

NEW LIFELIKE K&W DECOYS The Lifelike —Lifesize —Lifetime Decoy 5 species to choose from! GOOSE DECOYS Canadas, White Fronts, Snows, and Blues with feet and legs. Sample $12.00 ppd. 1 to 10 dozen $120 per dozen lOto 20 dozen $115 20 dozen or more $110 With metal H frames Sample $11 1 to 10 dozen $108 per dozen 10 to 20 dozen $103 20 dozen or more $ 98 MALLARD STAKEOUT Sample $ 5 1 to 5 dozen $45 per dozen 5 to 10 dozen $42 10 dozen or more $40 K&W Decoys are as exact replicas of their live mates as can be created. Manufactured from high tensile forming board, reinforced with Vfe" steel pipe frame, these decoys have a bursting strength of over 1100 lbs. per square inch. K&W Decoys are light, durable, steadfast in heaviest wind and weather. Made to last normal use should afford the average hunter a lifetime of enjoyment. For further information write: K&W DECOY CORPORATION Box 700 Bridgeport, Nebraska 69336 Ph. 308-262-0905 INQUIRIES INVITED All F.O.B. Bridgeport, Nebraska. Omaha and Lincoln residents must include 3% sales tax. Other Nebraska residents must include 21/2% sales tax. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO K. & W. DECOY CORP. When ordering decoys, it will greatly expedite shipment of your order if you will let us know the names of the truck and bus lines which serve your community.

The decimation of the buffalo and the gradual, yet ever-progressing SEPTEMBER 1971 49   taming of the frontier were done because people set the course. The gun, big or little, plain or fancy, was the unknowing partner in many dramas, backing with equal authority the good and the bad.

Many years and hundreds of innovations went into perfecting the mechanisms and concepts that make up the modern gun. A few people appreciated this devoted work, but for most, only the end result was important. Guns were for shooting, and the chemistry or physics involved were only means unto an end. Hopefully, the end of the gun is a long way off, but let it forever be relegated only to the principal and peaceful use in sport.

THE END NEW ROOMS AMBER LOUNGE GRAND ISLAND'S CONVENTION CENTER Call 382-5800 For Reservations DEAN HOHNBAUM, Mgr. "where people meet people" —at 2nd and Locust Street GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA CAPITOL CAMERA REPAIR, IHC. Complete Camera and Projector Repair Service Audio- Visual Repair Center, A Division 611 North 27th Street Lincoln, Nebr. 68503 Phone (402) 435-4364 DISCOVER AMERICA Plan to stay at... Samuelson's Lemoyne Cabins • Cooking Facilities • Free Fish Freezing Store • Gas • Tackle • Bait • Boat & Motor Rental • Guides L R. "Monte" Samuelson ON BIG MAC Phone 355 2321 Lemoyne, Nebr. KAWASAKI DEALER OLSON MOTORS CYCLE CENTER WEST HI-WAY 30 OGALLALA, NEBR. FORT SIDNEY MOTOR HOTEL and RESTAURANT Fine Food, Luxurious Lodging, Superior Service COMPLETE HOTEL SERVICE-50 UNITS Spacious Restaurant • Large Heated Pool • Banquet Facilities • Conterence Room • Paved Parking Lot • Color TV 935-9thST. SIDNEY 254-5863

HOOKED ON BROWNS

(Continued from page 37)

stream. After the initial shock, the cool water was a welcome relief from the heat of the day. Underfoot he could feel every irregularity in the stream's bottom through the thin, rubber soles of his tennis shoes. Wading upstream to the first pool, the frigid current plastered his Levi's against his legs.

Perhaps tonight was the night, he thought, as he nipped the bail of the reel and sent the lure sailing across the pool. His fingertips felt the propeller-pulse of the spinner as it crossed the slack water, and the quickening vibrations as it slid into a downstream arc with the current.

Denny knew that somewhere in the Snake lay a new state-record brown trout-probably several of them. No stranger to big trout, Denny had taken nine Master-Angler-size browns in the previous six months. But with each trip to the river came thoughts of the lunker that would top the 11-pound, 4-ounce record brown taken from Lake McConaughy in 1950.

Working quickly, Denny alloted only about a dozen casts to each pool. The placement of each cast was the important thing, for he knew the big trout were smart and were lying in the spots where it was most difficult to fish. A good 50 NEBRASKAland trout or two lay in the tangle of limbs of nearly every tree which had toppled into the river, so he worked these areas especially hard. Sometimes he worked a pool twice, once with a spinner and again with a minnow-imitating lure.

It was after seven o'clock when Denny felt his first strike. Standing on a large rock at the base of a pool, he cast upstream and reeled quickly to keep the line taut. Suddenly the lure stopped and he set the hook. For a split second the fish lay immobile in the water. Then the line went slack as it made a dash downstream straight toward Denny. Reeling frantically in an attempt to take up the slack, he felt sudden worry as the fish made it to the fastvwater below the pool. Loosening the drag on the reel, Denny followed the stubborn fish. Fifty yards downstream the river widened into another pool, and Denny knew if he could get the fish into the slower water he had a chance. But, halfway through the rapids, the fish erupted from the water and the line went limp.

It had been a pretty good trout, maybe 2V2 pounds, Denny thought, as he returned to the pool where he had hooked the fish. Three years of fishing the river had taught him to accept defeat graciously, for most of the good ones got away. In fact, he was fairly proud of his average of landing about one out of every four good trout he hooked.

Fifteen minutes later he tied into a second trout. This time he hooked the fish near the center of a deep, wide pool and was able to hold it in the slower water. Five minutes later he led the trout into an eddy at the river's edge and scooped it onto the bank. A landing net would have simplified things, but he had stopped carrying one. Often a pool too deep to wade forced Denny to climb into the tangle of vegetation on shore and a landing net snagged in every bit of brush he passed. Instead of wasting fishing time untangling the net, he had simply stopped using one, giving the trout still another edge.

Kneeling, Denny unhooked the sleek two-pounder. The golden brown of the trout's back (Continued on page 57)

NEW... She's a Any way you look at it—she's a real Bair Cat—the reloader made with the occasional shooter in mind, yet the new Bair Cat will do the job for the target shooter as well. it reloads a shell in 12 seconds. MANUFACTURERS OF A COMPLETE LINE OF RELOADING TOOLS FOR RIFLE, PISTOL AND SHOTSHELLS. BAIR COMPANY 4555 North 48th Street Lincoln, NE 68504 KOHLER COMMERCIAL HUNTING For the very best in duck and goose hunting! Get your reservation in early to hunt geese and ducks with a guide with 31 years experience in the field. You will hunt from steel, covered, sunken blinds with gas heat. Best time for geese -October 1 through 30, and for ducks-October 15 through November 20. PRICE PER DAY $15. Each person Reservations accepted with payment in ad- vance. Money refunded if notified at least three days in advance. KOHLER COMMERCIAL HUNTING, TEKAMAH, NEBRASKA, 68061 - Phone 374-1670 FORT KEARNEY MUSEUM TAXIDERMY STUDIO TO KEARNEY FORT KEARNEY MUSEUM Specializing in birds, animals, game heads, fish. Licensed Professional Taxidermists. Only latest museum methods used. Phone 236-8951. KEARNEY, NEBRASKA S & S MOTEL GOOSE BLINDS AVAILABLE • Paved runway one block away • Cafe, hunter's hours, pack lunch • Air Conditioning • Cable TV • Telephones • Some kitchenettes • Free coffee • Reasonable rates • A home away from home • Hunting and Fishing Permits 0SHK0SH, NEBRASKA JUNCTION of Highways 26 & 27 Phone 772-3350 Oliver and Pat VAUCK FISH HATCHERY Write for Booklet on raising Channel Catfish and Pond Culture. Order Channel Catfish and Bass Fingerlings Now! SUTTON, NEBR. 68979 Phone 773-3916 SEPTEMBER 1971 51   Hokes Cafe Ogallala, Nebraska Tell about the ones that got away in the Cornhusker Bowl Lounge Hunter's Headquarters, Before and After the Hunt On and Off Sale Open 6:00 AM to 12 PM TRAVEL TIP OF THE MONTH Hay Days at Cozad feature a parade with the theme "Progress Through To- getherness." A carnival, atractor-pulling contest, a dance and many other fun- time activities make this an outstanding event this month. HAY DAYS SEPTEMBER 10-11 COZAD ml Independent Insurance m/agent scarves you first This message brought to you by your local INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT who is a member of the Nebraska Association of Insurance Agents The great place to save in NEBRASKAland LOAN & SAVINGS ASS OCIATION 209 SO. 13 • 56 & O • 1776 SO. 70 • LINCOLN 1716 SECOND AVE. • SCOTTSBLUFF The Rozanek Kennels VIZSLA-POINTERS The Home of Chompioni TRAINING PUPS STARTED DOGS AKC FDSB REG BIRD DOGS RT. #1 NORFOLK, NEBRASKA 68701 PH: 402-371-4737 DISCOVER AMERICA For hunting and accommodations that are sure to please, try MEDICINE CREEK LODGE Cafe Modern Cabins Resident and non-resident Permits Game Cleaning and Freezing Service 7,000 acres of open hunting Camping available Located 2 mi. west, 8 mi. north and 2 mi. west of Cambridge. Write Medicine Creek Lodge, Cambridge, Nebraska 69022 Phone 697-3774

VENISON TREATS

by Faye Musil

AS MODERN TRENDS change to consideration of wild game being a novelty rather than an object of distaste, recipes develop to better prepare game. Dozens and dozens of recipes are available for any game species imaginable, but there are some general rules to remember in making your game dinners more palatable.

Venison is one of the more popular game meats, and in general, good flavor depends upon good field care. But once the deer has reached the home freezer, there are some general things to keep in mind inr cooking it. All fat should be removed, as this is what carries the "gamey" taste. The lean meat should then be larded or cooked with a small amount of pork fat or oil to replace the natural fat that has been removed.

Several good recipes to bring out the flavor in venison follow:

CURRIED VENISON WITH RICE 2 large, diced onions 2 pounds cubed venison steak NEBRASKAland 4 heaping tablespoons curry powder 1 24-ounce tin canned tomatoes 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 1 pinch sweet basil 1 bay leaf 1 pinch allspice 1 pinch thyme Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup dairy cream 2 cups rice

Fry diced onions until light brown. Cut steak into one-inch cubes. Add these and curry. Continue frying until steak cubes are well done. Add all other ingredients, including juice from the canned tomatoes, except cream and rice. Bring to boil, then lower heat and simmer for at least an hour. The longer the better because the spice flavoring has more time to permeate the meat. Cook rice, beginning 15 minutes before serving time. When rice is done, remove curried-venison sauce from heat, add cream, stir lightly, and prepare individual servings with one scoop of sauce atop one scoop of rice. Complimentary side dishes are peanuts, grapes, and bananas—especially bananas because they temper the hot bite of the curry flavoring. Serves six to eight.

Venison kabobs are a slightly exotic way to serve meat, and here again, the marinating process tenderizes it:

VENISON KABOBS 2 pounds lean venison (cubed) 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup vinegar (or wine) 12 medium white onions, uniform in size 12 medium mushrooms 3 medium tomatoes, quartered

Cut meat in one-inch cubes. Soak it, preferably overnight, in a bowl containing onion, salt, pepper, rosemary, oil, and vinegar. Turn pieces to coat all sides. When ready to broil or cook over open coals, alternate meat cubes with onion, mushroom, tomato quarter (dip all vegetables in oil-vinegar solution first) on skewers. Broil 20 to 30 minutes, turning so meat browns on all sides.

Venison steaks should be marinated to tenderize and flavor them. There are many variations of game marinades. One of them follows:

VENISON MARINADE 2 cups vinegar 2 peppercorns 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 bay leaf 2 whole cloves 2 peppercorns Pinch of salt

Meat should marinate the least possible time —just enough to make it tender. The marinating venison should be kept refrigerated before use.

Steaks prepared with sauces have a tangy flavor that is acquired while simmering them in the special, spicy sauce.

WHERE TO HUNT Local inquiry recommended for directions to areas located on county roads or Sand Hills trails. Small acreages listed as hav- Km 9 1 Lb ing deer indicate transient populations. Hunting in season permitted on state-recreation areas from October 1 to April 1 unless otherwise posted or designated. 1. M State-recreation and special-use-area directional signs are lo- cated on adjacent major highways. Although not listed, most hunting areas have varments and nonresident hunters, regardless of age, must have Nebraska 1 nonresident permits to hunt varments. NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN Map Grid State Recreation Area State Special Use Area Acreage uaoins Camping Drinking Water Fireplaces Rest Rooms Shelter Houses Picnic Tables Trailer Spaces Fishing m m 3D O Federal Land Alberding Lagoon, 3 miles east, 2V2 miles south of Clay Center on county roads Clay Center F-10 35 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Alexandria State Lakes, 4 miles east of Alexandria on Nebraska 76 Alexandria F-ll 384 46 American Game Marsh, 19 miles south, 1 mile east of Johnstown on U.S. 20 Johnstown B-7 i 40 120 Arcadia Diversion Dam, 3V2 miles south of Comstock on county road Comstock D-8 l 1 773 109 Arnold Lake, 1 mile south of Arnold just off Nebraska 40 Arnold D-7 18 22 Atkinson Lake, Vz mile west of Atkinson on U.S. 20, Nebraska 11 Atkinson B-9 36 14 Atlanta Marsh. V2 mile north of Atlanta on county road Atlanta F-8 640 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Ballards Marsh, 20 miles south of Valentine on U.S. 83 Valentine A-6 961 340 Bartley Diversion Dam, 3 miles east of Indianola on U.S. 6 and 34 Indianola F-6 1 53 Basswood Ridge, 2 miles northwest of Homer on U.S. 73 and 77 Homer B-12 1 320 Bassway Strip, Minden Interchange, south on Nebraska 10 to marked access road Newark E-9 4 515 100 Area runs east and west between 1-80 and Platte River. Boundary signs denote area Bazile Creek, 2 miles east of Niobrara on Nebraska 12 Niobrara B-10 4 2,530 10 Waterfowlers may hunt shoreline of Lewis and Clark Lake and islands on Nebraska side Big Alkali, 17 miles south, 3 miles west of Valentine on U.S. 83, west on State Spur 483 Valentine A-6 47 842 Bluestem, 2 Vz miles west of Sprague on county road Sprague E-12 483 325 Waterfowl hunting per- mitted in season, after October 31 Bluestem Lagoon, 1 mile south, 3 miles east, 2 miles south of Axtell Axtell F-8 77 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Bowman Lake, Vimile west of Loup City on Nebraska 92 Loup City D-9 23 20 Box Butte, 10 miles north of Hemingford on county road Hemingford B-2 612 Branched Oak, 3 miles north of Malcolm Raymond E-12 4,406 1,800 Bridgeport, north edge of town Bridgeport C-2 126 70 Bufflehead, 4 miles east of Kearney 1-80 Interchange on county road Kearney E-8 1 i 30 10 0 Chadron State Park, 9 miles south of Chadron on Nebraska 385 Chadron A-3 801 Hunting in adjacent areas turkey, antelope, and waterfowl. Check with park superintendent Clark Lagoon, 6 miles east, 1 mile north of Wilcox on county road Wilcox F-8 451 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Conestoga, 2 miles north of Denton on Nebraska 806 Denton E-12 486 230 Coot Shallows, 1% miles west of Odessa 1-80 Interchange on county road Odessa E-8 23 12 Cornhusker, LVmiles west of Grand Island on State Spur 430, V2 mile south on county road Grand Island E-9 814 Weapons restricted to shotgun and bow and arrow Cottonmill Lake, IVi miles northwest of Kearney on U.S. 30, Vz mile north on county road Kearney E-8 68 40 Cottonwood Canyon, 1V2 miles south of Maxwell on county road Maxwell E-6 15 Cottonwood Lake, 1/2 mile east, V2 mile south of Merriman, south of U.S. 20 Merriman A-5 180 . -----------------1------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 1971 53   WHERE TO HUNT NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN Map Grid State Recreation Area State Special Use Area Federal Acreage B /J B as a. B OJ u> C9 * OJ *— B 3C *-* -a B DC 1/5 CU w CU CU 00 B OO E B OJ *-l B * ae 'S m w (» OJ OJ B a. OJ w iZ ts* E 0 0 or B-* ts* CU 00 OJ Ui 0 sc OJ "aj us 00 OJ B OJ '5 OJ OO OJ OJ B US Op .OJ B .— J— ut REMARKS: B B ♦J B 3E County Line Marsh, 4 miles north of Fairmont on U.S. 81,21/2 miles east on county road Fairmont Ell 408 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 16 V2 miles north of Oshkosh on county road Oshkosh D-3 46,350 Most seasons follow Nebraska regulations. Hunters should check at refuge headquarters for special regulations and areas open. Fishing permitted until Sept. 30 Crystal Lake, IV2 miles north of Ayr on county road Ayr F-9 33 30 Dead Timber, 4 miles north of Scribner on U.S. 275, Wz miles east on access road Scribner D-12 150 50 DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 6 miles east of Blair on U.S. 30 Blair D-13 3,200 Restricted permits and special season. Check at headquarters for information Dogwood, 4% miles west of Overton on U.S. 30, 3Vz miles south on county road Overton E-8 264 10 Stream fishing as posted Eckhardt Lagoon, 8 miles east of Clay Center on Nebraska 41,4 miles south on county road Clay Center F-10 94 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood El ley Lagoon, 2 miles west of Bertrand on Nebraska 23, 2 V2 miles south on county road Bertrand F-8 60 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Enders, sVz miles southeast of Imperial on U.S. 6 Enders F-5 3,643 1,070 Fort Robinson State Park, 3 miles west of Crawford on U.S. 20 Crawford B-2 76 No hunting permitted in park. Check with superintendent for areas open to public hunting for deer, antelope, grouse, pheasant, turkey Freeze Tract, 5 miles east of Odessa Interchange on eastbound access road; south side of 1-80 Odessa E-8 71 60 Area is marked with boundary signs Fremont, 3 miles west of Fremont on U.S. 30 Fremont D-12 456 210 Frerichs Lagoon, 2 miles east, V2-mile north of Wilcox on county road Wilcox F-8 47 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Gallagher, 8 miles south of Cozad off Nebraska 21 Cozad E-7 24 400 Gilbert-Baker, 4Vi miles north of Harrison on access road Harrison B-l 2,452 5 Gleason Lagoon, 4 miles south of Minden on Nebraska 10,4 miles west on county road Minden F-9 569 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Glenville Basin, 2Vz miles south, 2 miles east, Vz north of Glenville Glenville F-10 120 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Goose Lake, 5 miles east of Chambers on Nebraska 95, 8 miles south on U.S. 281,4 miles east on county road Chambers C-9 50 300 Grove Lake, 2 miles west of Royal on U.S. 20, north on county road Royal B-10 1,524 67 Hansen Lagoon, 10 miles south of Sutton on county road Sutton E-10 320 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Harlan County Reservoir at Alma on U.S. 183,136 Alma F-8 17,278 13,000 Controlled by U.S. Corps of Engineers Harms Lagoon, 2 miles east and 3 miles south of Clay Center on county road Clay Center F-10 60 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Harvard Marsh, 4 miles west, 1 mile north of Harvard Harvard E-10 280 Land and water acreage varies with rainfali. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Hayes Center, 12 miles northeast of Hayes Center on county road Hayes Center F-5 78 40 Hedgefield, 3 miles east, 1 mile south of Hickman Hickman E-12 70 44 Hord Lake, 2 miles east of Central City on U.S. 30 Central City E-10 64 20 Hull Lake, 3 miles west of Butte on Nebraska 12,2 miles south on Nebraska 11 Butte A-9 36 5 Indian Cave State Park, 1 mile east, 1 mile north of Barada Barada F-14 2,600 James Ranch, near Crawford Crawford B-2 10,000+ 50+ Jeffrey Canyon, 5 miles south, 3 miles west of Brady on county road Brady E-6 35 11 SWISS STEAK II

Dry marinated steak and brush it with garlic butter. Add salt and pepper. Sear it on both sides in a little bacon grease and put it in a Dutch oven. Add the following:

1 onion, chopped fine V2 teaspoon monosodium glutamate 2 tablespoons tomato catsup 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons water Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Cover tightly and cook over moderate heat for about an hour or until tender. If the water cooks out, add a little more, or a little dry wine.

A venison stew makes an excellent one-dish meal with a novel flavor that is sure to please the palate without end.

POT STEW

Cut several pounds of lean venison into one-inch cubes and dredge them in seasoned flour. In a Dutch oven or heavy kettle, melt 1/4 pound of butter and saute the following until golden brown:

1 pound mushrooms, cleaned and sliced . 1 cup chopped onion 1 green pepper, chopped

Remove the vegetables from the pot and add the meat, searing it on all sides. Add more butter, if necessary. Return the vegetables to the pot, and add enough beef stock (or canned bouillon) to almost cover the meat and vegetables. Let this simmer, covered, for about 2 hours. Then add:

1 cup red wine 4 or more potatoes, cubed 4 or more carrots, thickly sliced 1 can whole-kernel corn

Bring this to a boil; turn down the heat, and simmer slowly until the vegetables are done.

You could also add one or two peeled, cored, and sliced apples, and one cup chopped celery. A dash of herbs always helps, but this recipe has the object of providing a tasty stew that retains the flavor of the venison without overpowering it. When the stew is about done, add more seasoning if desirable. (Previous two recipes courtesy of Doubleday and Company, Inc., New York, published in Outdoor Cook's Bible..

Not only may recipes specifically designed for venison be used, but your favorite beef or pork recipes may be adapted to substitution of venison for the meat called for. Try them.

THE END 54 NEBRASKAland

Outdoor Calendar

HUNTING Squirrel-September 1 Cottontail-September 1 Grouse-September 18 Deer-(Archery)-September 18 Antelope-(Firearm)-September 25 Nongame Species-Year-round, statewide. State special-use areas are open to hunting in season the year-round unless otherwise posted or designated. FISHING Hook and Line-All species, year-round, statewide. Bullfrogs, July 1 through October 31, statewide. With appropriate permit may be taken by hand, hand net, gig, bow and arrow, or firearms. Archery-Nongame fish only, year-round. Game fish, April 1 through November 30. Sunrise to sunset. Hand Spearing Underwater Powered Spearfishing -Nongame fish only, year-round, sunrise to sunset No closed season on nongame fish. Game fish, August 1 through December 31. State Areas State Parks-The grounds of all state parks are open to visitors year-round. Park facilities are officially closed September 15. Other areas include state recreation, wayside, and special-use areas. Most are open year-round, and are available for camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and horseback riding. Consult the NEBRASKAland Camping Guide for particulars. FOR COMPLETE DETAILS

Consult NEBRASKAland hunting and fishing guides, available from conservation officers, NEBRASKAlanders, permit vendors, tourist welcome stations, county clerks, all Game and Parks Commission offices, or by writing Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68503.

WHERE TO HUNT NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN Map Grid State Recreation Area B OJ « OJ 3 Acreage B If Cabins Camping Drinking Water Fireplaces Rest Rooms Shelter Houses Picnic Tables Trailer Spaces Fishing so m gfj 3D state sp Federal Land T= * _ B OJ >2 ~ «» _ O. ■— " Ln J- ~ f- ?"* O b DnS'TDa'fD^ 42 -esi_«BB-aa>c Jensen Lagoon, 6 miles south 1 mile east of Norman on county road Norman F-9 465 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Johnson Reservoir, 7 miles south of Lexington on U.S. 283 Lexington E-7 543 2,061 Jones Marsh, 2 miles east, 2 miles north of Atlanta Atlanta F-8 166 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Kearney, %mile east, 1 mile north of Fort Kearny State Historical Park. Just off Nebraska 10. Area is on a county road Kearney E-8 152 Kildeer Basin, 3 miles east, IV2 miles north of Wilcox on county road Kildeer, 2Vfe miles north of Martell on county road Wilcox Martell F-8 E-12 38 69 20 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Krause Lagoon, 4 miles west, 3V2 miles north of Shickley on county road Shickley F-10 277 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Lake McConaughy, 11 miles north of Ogallala on Nebraska 61 Ogallala D-4 5,492 34,760 Privately owned lodging available Lake Ogallala, 9 miles north of Ogallala on Nebraska 61 Ogallala D-4 339 320 Lange Lagoon, 2 miles south, Vz mile east of Sutton on county road Sutton E-10 160 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Lewis and Clark Lake, 15 miles north of Crofton on Nebraska 98 Crofton B-ll 1,227 Privately owned lodging along shoreline from Gavins Point Dam to Santee, Nebr. Limestone Bluffs, 6 miles south of Franklin on Nebraska 10,2% miles east on county road Franklin F-9 479 Lindau Lagoon, 6 miles south, 4 miles east of Axtell on county road Axtell F-8 152 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood. Entrance on Vz mile line, west side of section Loch Linda, Vz mile north, 2 miles east, Vz mile south, IVt miles east from Alda Interchange on 1-80 Alda E-9 25 35 Fishing in Platte River Long Bridge, 3 miles south of Chapman on county road Chapman E-10 108 86 Long Lake, 20 miles southwest of Johnstown on county road Johnstown B-7 30 50 Long Pine, northwest of Long Pine, just south of U.S. 20 Long Pine B-7 154 Trout fishing. Local inquiry recommended. Louisville, Vz mile southwest of Louisville on Nebraska 150 Louisville E-13 142 50 Macon Lakes, Vimile south of Macon Macon F-9 550 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is marked by green and white sign of canvasback brood Mallard Haven, 2 miles north of Shickley on county road Shickley F-10 664 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Maloney Reservoir, 6 miles south of North Platte off U.S. 83. Marked access road. North Platte D-6 132 1,000 Massie Lagoon, 3 miles south of Clay Center on Nebraska 14 Clay Center F-10 670 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified bygreenandwhite sign of canvasback brood Medicine Creek, 2 miles west of Cambridge on U.S. 6-34, 7 miles north on access road Cambridge F-7 i 1 6,726 1,768 Concession - rented trailer space. Public trailer spaces available also Memphis, just north of Memphis on Nebraska 63 Memphis E-12 160 48 Merritt Reservoir, 26 miles southwest of Valentine on U.S. 83 Valentine A-6 6,146 2,906 No hunting permitted north of a line from boat ramp and parking area to west abutment of the dam Metcalf, 14 miles north of Hay Springs on county road Hay Springs B-3 1,317 Milburn Diversion Dam, 2 miles northwest of Milburn on county road Milburn C-7 317 355 Moger Lagoon, 3 miles east of Clay Center on Nebraska 41, 3 miles south on county t road Clay Center F-10 « 120 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Morphy Lagoon, Vz mile west, 1 mile south of Grafton Grafton E-10 62 Land and water area varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood. Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Division), entrance west of Halseyon U.S. 2 Halsey C-7 90,350 U.S. Forest Service land, special regulations Nebraska National Forest (Niobrara Division) 10 miles south of Nenzel on Nebraska 97 or by trail west from Merritt Reservoir Nenzel A-5 116,000 U.S. Forest Service land. Check at headquarters for special regulations. Campground under development SEPTEMBER 1971 55   WHERE TO HUNT NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN c ta 0. m X 3 u G= O 3 U tm J Ol oc u m— 3 m— v. C3 V «x 09 LO ZO *f3 U Oi S> a> *-3 ♦— f-3 Li- Acreage r3 3 u a. e3 LO 0 CO 0 c o> *— m .5 .t, ■3 a ae c a> if a> m * b, urn 8 — ~ — «> = 3 «3 ■- .— O «X CJ CJ CO u- Rest Rooms Shelter Houses Picnic Tables Trailer Spaces Fishing m as ae Oi 09 m Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge District) lies east and west of Chadron along U.S. 385 Chadron A-3 102,392 Two camping areas. Red Cloud picnic grounds 5 miles south of Chadron, 1 mile east on access road. Spotted Trail campground, 10 miles south of Chadron on U.S. 385, just west of highway. Public hunting areas are marked. Nine Mile Creek, 3 miles east of Minatare on U.S. 26, 7 miles north on county road Minatare C-2 0 180 0 Stream fishing as posted Niobrara State Park, 1 mile east of Niobrara on Nebraska 12 Niobrara B-10 0 405 3 Deer hunting in designated superintendent Oglala National Grassland, 6 miles north of Crawford on Nebraska 2 or north of Harrison on Nebraska 29 Crawford or Harrison B-2 B-l 94,700 Camping facilities are located at Toadstool Park Highway 2. Public hunting areas are marked with Forest Service signs. Camp-fires in designated areas only. Maps available by writing U.S. Forest Service, Chadron, Nebraska Olive Creek, 1V2 miles east of Kramer on county road Kramer E 12 438 175 0 4 ► Omadi Bend, 2 miles north, 3 miles east of Homer on U.S. 73, 77 Homer B-12 33 Backwater of river 0 Pawnee, 2 miles west of Emerald on Nebraska 2, 3 miles north on county road Emerald E-12 1,184 740 0 0 4 > Waterfowl hunting per- mitted in season after Oct. 31 Pawnee Prairie, 8 miles west of Pawnee City on Nebraska 8, 5V2 miles south on county road Pawnee City F-13 1,012 8 0 0 4 » Peterson, 8 miles west of Crawford on U.S. 20 Crawford B-2 2,400 0 0 Peterson Basin, 3 miles south of Bertrand on county road Bertrand F-8 994 0 0 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Pibel Lake, 9 miles south of Bartlett on U.S. 281,1 mile east on access road Bartlett C-9 42 24 0 0 Pintail Marsh, 3 miles west of Harvard on county road Harvard E-10 42 240 0 Platte Valley, from Grand Island to North Platte adjacent to 1-80 as posted 0 0 4 > Areas are in various stages of development. Some have drinking water, picnic tables, fireplaces, other are primitive. All areas offer fishing. Local inquiry recommended Plattsmouth, 2 miles northeast of Plattsmouth, U.S. Highways 34, 73-75, and Nebraska 66 are available routes Plattsmouth E-13 1,465 35 Special regulations apply. Contact area manager. Phone Plattsmouth 296-3494 or Lincoln 434-0641 Plum Creek, 5 miles southwest of Lexington on U.S. 283, 2 miles west on county road, 1 mile south on county road, 5 miles west on county road Lexington E-7 5 320 0 Ponca State Park, 2 miles north of Ponca on access road Ponca B-12 803 Deer hunting only permitted with park superintendent for hunting on adjacent areas Ponderosa, 2V2 miles south from Crawford on Nebraska 2 to access sign, then 4 miles east Crawford B-2 3,659 -----------------------------------------.------------------------------^_ Prairie Dog Marsh, 2 miles east, 2 miles north of Wilcox on county road Wilcox F-8 731 0 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Pressey, 17 miles south of Broken Bow on Nebraska 21 or 5 miles north of Oconto Oconto E-7 1,524 15 0 » Quadhamer Lagoon, 3 miles west, 1 mile south of Hildreth on county road Hildreth F-8 0 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Rat and Beaver Lakes, 30 miles southwest of Valentine on U.S. 83 Brownlee B-6 204 33 0 Rauscher Lagoon, 2 miles south, 2Y2 miles west of Grafton on county road. Fntrance on north side of section Grafton E-10 251 0 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Ravenna, 1 mile southeast of Ravenna on Nebraska 2 Ravenna E-9 53 30 0 Red Willow Diversion Dam, 9 miles north of McCook on U.S. 83 McCook F-6 56 5 0 Red Willow Reservoir, 11 miles north of McCook on on U.S. 83 McCook F-6 4,320 1,628 0 Concession rental trailer spaces; prairie dog hunting Ritterbush Lagoon, 5 miles south of Hildreth Hildreth F-8 81 0 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Rock Creek, 2 miles east, 1V2 miles west of Parks on gravel road Parks F-4 165 50 0

KIDS IN A CAVE

(Continued from page 31)

their magnified shadows to dance on the low, craggy wall in front of them. They rounded a corner and the light faded, finally disappearing completely. The beam from Russell's flashlight became their only guide through the labyrinth. Dampness closed in as if to expel these invaders, and century-old walls became apparitions that glowed momentarily each time the light beam flashed across.

Russell led the way, penetrating deeper and deeper into what seemed to be the very depths of the earth. Names and phrases scratched into the soft walls told them that many others had been here before, but now they were alone.

Mary felt remote from the picnic party outside as she followed Russell, remembering portions of conversation and wondering if Edmund Van Horn's ghost ever came back to roam in this blackness. Van Horn, a miner, died here in 1907.

Historically, chalk was first taken from the 7-foot vein running through Happy Jack Hill to make the walls at Fort Hartsuff in the 1870's, and then in 1878 foundation material of a building in Scotia. The hill was named after Jack Swearengen, a pioneer. The word "happy" was added later when a toboggan slide was carved down its side for winter fun. Commercial mining began in 1890. Rock was blasted loose with dynamite and hauled out with horse-drawn wagons. It was a blast in 1907 that caused the cave-in which killed Van Horn. Dormant for several decades, the mine was opened again in 1930 when the Nelson Paint Company of Omaha used the chalk for manufacturing paint products, but transporting the raw material to Oma- ha by train became too costly. The mine was deserted after the Omaha firm pulled out a few years later. Today it is an attraction for youngsters, developed by the Game and Parks Commission. A lookout atop the hill offers a sweeping view of the North Loup River Valley with Scotia located across the river in the northeast distance. Steps leading to the top were built by the North Loup-Scotia Neighborhood Youth Corps.

Russell and Mary had heard all this at the picnic table but none of it was important now in their black, underground world. They were more interested in exploring the mine to its end.

The ceiling became lower as they wound their way along the narrowing walls. Suddenly they came to a rock barricade, a warning that it might not be safe beyond this point.

"Let's go back," Mary said with a tinge of uncertainty in her voice.

"Oh, come on," Russell encouraged her, "We can make it across."

Cautiously, they climbed over the rocks. Stooping low, they picked their way to a small, circular enclosure and discovered that they had reached the last excavation. They knew the mine was safe, but wondered if rocks ever fell from the ceiling.

A soft, scraping noise made them jump. Russell wheeled around and flashed his 56 NEBRASKAland light on a lizard disappearing into a crevice. Now their hearts pounded.

The reptile was gone but the spook remained. "We should go," Mary whispered, wondering if Van Horn's ghost could hear.

Reaching the other side of the barrier, they retraced their steps, stopping at times to decide which way to turn. Winding passages leading every way made them wonder if they were following the right route back, but soon a faint light appeared in the distance and they knew it was not far to the entrance.

Emerging from the mine's opening, they ran to their parents relaxing around the picnic table. "What was it like?" one of them asked.

Mary bubbled with excitement. "It was really neat."

Russell mumbled something about it being all right and then ran off again, eager for more exploration. The afternoon sun began its descent as he climbed the steps up Happy Jack Hill toward the summit, the ghost of Van Horn safely inside the blackness underneath the hill.

THE END

HOOKED ON BROWNS

(Continued from page 51)

faded to yellow-white on the belly with random black, brown, and red-orange spots marking the sides. A hundred years ago there hadn't been a brown trout in the Snake River, Denny thought, as he slid the fish into a creel slung across his hip. In fact, there hadn't been a brown in the United States. Natives of European water, brown trout were first introduced in this country in 1883 and were subsequently stocked in suitable waters throughout the world.

A bright flash of lightning startled Denny from his meditation. Deep in the canyon, he had been unaware of the storm building up in the west. No time to waste, he thought, hurrying on to the next pool. The approaching storm sent the trout on a feeding spree, and in the next 40 minutes Denny hooked a dozen fish, landing four. He estimated three of the trout at between two and three pounds while the fourth was small, but too badly hurt to release.

Denny glanced at his watch when he felt the first big drops of cold rain. It was after nine o'clock, but he knew he still had almost an hour of fishing light. The long summer days and daylight-saving time made it possible for him to fish after work. By leaving directly from the shop at 6 o'clock he could make the 25 miles to Les Rime's land and be on the river casting by about 6:30. During the winter, early darkness forced Denny to limit his excursions to Sundays, his only day off. The land along the river is privately owned, but Denny usually fishes on Rime's land. Les Rime, a lanky, easygoing Sand-Hills rancher, operates a concession at Snake River Falls and allows fishermen access to his stretch of the river for a small fee.

Denny assayed the next pool carefully, then flipped his lure to a deep eddy on the far side of the river. Seconds later he felt a solid strike and reared back on the rod. The drag on the reel whined as a heavy fish shot upstream and then lay solid in the deep water as if wedged between two rocks. Experience had taught Denny that small and medium-size browns often play acrobat, making one jump after another, shaking and twisting as they attempt to throw the lure. But the big ones almost always fight it out deep, and Denny knew he probably wouldn't see this trout until he was ready to land it. For 10 minutes the battle went on as the trout made powerful runs up and down the pool. Between runs it sulked solidly in the deep water despite Denny's application of as much pressure as he felt the six-pound-test line would stand. Once he thought the fish was gone. It ran to the base of the pool and threatened to keep right on going. Denny knew that if this big trout made it into the fast water it was as good as lost. The monofilament stretched like a violin string before the fish finally turned and finned slowly back into the pool. The trout finally began to tire and Denny worked it in to about 10 feet from shore when the fish made a final desperate lunge. The rod tip doubled, then snapped back, lifeless in his hands.

WHERE TO HUNT NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN ca GL m C3' OJ l-3 u m ac *—« a *— a a. ■ vm a u a> CO b ra r*3 bb «U L> Acreage *-* (3 CO C3 a. 3= a. 3 B C3 03 CO B l_ CO * 0 c_ ai *-* (3 Rabbit Squirrel Be Oi B B di O O 2 *-* CO -0 C3 O BO EL E C3 L— CU C3 * OS B dec er L_ O M CU CJ e»J ex cu hum lZ CO E 0 0 oc CO a? oc CU *VJ 0 3: BB Of cu cu ■2 CJ 0- 00 cu cu n Om tvO 3_ CU ro BB ►— cu CO U. REMARKS: 13 S 13 —J Mm m 13 Rolland Lagoon, 2 miles east, 1V2 miles south of Sutton on county road m ------------. ---------- Sutton E-10 129 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Sacramento Wilcox, 2Va miles west of Wilcox on county road to access sign, or on Polly Line Road southeast from Holdrege Wilcox F-8 0 2,239 400 Area is combination land and marsh Sandy Channel, IV2 miles south of Elm Creek interchange on 1-80. Marked by access sign Elm Creek E-8 0 133 47 Schlagel Creek, 11 miles south of Valentine on U.S. 83,4 miles west on Sand Hills trail Valentine A-6 0 440 1 Limited waterfowl hunting on the creek. Limited pheasant hunting Sherman Reservoir, 4 miles east of Loup City on county road Loup City D-9 0 0 4,721 2,845 0 Sininger Lagoon, 2 miles south of McCool Junction on U.S. 81, 3 miles east on county road or 5 miles north of Fairmont on U.S. 81,3 miles east on county road McCool Junction or Fairmont Ell 160 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified bygreenandwhite sign of canvasback brood Sioux Strip, 2 miles southeast of Randolph on county road Randolph B-ll 0 25 Three separate areas as posted along abandoned railroad right-of-way Smartweed Marsh, 2 V2 miles west of Edgar on Nebraska 119, 2 Vi miles south on county road Edgar F-10 0 40 Approximately 34 acres of of marsh Smith Lagoon, 6 miles south of Clay Center on Nebraska 14, 3V2 miles east on county road Clay Center F-10 397 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Smith Lake, 23 miles south of Rushville on Nebraska 250 Rushville B-3 0 420 200 0 South Twin Lake, 19 miles south of Johnstown on dirt road, 3 miles west on trail road Johnstown B-7 0 107 53 Stagecoach, 1 ¥2 miles south, V2 mile west of Hickman Hickman E-12 0 412 195 0 Sutherland Reservoir, 2 miles south of Sutherland on Nebraska 25 Sutherland D-5 0 36 3,017 0 Swanson Reservoir, 2 miles west of Trenton on U.S. 34 Trenton F-5 0 0 3,957 4,974 0 Concession controlled trailer spaces Teal Lake, 2 miles south of Kramer on county road Kramer E-12 0 66 34 Theesen Lagoon, Vfemile north of Glenville on county road Glenville F-10 80 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white canvasback brood Two Rivers, 1 mile south, 1 mile west of Venice on U.S. 73 Venice D-12 0 643 320 Controlled waterfowl hunting. Check at area headquarters Archery deer hunting only Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, 13 miles south of Valentine on U.S. 83, west on State Spur 483 Valentine A-6 61,000 11,000 Verdon, V2 mile west of Verdon on U.S. 73 Verdon F-14 0 29 45 Victor Lake, 4V2 miles north, V2 mile west of Shickley on county road Shickley F-10 238 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Wagon Train, 2 miles east of Hickman on county road Hickman E-12 0 720 315 0 Waterfowl hunting permitted in season, after Oct. 31 Weis Lagoon, 2 miles north of Shickley on county road Shickley F-10 160 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Wellfleet, V2 mile southwest of Wellfleet on county road west of U.S. 83 Wellfleet E-6 0 115 49 Two privately owned cabins, concession-controlled trailer space Whitetail, V2 mile west of Schuyler on U.S. 30, 3 miles south on county road Schuyler D-ll 0 185 31 Fishing in Platte River Wildcat Hills, 10 miles south of Gering on Nebraska 29, then a short distance east on access road Gering C-l 0 Portion is refuge Wilkins Lagoon, 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Grafton on county road Grafton E-10 501 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Wood Duck, IV2 miles west of Stanton on Nebraska 24, 2 miles south, IVi miles west, 1 mile north on county road .Stanton C-ll 0 311 26 Wood River West, 3 miles south of Wood River on county road Wood River E-9 0 13 15 0 Yankee Hill, 2V2 miles east, 1 mile south of Denton on county road Denton E-12 0 728 210 Yellowbanks, 3 miles north of Battle Creek on Nebraska 121, 2V2 miles west, V2 mile north on county road Battle Creek C-ll 0 254 5 O Fishing in Elkhorn River SEPTEMBER 1971 57   ACCOMMODATIONS, GUIDES, PROCESSING and MEALS The number under each town is that town's zip code for mailing purposes. The number to the right of the zip code is the grid mark on the 1971 NEBRASKAland Road Map and Travel Guide. Maps are available free, upon request, from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503. They are also available at tourist stations, or from NEBRASKAlanders throughout the state, identified by red and white markers. Package service (fourth column) includes sleeping facilities, meals and guide service. For list of other motels in the state, see page 44. NEAREST TOWN NAME AND LOCATION PHONE OK X LU Q. 00 Hi o — K 00 03 UJ UJ — LU O - 00 u. oo _i 2 82 il GAME AVAILABLE REMARKS ALBION 68620-D-10 Ray Berney, 911 West Main 395-6346 dress, freeze 50* Mrs. Marvin Melland, Route 3, 9 miles northeast 395-2266 X X 4 pheasant, duck meals, room $12.50 ALEXANDRIA 68303-F-ll Country-Lakeview Cabins, l/z mile north of Alexandria State Lakes 749-4016 $5 up 14 pheasant, quail, duck, rabbit, deer kitchenettes available; electric heat; bath ALLIANCE 69301-C-3 Jack W. Sonnenberg, 1453 Black Hills 762-3620 X 24 geese, duck, rabbit, grouse, deer, 5 year lease, 5 men to cabin, blind, decoys etc. furnished 1200 acres; membership basis $500 per year; 1 mile west of Lisco on Platte Mrs. John Preiss, Jr., 1023 West Second 762-4658 dress, freeze game birds only ALMA 68920-F-8 Lakeview Motel, First and James Streets 928-2313 $6 20 pheasant, quail, waterfowl dress, freeze 65*; hunting dogs welcome ANSELMO 68813-D-7 Christy Rooms, Henry Christy, Box 56 749-2454 $4 10 dress 40*, freeze 10* ARAPAHOE 68922-F-7 Dale Ator, 601 Chestnut 962-7901 962-7794 8-10 pheasant, quail, duck AUBURN 68305 -F-13 B & B Motel, 517 J Street 274-3143 $7.50 20 AURORA 68818-E-10 Keith Campbell, 918 16th Street (on Nebr. 14) 694-3813 weekends only pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, duck dress, freeze pheasant 50*, duck 75*, quail 35*, rabbit $1, squirrel $1, geese $1.50: Taxidermist available BARTLEY 69020-F-7 Bill Nelson, V* mile north 692-3370 $12 X 11 pheasant, quail, rabbit dress, freeze 50* BASSETT 68714-B-8 Bassett Lodge and Range Cafe 684-3376 X X BL00MFIEL0 68718-B-10 Charles A. Yeager, Box 142 373-2317 $10 6 pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel,duck, geese, grouse, turkey, deer BRIDGEPORT 69336-C 2 Bridgeport Processing Company 71W dress, freeze BROKEN BOW 68822-D-8 Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce, Box 524 872-5691 hunting information; can place hunters Arrow Hotel, southwest corner of square 872-2491 $3.75 up X 70 rooms BURCHARD 68323-F-13 Andrew Schultz, 2 miles south, 1 mile west, IVi miles south of Lewiston 865-4548 $12.50 X X X rabbit, quail, pheasant, squirrel freeze no charge BURWELL 68823-C-8 Rodeo Motel, east edge of town 346-3115 $6 up 2-10 freeze no charge for customers CAMBRIDGE 69022-F-7 Medicine Creek Lodge, Route 2, 2 miles west, 8 miles north, 2 miles west, west side of Struck Lake 697-3774 X X X 17 pheasant, quail, deer, rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl meals, room $12; Minimum guide service $20 per group; dress 40*, freeze 10* Victor Meyers, Route 1 5 miles southeast of Hol-brook on Republican River 493-5326 part-time X X 6 pheasant, quail, rabbit room, meals $10-$12 dress, freeze 50* Henry E. Koch, Route 2, 3 miles west, 7 miles north, 3 miles west 697-3778 $12 part-time X X pheasant, quail, deer, rabbit, duck dress 40*, freeze 10* Paul Klinkebiel, 2V4 miles west, 3 miles north on blacktop 697-3775 part-time X X room, meals $10-12; dress, freeze 35* -50* CHADRON 69337-A-3 Parkway Cabins, James Konopasek, Route 1, Box 39A, 10 miles south on Highway 385 432-3781 X X 10 deer, antelope, turkey kitchenettes Bob Goff, 4 miles west on Highway 20,12 miles south on Deadhorse Road 432-3700 $15 $4 $5 X 15 deer, turkey COMSTOCK 68828-D-8 Riverview Vacation Ranch Philip and Raymond Dowse, 5V2 miles southwest 628-2501 628-2504 $20 X X X 20 deer, pheasant, duck, geese, rabbit, squirrel, quail CORDOVA 68330-B-2 Larsen Game Farm 788-3251 live pheasant $3 CRAWFORD 69339-B-2 Rimrock Ranch, 9 miles northwest 665-2849 $15 deer only deer, antelope, turkey Richardson Hereford Ranch, Box 191, 8 miles east 665-1346 $20 $10 12 deer, turkey CRETE 68333-E 12 Crete Chamber of Commerce, Box 426 826-3100 pheasant, quail, deer hunting information DANNEBROG 68831-E 9 Howard Steffenhagen, Dannebrog Hardware 2262347 2262302 $10 pheasant, deer will provide dogs DODGE 68633 -C 12 Wimmers Dodge Meat Plant Main Street 693-2120 dress, freeze $15-$25; make deer salami and deer salami with cheese EDGAR 68935-F-10 Big Sandy Vacation Farm, Ervin Wenske, 1 mile east, 4 miles north, Vz mile west on Highway 74 224-4121 $13 12 pheasant, quail, duck, rabbit dress, freeze, bag 50*; many duck ponds in area FAIRBURY 68352-F-ll Hotel Mary-Etta X X local information and directions; bird processing GANDY 69137-D-6 Ben Fox, 11 miles west, 3 miles south, 1 mile west of Arnold Arnold 848-3309 $15 7 pheasant dress, freeze 35* GERING 69341-C-l Circle S Lodge, 400 M 436-2157 $8-$20 20 rooms pheasant, deer, duck GORDON 69343-B-4 Em Cheney, 121 North Sheridan, west edge of town 763 dress, freeze duck 40* pheasant 40*, turkey $1.25, geese $1.25. grouse 30* GRAND ISLAND 68801-E-9 Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 309 W Second 382-9210 hunting information Fairplay Produce 382-0624 dress, freeze pheasant 50«, duck 75*, geese $1.25 GREELEY 68842-D-9 Questover Motel, Frank Atwater, Highway 281 4282405 X 17 pheasant, quail Mrs. Marie C. Harris 1 Vz blocks from lumber yard 428-2183 $3 4

He could feel his heart pounding deep in his chest now, and his hands trembled slightly as he reeled in the slack line. Sitting down on a boulder at the stream's edge he breathed in deep gulps of cool air and painted a mental picture of the pool. His disappointment was tempered by the thought of the big trout lying deep in the water, its gills moving slowly, also pulling in oxygen and renewing its strength.

"Bet he'll be a little more cautious in the future," Denny thought with a smile. But he knew the trout would likely remain in the same pool, and that in a few days it would be feeding normally. "I'll be back," Denny warned, as he uncoupled the spinning rod and started the climb out of the canyon.

It was dark when Denny reached the top and turned south toward the lights of the Snake Falls concession stand. Supper had been forgotten while fishing, but now his stomach rumbled persistently.

"Hi, Les, throw me on a couple of hamburgers," Denny said as he entered.

"Coming right up, Denny," Les answered. "How was fishing?"

"Good! I got four pretty fair ones and lost a real dandy."

I T! know the feeling, Les sympathized. "I've got a real grudge match going with a big rainbow just below the falls. I've had him on three times."

"I really thought I had this one to- night," Denny admitted. "I played him for about 15 minutes and was just get- ting him pretty well worn down when he broke my line. Took the lure and everything."

'You ought to put new line on that reel every few years," Les admonished with a chuckle."

"I guess you're right," Denny said with a grin.

As he sipped his coffee, Denny reflected on the changing nature of the river. Dur- ing the winter, large releases of water from Merritt Reservoir had kept the stream flowing bank-full. However, as spring progressed, more and more water 58 NEBRASKAland had been diverted for irrigation and the stream level had dropped accordingly. The minimal flows of mid and late summer had brought trout angling to a near standstill. Denny had always felt that the moderate flows of spring and fall provided the best fishing, but was now firmly convinced that winter was the prime season.

January had been a month to remember. On January 3, the first Sunday of the new year, he had creeled his limit of browns, including one 4-pound, 1-ounce, Master-Angler trout. Then, on both January 17 and 24, Denny had landed a Master-Angler-size brown as well as several smaller trout.

But it was January 31 he remembered best. The temperature had hovered near zero when he arrived at Kime's house. Les' son, Dave, had volunteered to take him to the area above the falls on his snowmobile but had muttered questions about Denny's sanity along the way and had left shaking his head as Denny started the slippery climb down into the canyon. Dave was shaking his head again, but this time in disbelief, when Denny returned several hours later with a 9-pound, 8-ounce brown measuring 26 inches in length. It was the only fish he had caught, but Denny figured it was worth the effort.

Denny's lunker was reportedly the largest trout ever taken from the Snake. However, his record didn't stand for long. In late May another angler, fishing with Les Kime, landed a monster 10-pound, HVfc-ounce brown.

"There's a new state record in there," Les said as Denny prepared to leave.

"I know it," Denny replied. "And maybe I'll be the lucky guy who is in the right place at the time-with new line on my reel."

THE END

Just as Denny predicted, the 1950 state record was broken since this spring fishing trip, although Denny was not the lucky guy. On July 4, Richard L. Miller of North Platte landed a 12-pound, 3- ounce brown trout. The amazing coincidence is that he got his record-breaker from the Snake while fishing on Les Kime's property. Editor

NEAREST TOWN NAME AND LOCATION PHONE UJ §3 OK a. s> UJ U UJ_ Q> — K 3UI C3/> to (9u LU — LU O -" 00 u. to ml UJ S 8° GAME AVAILABLE REMARKS HUMPHREY 68642-C-l 1 Midway Motel, at jet. of Highway 81 and Highway 91 \Vz miles northeast of Humphrey 402-3711 X X 13 units pheasant, quail, squirrel, rabbit dress, freeze; hunting and fishing permits LEWELLEN 69147-D-4 Rishling's Goose Lore, 3 miles east, Vz mile south on north side Platte River, Contact George Rishling, 236 N. Chadron, Chadron, Ne. Chadron 432-2519 LEXINGTON 68850-E-7 Trautman's Meat Center, 720 East 6th Street 324-3441 freeze pheasant, quail, duck, dress and freeze big game Masten's Camper Haven, 2 miles south, south of 1-80, y4 mile west of Conoco Station $3 per camper, rent $10 per camper 36 units deer, pheasant, quail, duck, geese, prairie chicken dress, freeze $1; supplies, ice Lexington Chamber of Commerce 324-5504 hunting information LOUP CITY 68853-D-9 Luther Harmon, Route 1, 5 miles south on Highway 10, 4 miles west 745-1680 $6 $6 12 pheasant, quail, rabbit dress, freeze 50* free self-service dress Ronald Kuhn, Route 1, 11 miles west on 92 or 12 miles east of Ansley Litchfield 466-2223 $15 $5 $5.50 $6.50 8 pheasant, quail, deer dress, freeze 50* John Dzingle, 6 miles north, 2 miles east, 2 miles south on Trail No. 10, Sherman Lake 745-0470 $6 X 8 pheasant, geese, duck dress, freeze 75* LYNCH 68746-A-9 Ponca Valley Oil Company 569-2706 $15 $5 $2 $5 10-15 deer, pheasant, quail, turkey, duck, goose MAOISON 68748-C-l 1 Lafleur's Gun Shop Mrs. Elmer Kuchar, 9 miles west, l3/4 miles north 544-2232 454-6654 X X 6 pheasant, deer hunting permits available $15 for sleeping facilities and meals; meals only $2; will cook for more than 6; reservations necessary MASON CITY 68855-D-8 Harry Ray Boyles \Vz miles south 732-3422 $10 $5 6 pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, deer dress, freeze pheasant 50* McCOOK 69001 -F-6 McCook Chamber of Commerce, 402 Norris Avenue, Box 337 hunting information; can place hunters MILFORO 68405-Ell Rite-A-Way Motel, RFD 1, 2 miles north on U.S. 80 761-2821 X X 30 camping and trailer parking NELIGH 68756-C-10 Neligh Lockers, 105 East 4th 887-4708 dress, freeze deer, pheasant; deer summer sausage, dried venison West Hillview Motel, Mr and Mrs. Orville Kirk, on Highway 275 887-4186 X NEWMAN GROVE 68758 —C-10 Bob's Motel 447-6031 X 40 pheasant local hunting information NORTH LOUP 68859-D-9 Mrs. Alvin Kron, 1 mile north 496-3285 $3 6 freeze OBERT 68762-B-ll Pigeon Roost Lodge 692-3191 $5 15 pheasant, deer, duck, geese freeze; cooking facilities available; accommodations for campers $2 ORD 68862-D-9 Simon D. Walkowiak, Route 3, 4 miles south, 5 miles west 728-3959 $11 $1 $5 $5 15 pheasant, quail, deer dress, freeze 35*; dogs permitted OSCEOLA 68651-D-ll Redwood Motel, east edge 747-6161 $6 X 15 pheasant, quail, ducks, geese freeze no charge OSHKOSH 69154-D-3 Shady Rest Motel, corner U.S. 26 and Main Street 772-4115 $10 $6 up 11 units pheasant, deer, antelope, duck, geese professional guide service ducks and geese only PLATTSMOUTH 68408-E-13 Plattsmouth Lockers, 207 Main Street 296-5110 dress, freeze, skin, cut, wrap deer, antelope $17.50 PONCA 68770-B-12 Big Hill Camp, Jon Schulke, 2 miles northeast on Missouri River 755-2776 (evenings) $25 $10 pheasant, duck, geese dress, freeze 50* RED CLOUD 68970-F-9 Green Acres Motel, Highway 281 746-2201 $7 55 pheasant, quail, deer, waterfowl SAINT PAUL 68873-D 9 Conoco Motel 754-4451 $5-$10 12 units SARGENT 68874-D-8 Bankrupt Guest Ranch, Inc., 10 miles west, 2 miles north at ranch sign Taylor 942-6554 $12 30 pheasant, quail, grouse, deer, rabbit dress, freeze 50* SEWARD 68434-Ell Seward Police Department, City Hall 643-2579 pheasant camping city and state parks; hunting, fishing permits; open 24 hours STUART 68780-B-8 T. R. Hughes, Box 243 6433303 X pheasant, quail shooting preserve 640 leased acres Newman's Guest Ranch, 17 miles north, road well marked from Highway 20 924-3292 $12.50 X X X 15-20 deer, rabbit, prairie chicken, grouse, pheasant, prairie dog modern cabins; dining hall at ranch house TEKAMAH 68061 — C 13 Ralph Kohler, 315 South 14th 374-2747 $15 35-50 duck, geese Bill Tallman 374-2874 $15 35 duck, geese 7 gas-heated blinds VALENTINE 69201-A-6 William Powell, Box 427, 17 miles southwest on Merritt Dam Road, 1 mile west of sign on Merritt Dam Road 376-2699 $30 $15 X X 9 deer, grouse, duck dress only; 4WD vehicle available Ballard Motel 227 South Hall 376-2922 $2-$4 60 Jordan Hotel and Coffee Shop, 112 North Main 376-1440 376-1441 $10 $3.35 up X 40-50 deer, antelope, turkey, duck, grouse, pheasant dress, freeze available Cork's Bait Shop, Corky Thornton, 255 South Main 376-1460 $15 3 duck, grouse, deer WAUSA 68786-B-ll Conrad Frevert, 2Vi miles northwest 586-2709 X X 4 pheasant, quail, rabbit room, meals $10; freeze Albert Sukup, Route 2, 5 miles south, lVs miles west 586-2447 X X X X 10-12 pheasant, rabbit part-time guide service; freeze no charge WHITNEY 69367-A-2 Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Hamm, 8 miles southeast of Whitney, northeast turnoff on Highway 20 665-1760 X X 8 room, meals $10 JackHartman, P.O. Box 117 667-1528 X X X X 7 YORK 68467-E-ll Mr. and Mrs. Bob Pence, Route 2, IVi miles east on Highway 2 and 34 362-8691 $25 5 pheasant freeze 25* Staehr Motel, Route 1, 1 mile north of York courthouse 362-4804 $4-$5 15 rooms pheasant, quail dress, freeze, bag 60*; self-service for dress, freeze SEPTEMBER 1971 59

Roundup and What to do

STATE FAIR WILL whirl into Nebraska with all the candied apple-cotton-candy excitement of an entire state's get-together. The midway will be a nighttime mass of swirling lights and whirring motors. Judging of beef, pies, and garden produce will be the highlight of the event for eager 4-Hers who have spent months preparing for the big week.

Top-name entertainment will be on the agenda in the grandstand during the celebration, and throughout the fairgrounds will be exhibits from all-electric living to state park vacations to all types of farm equipment.

A full schedule of other events will fill Indian summer days with the joy of old-time harvest festivals. At Lake McConaughy near Ogallala, NEBRASKAland's largest sailing spectacle will glide through the Labor Day weekend. Last year, the first Governor's Cup Sailing Regatta attracted almost 80 boats from four states —Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. This second of the annual events is expected to draw from 125 to 150 sailing vessels. The best times in four out of the five races will determine trophy winners.

Tammy Conyers of Columbus has found that swinging along with the breeze counts as another fun-time activity. Tammy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Conyers, is a graduate of Columbus High, and a freshman at Wayne State College where she is majoring in Spanish and P.E. Among her titles she lists Waterama Queen at the Columbus Water Show and Miss Nebraska Photogenic. Tammy likes sewing, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, ice skating, and music.

The King Korn Karnival at Plattsmouth is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The coronation of a King and Queen of Korn will kick off the festivities, followed by myriad other attractions. There will be talent shows, the naming of the Air Force Family of the Year, and a carnival. The riverboat "Belle of Brownville" will be available for cruises, and there will be music galore with western bands, street dances, and square dances. The Grand Parade is one of the biggest in the state, and the Shriners will be appearing in it. A horse show will round out the activity fare.

Nebraska's No. 1 football team will begin a new season September 11 with opposition from the University of Oregon. The second home game of the season will be against Minnesota September 18. All attention will center on Big Red through the rough-and-tumble of its four-month season.

Horse racing will be part of the entertainment picture until September 25, and Madison Downs at Madison will be the scene of the action. For 17 big days the ponies will give their all to the excitement of a competitive sport, then move to Atokad in South Sioux City September 29 to November 6th.

Hunting will be big in September with the archery antelope season already underway. Cottontail and squirrel seasons open September 1, followed September 18 by grouse and archery deer seasons. Antelope hunting with firearms will begin September 25. This russet and gold season of smoke-filled dawns is a leisurely time to track game through the tangles of cover that still remain in NEBRASKAland.

Golf will continue to entertain enthusiasts until the frost is on the pumpkin, and two tournaments in September will help to make the competition keen. The first is scheduled in Central City September 5 and 6, and the Indian Summer Open at Hastings is planned for September 25 and 26.

Fishing is still popular in NEBRASKAland, and white bass is one of the favorite targets as the water cools, and appetites of both fish and fishermen grow.

Rodeos, trap shoots, boating, hunting, and fishing—autumn's mellow days offer a variety of activities, those of summer and those of winter. The thrill of Big-Eight football piles onto the excitement of horse racing as the days speed by into winter's closed-in months.

What to do 1 — Cottontail season open 1 — Squirrel season open 1-Doane College Centennial, Crete 2-8 —Nebraska State Fair, Lincoln 3-4-Harvest Festival, Arnold 4 —Centennial Day, Arapahoe 4-6-Annual Flotilla Trip, Bellevue 4-6 - Labor Day Celebration, Schuyler 4-6-Governor's Cup Sailboat Regatta, Ogallala 5-Registered Trap Shoot, Cozad 5-6-Men's Open Golf Tournament, Central City 5-6 —Rodeo, Bridgeport 6-Registered Trap Shoot, Cozad 6 - Labor Day Barbecue, Wausa 9-25-Madison Downs Horse Racing, Madison 10-11-Hay Days, Cozad 11-Market Day Festival, Edison 11-Oregon vs. Nebraska, football, Lincoln 12 —Rose Show, Seward 13-Meat Animal Exposition, Norfolk 14-Queen Coronation and Musical Revue, Humboldt 17-18 —State Square and Round Dance Convention, Hastings 18 —Archery deer season opens 18 —Grouse season opens 18-Minnesota vs. Nebraska, football, Lincoln 18-19-Fall Festival, Wallace 18-19-Oregon Trail Days, Oak 19-Registered Trap Shoot, Beatrice 23-26-King Korn Karnival, Plattsmouth 24-October 2-Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Show and Rodeo, Omaha 25- Firearm antelope season opens. 25-26-Old Time Thresher's Reunion, Niobrara 25-26-Indian Summer Open Golf Tournament, Hastings 26-Registered Trap Shoot, Lincoln 29-November 6-Horse Racing, Atokad, South Sioux City THE END 60 NEBRASKAland   Land of the Prairie Pioneer and STUHR MUSEUM Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 Winter Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. through Sat. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. Guided and School Tours. Information and group rates available upon request Fonda Filmstrip Tour—Collections —Exhibits IN LINCOLN it's the CONGRESS INN or the New SENATE INN MODERN LODGING COCKTAIL LOUNGE Tops in Food West O Highway 6 GUN DOG TRAINING All Sporting Breeds Each dog trained on both native game and pen-reared birds. Ducks for retrievers. j All dogs worked individually. Midwest's finest facilities. WILDERNESS KENNELS Henry Sader-Roca, Nb. (402)435T406 68430 conoco WOODY'S SERVICE Restaurant Ice Brake Service Road Service 1-80 INTERCHANGE NORTH SUTHERLAND, NEBR. TAKE A SPIN WHERE THE WEST BEGINS.. NEBRASKAland

LEGEND IN RED

(Continued from page 18)

Coach Devaney who admits that "Kinney is the finest I-back in the nation, a real All-America candidate."

Explosive Johnny Rodgers, often referred to as Johnny Jet, is one of the most exciting Husker running backs since the galloping days of Bobby Reynolds. Rodgers heads into his junior-year campaign for Big Red this season after a highly successful season last year in which he led as NU receiver with 35 catches, racking up 665 yards, including 11 trips across the goal line during regular season play.

It's what's up front that counts, and returning center Doug Dumler and guard Dick Rupert are two of the Big Eight's finest linemen. Tight end Jerry List adds additional "umph" to the Scarlet's offensive line as an exceptional blocker and an accountable receiver with good speed. Two tackles, one guard, and a split end must be sewn up offensively before Nebraska meets the highly regarded Oregon Ducks for their season opener September 11.

Dependability is a way of life for the Devaney-era blackshirt legions, and 1971 will be no exception. The formidable blackshirts take their coined name from the fact that in practice sessions the defensive unit wears black pullover vests to distinguish themselves from the offense. Solid, Ail-American candidate Willie Harper is back as defensive end after a brilliant effort in last year's Orange Bowl tilt with LSU. Another strong contender for national honors on the defensive roles is big, strong, tackle Larry Jacobson at 6 feet, 6 inches and weighing 250 pounds. A terror on the pass rush, Jacobson anchors the Huskers' defensive line.

Veteran cornerbacks Joe Blahak and Jim Anderson team up with safety expert Bill Kosch to offer stronger-than-words opposition to the pinnacle of aerial attacks. Blahak, a sophomore last season, led the NU blackshirt backs with 58 tackles and picked off six passes. Three of Blahak's interceptions were against K-State's heralded Lynn Dickey.

Several key positions must be filled in the defensive area, including a monster man, middle guard, a tackle, and a linebacker. But, like the offense, alternates for 1970 logged valuable learning time last season, and the undefeated freshman team will reveal some exciting new talent.

Graduates from last year's sparkling freshman team who promise Husker fans some upcoming excitement include fullback Maury Damkroger, halfback Glen Garson, ends Jeff Hill and Tim Lackovic, tackle Stan Hegener, and center Dennis Zanrosso. Defensive sophomores with established records include tackle Dan Lynch and linebacker Rich Sanger.

Defensive line coach, Monte Kiffin, in his fifth year as full-time coach, is at least a bit optimistic about the upcoming year.

"In looking ahead to a challenging 1971 season, our defense appears solid. We're looking to veteran defensive tackle Larry Jacobson for strong leadership. Finding replacements for Jerry Murtaugh and Dave Walline presents a problem, but some strong players emerged in spring camp that we hope can do the job. Monster-man Dave Morock also left a big hole in our linebacker legions, but Dave Mason is back as Morock's understudy and also John Pitts is a contender for the position. The 1971 Big Eight race is shaping up to be one of the toughest. All of the teams have to be beaten, and Oklahoma will be one of the major obstacles. The Sooners gave us all we wanted last season and they have almost their entire team back, led by quarterback Jack Mildren. Colorado also has the talent to take the crown if they can put it together."

Storming out of the Pacific northwest into Lincoln on September 11 for the Huskers' opening game, the upset-minded Oregon Ducks will be loaded for Nebraska. With eight offensive and nine defensive Duck starters back, the Huskers will have their task laid out for them. The Ducks last year came up with thrilling wins over UCLA, USC, and Air Force despite an unconvincing 5-4 final record.

Oregon is the first of four consecutive games slated for Husker turf. Minnesota's Golden Gophers are next on the agenda, September 18, boasting a strong defensive secondary that backs up their overthrow threats. The Gophers have seven offensive and six defensive starters returning to the gridiron.

From the Southwest Conference come the Texas A&M Aggies for a September 25 showdown with Big Red. Tabbed to finish strong in the Southwest Conference, the Aggies will field an unheard of 10 offensive and 10 defensive starters from last year. The offensive strength of the Aggies is built around a strong aerial game that hinges on passing artist Lex James. Capable of the big game, the Huskers should find plenty to keep them busy that afternoon.

The Huskers wind up their non-conference battles with Utah State on October 2, with the exception of a December 4 journey to Hawaii, and then clash head-on with the Missouri Tigers in Columbia October 9. Long-time Tiger coach Dan Devine has moved on to the professional ranks leaving his successor Al Onofrio with only three offensive and six defensive returning starters. Although figured for a difficult season in the always-tough loup race, Missouri will undoubtedly carry a tough punch and work at 100-percent effort to overthrow the nation's champs.

The Huskers are back in Lincoln on October 16 to deal with the Kansas Jay-hawks. Under the direction of new head coach Don Fambrough, the Jayhawks have a strong nucleus from which to construct a winning team. Fall camp at Lawrence, Kansas, will see eight returning defensive starters and seven offensive regulars from last season grooming for their strike at the Huskers.

With six games down and six to go, the Huskers travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for an October 23 scuffle with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. In all probability, the Cowboys will present more than a scuffle to the mighty Big Red as rugged determination and consistency of fielding a tough team are a part of Cowboy tradition.

Stampeding Lincoln's Memorial Stadium October 30 are the Golden Buffaloes of Colorado. The Buffs appear short SEPTEMBER 1971 63   on returning veterans, but seem long on sophomore talent. Eddie Crowder has yet to yield to Nebraska without a hassle and this year will be no exception.

The first Saturday in November will find Nebraska spending a busy afternoon with the Iowa State Cyclones. Shattered by the Huskers last season, this year the Cyclones have more material with which to offer resistance to the Big Red machine. Seven returning offensive starters will give the Iowans a stronger scoring punch and a bevy of new talent waiting for a chance to prove themselves.

After losing 25 lettermen last year, including passing wizard Lynn Dickey, the purple pride of Kansas State have a total of eight returning starters with which to challenge the Cornhuskers November 13. Big Red will travel to Manhattan for the clash with Vince Gibson's Wildcats. Most Husker fans will remember the last trip Big Red made to Kansas State in 1969 when the game wasn't decided until the final pistol shot with Nebraska winning 10 to 7.

On their last corner of the powerful loup, in search of their third-in-a-row Big Eight title, the Scarlets will meet the explosive Oklahoma Sooners in Norman November 20 as both teams take to the air waves over national TV. The Sooners should be the Huskers' biggest obstacle in conquering the Big Eight crown, as they return nine offensive and seven defensive regulars from last year. Quarterback Jack Mildren is back to direct the Sooner attack that boasts one of the most dynamic backfields in all collegiate football. Big Red boosters will remember such names as Joe Wylie, Leon Crosswhite, and Greg Pruitt from the 1970 Husker-Sooner contest in Lincoln when the Huskers cinched the conference crown with a nerve-shattering 28-21 victory.

Wrapping up the 1971 schedule December 4, the Huskers wing their way to Hawaii for a non-conference meet with the Rainbow team.

Head Coach Bob Devaney plunges into his tenth season at Nebraska this fall as the winningest football coach in America, a distinction that he has held for six years. Devaney's lifetime record now stands at an incredible 114 wins, 28 losses, and 6 ties.

Coach Bob has led the Cornhuskers to seven bowl games in nine years, has captured the Big Eight championship six times in the past eight years, and last season coached the Huskers to their first national championship.

Named Football News' coach of the year for 1970, Devaney's winning tradition has had a great impact on the entire state of Nebraska. In the dog days of late summer, the shrill cries of "We're Number One" still echo about the state as the subject of Big Red is always in the air.

Big Red fans are a legend in themselves, as they flock to where the Cornhuskers are playing, dressed in acres of flowing red, and cheering until the last pistol crack. Since Devaney's arrival in the state, Memorial Stadium has been enlarged four times and now boasts a seating capacity of more than 67,000. But, that's still not enough seats for the pigskin-crazed Husker fans. Conservative estimates prophecy that ticket sales would grow by thousands if seats were available.

Each home-game Saturday, Nebraska's capital city throbs with excitement as the 67,000 lucky ticket-holding fans flock to Lincoln and Memorial Stadium. Thousands more stick close to their radios to get all the play-by-play, colorful action from one of many veteran Husker football broadcasters.

Lyell Bremser of KFAB, Omaha, a veteran announcer of many a Big Red clash, has his own ideas:

"Nebraska will be capable of defending their national championship, but it is highly doubtful they can pull it off. To win a national championship requires a ton of talent and a little luck along the way. Nebraska has the talent. In fact, they may be stronger this year than last, so the only things against them are the odds. There is an old saying that 'a football bounces funny'. If it bounces right, they can win it all again. A couple of bad bounces and the title will pass on.

"Some of the top sophomore prospects are split end Tim Lackovic, defensive tackle John Dutton, offensive tackle Bob Wolfe, defensive end Tom Alward, defensive cornerback Randy Borg, defensive back John O'Connell, and versatile Glen Garson. Garson's position is uncertain. He is capable as split end, flanker, or defensive back.

"As for myself, the upcoming season will be my thirty-third. I began broadcasting in 1939 while attending NU. I figure it this way...I broadcast so many losing seasons that I don't intend to quit while they are winning. As long as Bob Devaney's heart can hold out, so will mine."

And Dick Perry, one of the Huskers' top boosters and Lincoln's KFOR's pigskin newsman for 11 years, thinks the No. 1 team has plenty of potential.

"Returning Cornhusker personnel are definitely capable of repeating as both Big Eight and national champions. But, in a game of inches like football, Big Red must get some crucial breaks as well as play good, strong ball. The Husker offensive team will miss Joe Orduna and the expert blocking of Dan Schneiss. One of the best blocking backs ever to play on a Devaney team, Schneiss' shoes are going to be tough to fill. Oklahoma, Colorado, and Missouri will be tough contenders for the Big Eight crown with the Sooners pushing exceptionally hard. Several ex-frosh players, including quarterback David Humm and halfback Dan Westbrook, should add extra punch to the Huskers' scoring potential. Until someone beats Big Red, they're No. 1 with me."

In making their championship defense bid, Nebraska starts the 1971 season riding a lengthy 19-game winning streak. And, despite the pre-season speculations that favor the Huskers all the way, the road to No. 1 is long and rocky. And, even if the Cornhuskers post an undefeated season and come out winners in a major post-season bowl game against a strong opponent, there is no written guarantee that they will retain their top national standing. The honor rests on a vote and quite feasibly another undefeated team could garner the crown.

Time tells all, and the Cornhuskers' do-everything-better-than-anybody-else football combine will soon write its own story. Indeed, the credentials for winning are there in terrific balance. And, while it might be the height of optimism, in talking of last year's championship squad that raced for 2,554 yards on the ground and gained 2,080 yards in the air while pushing 409 points on the scoreboard during regular season play, veteran Husker trainer Paul Schneider sums it all up in saying: "We were building last year."

THE END

Just in time for the hunting season! LOTS & LOTS OF GVHS AND 48-HOUR GUN SERVICE All Popular brands of RE-LOADING EQUP'T. All size shot & wads AT BIG SAVINGS! Specials on Carry lite DECOYS FULL SELECTION OF BEAR & BEN PIERSON Archery Equipment Left-Handed WEATHERBYS in stock SAVE ON DAISY, CROSSMAN & SHERIDAN BBGuns — $5.66 & up Serving 7 States Open 7 days a week FIN & FEATHER GUN SHOP 3303 North 93rd Street Omaha 64 NEBRASKAland

NEBRASKAland TRADING POST

Acceptance of advertising implies no endorsement of products or services. Classified Ads: 18 cents a word, minimum order $3.60. November 1971 closing date, September 9. Send classified ads to: Trading Post, NEBRASKAland, State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509 DOGS AKC hunting dogs. Irish setters, English Spk. spaniels, pups, dogs and stud service. Also Westie and Basenji in December. Kirilu Kennels, Hebron, Nebraska 68370. Tele. (402) 768-6237. AKC Vizsla puppies, Dual champion sired for show or field. O'Cedar Kennels, Box 45, Mead, Nebraska 68041. (402) 624-3520. AKC Vizsla pups, excellent hunters and pets, stud services, Freeman Guide & Sports Service, Valentine, Nebraska 69201. Phone (402) 376-2703. AKC registered Vizsla pups. Excellent blood line. Write Tom McQuade, 2401 East 2nd, North Platte, Nebraska 69101. AKC Vizsla pups, excellent hunters and pets, stud services, Freeman Guide & Sports Service, Valen Tine, Nebraska 69201. Phone (402) 376-2703. HUNTING DOGS: German shorthairs, English pointers, Weimaraners, English, Irish, and Gordon setters, ' Chesapeakes, Labradors, and golden retrievers. Registered pups, all ages, $60 each. Robert Stevenson, Orleans, Nebraska 68966. O'CEDAR Labradors. Champions in both show and field James M. Sweeney, Mead, Nebraska 68041. Phone (402) 624-3520. MISCELLANEOUS "A" FRAME cabin. Build for under $500. Com- nlete easy to read drawings and instructions. Send $2 00 to Dependable, Dept. R-4, Box 113, Vista, California 92083. AFRICANS 3V2 up, $12.00-1000. Beyond 3rd zone 25$ extra. Postpaid. Chf's Worm Hatchery, Law- rence, Kansas 66044. ATTENTION grouse hunters: grouse safari in the Sand Hills C. W. Gumb, Burwell, Nebraska 68823. Phone 346-5077. EXTRA income. Make $1.00 per sale selling engraved metal Social Security plates Free sales kit. Engravaplates, Box 10460-7119, Jacksonville, Florida 32207. HOW much are your bottles worth? ''Bottle Collector's Handbook—Pricing Guide' identifies, prices over 2 500 collectible bottles. $3.95 postpaid. (Guaranteed!) Infobooks, Box 5001-NL, San Angelo, Texas MIDWAY Motel, Humphrey, Nebraska Phone 3711. Junction highways 81 & 91. Electric heat, soft water, phones, huntin g permits NEW, used, and antique guns, $1 for year of lists or stop in at Bedlan's Sporting Goods, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352. "PREPARE for driver's test". 100 questions and answers based on Nebraska Driver s Manual. $1.03. E Glebe. Box 295, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352. SOLID plastic decoys. Original Do-It-Yourself Decoy-Making Kit. All species available. Catalog 25 cents. Decoys Unlimited, Box 69E, Clinton, Iowa 52732. $300 for your child's photo. Send photo for approval. Returned. CPR, Inc., 216FYZ-Pico, Santa Monica, California 90405. WINCHESTER Model 12's, 70's, 1890's, 61's, 62's, 63's, 42's, 21's, brass frames, year of lists $1. Bedlan's, 14th & E, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352. WINEMAKERS yeast, recipes and catalog 25$. Special lager beer recipe mcluded. Kraus, Box 451-SK, Nevada, Missouri 64772. REAL ESTATE FOR sale. Business property 300' X 120', located on Highway 2 and 385 in Alliance, Nebraska. Ideal location for a motel and filling station. Phone 762-3612. FOR sale; 960 acres on Plum Creek, Brown County, Nebraska. Native grass and timber. Quite rough but hunters paradise. Deer, turkey, ducks, and grouse. $60.00 per acre—terms. James Fredrickson, Broker, Long Pine, Nebraska 69217. GOVERNMENT lands—Low as $1.25 acre! Available for recreation, investment, or homesteading. For latest report, send $1.00. Western Lands, Box 1555-TP, Tacoma, Washington 98401. GOVERNMENT lands. Low as $1.00 acre. Millions acres! For exclusive "copyrighted report" . . . plus "Land Opportunity Digest" listing lands throughout U.S.; and valuable 17 x 22 treasure map of U.S., send $1.00. Land Disposal, Box 9091-NE, Washington, D.C. 20003. Satisfaction guaranteed. GOVERNMENT lands . low as $1.00 acre! Millions acres! For exclusive "Government Land Buyer's Guide" . . . plus "Land Opportunity Review" listing lands available throughout U.S., send $1.00. Satisfaction guaranteed. United Lands, Box 19108-XI, Washington, D.C. 20036. TAXIDERMY BIG Bear Taxidermy, Route 2, Mitchell, Nebraska 69357. We specialize in all big game from Alaska to Nebraska, also birds and fish. Hair on and hair off tanning. 41_ miles west of Scottsbluff on Highway 26. Phone 635-3013. CREATIVE taxidermy in all its branches since 1935. Tanning and deerskin products. Display room. Mountings, rugs, mineral specimens and rockhomid material. Joe Voges Naturecrafts, Nebraska City. Phone (402) 873-5491. CUSTOM taxidermy. 25 years experience. John Reigert, Jr., 865 So. 39th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510. Phone 489-3042. KARL Schwarz Master Taxidermists. Mounting of game heads - birds - fish - animals - fur rugs - robes - tanning buckskin. Since 1910. 424 South 13th Street, Dept. A., Omaha, Nebraska 68102. REAL life mounting of all specimens. Coram. mounted pheasants and ducks. Profile geese decoys, turkey calls. Gene's Taxidermy, Aurora, Nebraska 68818. TAXIDERMY work—big-game heads, fish-and-bird mounting; rug making, hide tanning, 36 years experience. Visitors welcome, Floyd Houser, Sutherland, Nebraska. Phone 386-4780. TAXIDERMY work, game heads, birds and tanning at lowest prices. Joe Honcik, 2724 Olive Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68147. TAXIDERMY work. Recreate big game heads, fish, birds, and small animals. Visitors welcome. Larry's Taxidermy Shop. House of Birds, 1213 Second Street. Fairbury, Nebraska 68352. Phone 729-2764. SCOBpIO pBePicts. foR a6s with a lot of competitive sting, nely on neBRASkalanc- classifieds thROUQhout the calendaR yean November copy deadline: September 9

OUTDOOR NEBRASKAland of the Air

SUNDAY a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. Noon p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. KHAS Hastings (1230) 6:45 KMMJ Grand Island (750) 7:00 KBRL McCook (1300) 8:15 KRFS Superior (1600) 9:45 KXXX Colby. Kan. (790)10:15 KRGI Grand Island (1430) 10:33 KODY North Platte (1240) 10:45 KOTD Plattsmouth (100) 12 KCOW Alliance (1400) 12:15 KFOR Lincoln (1240) 12:45 KLMS Lincoln (1480) 1:00 KCNI Broken Bow (1280) 1:15 KAMI Cozad (1580) 2:45 KAWL York (1370) 3:30 KUVR Holdrege (1380) 4:45 KGFW Kearney (1340) 5:45 KMA Shenandoah, la. (960) 7:15 KNEB Scottsbluff (960) 9:05 FRIDAY KTCH Wayne (1590) 3:45 p.m. KVSH Valentine (940) 5:10 p.m. KHUB Fremont (1340) 5:15 p.m. WJAG Norfolk (780) 5:35 p.m. KBRB Ainsworth (1400) 6:00 p.m. SATURDAY KJSK Columbus (900) 6:00 a.m. KICS Hastings (1550) 6:15 a.m. KRNY Kearney (1460) 7:45 a.m. KEYR Scottsbluff (690) 7:45 a.m. KICX McCook (1360) 8:30 a.m. KTNC Falls City (1230) 8:45 a.m. KSID Sidney (1340) 9:15 a.m. KTTT Columbus (1510) 11:15 a.m. KCSR Chadron (610) 11:45 a.m. KGMT Fairbury (1310) 12:45 p.m. KBRX O'Neill (1350) 4:30 p.m. KNLV Ord (1060) 4:45 p.m. KKAN Phlllipsburg, Ks. (1490) 5:15 p.m. KOLT Scottsbluff (1320) 5:40 p.m. KMNS Sioux City, la. (620) 6:10 p.m. KRVN Lexington (1010) 6:45 p.m. KJSK-FM Columbus (101.1) 9:45 p.m. DIVISION CHIEFS C. Phillip Agee, Bureau Chief, Wildlife Services Harold K. Edwards, Land Management Glen R. Foster, Fish Production Carl E. Gettmann, Law Enforcement Jack Hanna, Budget and Fiscal Ken Johnson, Game Earl R. Kendle, Research Dick H. Schaffer, Information and Education Lloyd Steen, Personnel Jack D. Strain, Parks Lyle K. Tanderup, Engineering Bob Thomas, Fish Management CONSERVATION OFFICERS Ainsworth—Max Showalter. 387-1960 Albion—Robert Kelly, 395-2538 Alliance—Marvin Bussinger, 762-5517 Alliance—Richard Furley, 762-2024 Alma—William F. Bonsall. 928-2313 Arapahoe—Don Schaepler, 962-7818 Auburn—James Newcome, 274-3644 Bassett—Leonard Spoering, 684-3645 Bassett—Bruce Wiebe, 684-4867 Benketman— H. Lee Bowers, 423-2893 Bridgeport—Jbe UI rich, 262-0541 Broken Bow—Gene Jeffries, 872-5953 Columbus—Lyman Wilkinson, 564-4375 Crawford—Cecil Avey. 665-2517 Creighton—Gary R. Ralston, 425 Crofton—John Schuckman. 388-4421 David City—Lester H. Johnson, 367-4037 Fairbury—tarry Bauman, 729-3734 Fremont—Andy Nielsen, 721-2482 Gering—Jim McCole, 436-2686 Grand Island—Fred Salak, 384-0582 Hastings—Norbert Kampsnider, 462-8953 Hershey—Gail Woodside, 568-5896 Lexington—Robert D. Patrick, 324-2138 Lincoln— Leroy Orvis, 488-1663 Lincoln—William O. Anderson, 432-9013 Lincoln—Dayton Shuitis, 434-8926 Milford— Dale Bruha, 761-4531 Millard—Dick Wilson, 334-1234 Norfolk—Marion Shafer, 371-2031 Norfolk—Robert Downing, 371-2675 North Platt*-Dwight Allbery, 532-2753 Ogallala—Parker Erickson, 284-2992 O'Neill-Kenneth L. Adkisson, 336-3000 Ord—Gerald Woodgate, 728-5060 Oshkosh— Donald D. Hunt, 772-3697 Plattsmouth—Larry D. Elston, 296-3562 Ponca—Richard DTurpin, 755-2612 Riverdale—Bill Earnest, 893-2571 Rushville—Marvin T. KampbeM, 327-2995 Sidney—Raymond Frandsen, 254-4438 Stapteton—John D. Henderson, 636-2430 Syracuse—Mick Gray, 269-3351 Tekamoh—Richard Eiston, 374-1698 Valentine— Elvin Zimmerman, 376-3674 SEPTEMBER 1971 65

THREE-TO-ONE

(Continued from page 35)

explained on the drive along the Loup power canal.

An old wooden bridge used by farmers and fishermen would be the morning's next stop.

A healthy growth of cottonwoods lining the man-made waterway served handily to camouflage the car. Lee's foot-stomping act midway across the bridge shook loose a brace of birds. A brown-tinged bird fell to the second blast of Bob's custom over-under. Lee's only shot rattled the trees under the other bird.

"Looks like you're going to do a little fishing for that trick," the zoology student quipped.

Luckily, the current brought the bird close to shore and Bob rescued the winged trophy from concrete debris jutting out into the murky water.

"The life styles of these birds are almost as erratic as their flight patterns," Lee observed on the way to another barn reputed to sport a healthy flock of the variegated fowl. "That wooden bridge used to be a roost for a dozen or more pigeons, just like that first farm we stopped at. One day they're so plentiful they present a problem to the landowner, and the next day the whole kit and caboodle has moved out."

The farmer's wife confirmed that discussion. Pigeons just weren't around their weathered barn this year. A season before they had been plentiful. She did offer a tip, though. The farm up the road a piece had more pigeons than the owner thought he wanted. They would be a good bet.

Singles and doubles dotted the barn eaves and an irregular flock drifted out into a field as the off-season gunners coursed the dusty road.

"Sure, have a go at 'em," was the landowner's response. "Years back we had nest boxes up, but now there are more than we want."

The oversize doves were sprinkled everywhere, but so was the livestock. While there was no concern about hitting one of the critters, the cattle's reaction to a shotgun discharging 10 feet away was another question.

"That flock of birds that went over the hill is probably the safest bet here," Bob concluded, foregoing the easy gunning around the buildings. "Let's give them a go."

But the fickle birds did not alight in the field to feed as expected. Several hills and a fence separated the gunners from their game. Lunch and the dressing out of the morning's bag held higher priority.

"That bridge is right on the way in," Bob casually tossed out for nibbles. Thoughts of those 10 or 20 elusive birds that had left the pair standing cold, but with both barrels smoking earlier in the morning, still gnawed at the hunters' pride.

"Might as well," the other agreed, "we can't let those foul birds off that easily."

Same approach, same shots, but different results was the story of their return to the bridge. Bob complained about not being able to follow birds swinging to the right as well as to the left as he drew two spent cases from the chambers. Lee, while faring better, blew his chance at a second double for the day, dropping one cleanly but only reaming a few new patterns into another bird's rudder.

Labor, though, is a close companion of pleasure, and a good 30 minutes of picking followed the morning's limited success.

"It would be a lot easier to skin them out, but all the moisture and flavor is lost when any kind of bird is roasted without benefit of its hide," was Lee's response to Bob's question on how to attack the downed game. "We'll probably stuff and roast these fellows while you're here. You can pass judgment on how they compare with California doves."

Hunkered over a growing box of multicolored feathers, Bob filled the Ne braskan in on California culinary arts. "We usually skin the young rock doves or mourning doves, slice the breast in two pieces and panfry. The older birds we pick and roast."

Four birds for 15 tries was an average neither could tolerate, and the afternoon began with resolutions to beef up their record. Ratios of that sort are similar to those on pass-shooting doves, Bob explained, somewhat less concerned with the superficially poor showing. Those sleepy looking birds that dot many a sloping barn roof had proven to be birds of a different color when flushing wildly.

A mammoth tile barn, framed by a matching pair of silos, looked birdy. In fact, Lee knew it was birdy. Only a mile from town, it has been the hunting ground for many a boy with BB gun in hand. Tiles with broken faces created cavities that were naturals for the nesting pigeons. The unique old barn was as close to being wild pigeons' habitat as anything around. Again a co-operative landowner paved the way.

"They'll probably head for the cupola on top of that wooden barn down the riill as soon as you start shooting," the duo's host suggested. "A fellow between the two should get some good pass shooting."

Lee drew honors for the pass-shooting position. The first of a brace breaking from under the overhanging roof folded to Bob's 12-gauge, the second stretched out to the trap-load's limit and shook off the pellets' dusting.

Reverberations shattered the afternoon silence. Twenty or more birds careened from the barn and headed directly for the old wooden structure. A smooth follow-through and trigger release dumped the first bird Lee pulled on. Another fell to the other barrel for his second double of the day. Separated from their usual retreat, the flock circled once and each hunter claimed another pigeon as they swept by. Winging it off to the west, the flock ended that shooting-gallery action.

"Two more stops and I think we can call it a day," Lee proposed as they drove toward town after leaving the farm.

"Don't know if there are any birds under this old railroad trestle anymore or not, but it's good for a try. I gave the railroad agent up the way a call yesterday and got the go-ahead to hunt the right-of-way. Contrary to widespread belief, railroad lands are not automatically open for recreational use," Lee said, dropping fresh loads into his gun's twin slots.

The whole escapade lasted no more than several minutes. Lee walked out onto the bridge spanning the muddy drainage ditch, but the action was all Bob's as two hustlers blasted out from under the trestle. Pulling on the closer of the pair, Bob dropped one neatly at the stream's edge. Lee fared poorer as his pigeon swooped over the bank affording only a rushed snap shot that did not hit home fully. A tuft of tail feathers was all he could claim.

"Those guys really move out! Most shots I've missed today can be chalked up to not enough lead. My follow-through has been good but I've been underrating their speed," Lee confessed.

By early afternoon the sun climbed to its zenith, as did the temperature and humidity. Even with proper field care the birds could not be held long. One more stop and it would have to be a day.

Same setup, similar barns, same wiry birds, and the established three-to-one ratio told the story at the day's last stop. Lots of birds, lots of misses, but enough outstanding shots to brag about back home.

Bob parted the wings on the last bird of the day as it dipped out of the door — the afternoon's bird No. 10. That made 14 for the day. After tallying the number of shots fired and stacking them up against the bag count, the similarity between dove and pigeon hunting was established.

"Out our way, one dove for three shots is considered average - anyone with less than that is a hotshot on doves," Bob summed up. "We must have spent about 40 shells for the 14 birds, so we beat the three-for-one average by a tad. All in all, I would say pigeons are pretty similar to shoot, or shoot at to California doves, even though hunting techniques are entirely different" Bob was amazed at the number of mourning doves in the area.

"We have seen more today than we see during several days of hunting on the coast. You're missing out on some exceptionally good hunting. I would be the first non-resident hunter in line if they decided to open a season here."

Lee, too, had confirmed his theory that the semi-wild pigeon could provide an important off-season game crop for Nebraska hunters. With dwindling cover for more usual game birds, and the pesticide-insecticide problem coming to a head, game animals that can adapt to man's seemingly endless plundering and mismanagement of the environment may be the only animals around to provide recreational hunting in the future. If we stay on our current course the pigeon may be the game bird of the future. In the meantime, they provide an off-season challenge for rusty scattergunners and a delicacy for the table.

THE END 66 NEBRASKAland

"^> 9 LOCATIONS OGALLALA NORTH PLATTE NORFOLK FREMONT GRAND ISLAND TWO LOCATIONS KEARNEY OMAHA LINCOLN