For the record...

National Hunting and Fishing Day

Back in 1901, Nebraska began assessing a $1 fee for the privilege of hunting and fishing. In 1934, the United States Congress authorized the Federal Migratory Bird Stamp, commonly known as the "duck stamp". Later came federal legislation levying special excise taxes on sporting arms, fishing tackle, and some related equipment.

All of this was done at the behest of sportsmen, who responded to the crying need for the protection and management of wildlife. In effect, they placed a tax upon themselves to finance greatly needed programs. They justly merit the accolades they have received. They deserve the commendations expressed in the long-overdue declaration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, which will be observed September 23.

This, however, is past history. It simply will not do for hunters and fishermen to rest on their laurels and sigh contentedly that they have done their bit. Now, more than ever before, they must rally to the defense of the sports they enjoy. Never before have outdoorsmen been under such a concerted attack as that being directed toward them today.

Strict preservationists, taking advantage of the growing ecology movement, have gained a forum, and they are using it for all it is worth. They are calling, long and loud, for complete abolition of hunting. Unfortunately, they are also making points with the millions of uncommitted Americans who do not participate in the sport.

Therefore, it behooves hunters and fishermen to unite to tell their side of the story. They must be as vocal as those who seek to do away with their sports. But, they must also be armed with facts, not emotion. A heated clash between factions will serve no useful purpose, succeeding only in widening the breech that must be bridged.

National Hunting and Fishing Day, with all of the accompanying attention focused on it, then, will provide the unique opportunity for sportsmen to present their views. Every organization of outdoorsmen in Nebraska must make the success of National Hunting and Fishing Day the No. 1 item on its agenda.

Each group should open its doors and extend its hospitality that day, inviting the public to tour its facilities and meet the members. Personal contact can do much toward alleviating strong feelings, for there are always two sides to every issue.

The Game and Parks Commission plans such open houses at its central offices in Lincoln, its district offices in Alliance, Bassett, Norfolk, and North Platte, as well as some other manned areas. It is the Commission's hope that sportsmen throughout the state will take time to see the facilities and learn more about the Commission's various endeavors. And, just as important will be the newcomers who wish to meet Commission personnel and be introduced to the state's wildlife management programs. Friendly hosts will welcome all.

Individual sportsmen can also piay their part simply by taking someone new along on a fishing or hunting trip. A good introduction to the sports of hunting and fishing can go a long way toward making a true outdoorsman out of a previously non-consumptive user. Bird-watchers, photographers, and others have too long enjoyed their hobbies while sportsmen footed the bill.

Willard R. Barbee Director Nebraska Game and Parks Commission SEPTEMBER 1972

SPEAK UP

(Continued from page 4) from the Nebraska communities of Beatrice, Ceresco, Concord, Gothenburg, Hartington, Hastings, Holdrege, Lincoln, Loup City, Monroe, Osceola, Omaha, Plattsmouth, Shubert, Sidney, and Wolbach, plus a deluge of telephone calls. — Editor.

HOW IT WAS- In regard to Speak Up, February 1972, I would like to explode this myth of Buffalo Bill Cody killing Indian Chief Yellow Hand in personal combat.

"I spent a few weeks in Crawford in the summer of 1967, and while there I became acquainted with the late Howard Dodd. He was an oldtimer of the Crawford community and was very familiar with the early history. Howard told me how it was.

"The Indians at the Red Cloud Agency, located east of Fort Robinson, were leaving the agency on the quiet and heading for Montana to join up with the great Chief Sitting Bull. This was in the spring of 1876. There were not enough soldiers at Fort Robinson to hold these Indians in check. Two troops of the Fifth Cavalry were sent from Fort Laramie under the command of Colonel Wesley Merritt, to help keep the Red Cloud Indians from getting away and joining up with those who later took part in the Custer massacre on June 25, 1876. Buffalo Bill was the scout with this Fifth Cavalry command on their way to Fort Robinson. He was out ahead of the troops and saw some signs that they were getting close to a large band of Indians and reported this back to Colonel Merritt in charge of the troops.

"Bill thought that the wagon train was lagging too far back and suggested to the colonel that they should shake a leg and move up closer to the cavalry. The colonel agreed and immediately sent a courier back to tell the train to get a move on and get up closer to the troops. But the courier didn't get to the wagon train as he was killed by the Indians that had cut him off.

"The troops were waiting at the big hill when the train arrived. During this time, there were a few stray Indians riding by in plain sight of the soldiers. They made several passes and each time they came closer. Finally, the colonel said, 'The next time those Indians come by you men, smoke them up a little.' Well, he had no more than issued the order when another group came by on the dead run and some of the cavalrymen blazed away and killed one Indian and one horse. An Indian whirled his pony, came back and picked up the dismounted Indian, and got away with him over the hill to the south.

"Buffalo Bill identified the dead Indian as Chief Yellow Hand. The colonel ordered some of his men to build a fire and burn the dead chief. Buffalo Bill scalped Yellow Hand and had the scalp on his belt. Some time later, Yellow Hand's father offered to trade many ponies for the return of the scalp."-R. G. Rockey, Ewing.

SEPTEMBER 1972

How to: Camouflage Clothing

Custom-made gear is great, economical duds also work

WITH SEVERAL big-game seasons opening this month, hunters will want camouflage clothing to disguise themselves as they await their targets in tree blinds or stalk game in the woods. If a set of old, light-colored work clothing is available, the sportsman may, in a few simple steps, turn it into a good camouflage suit. Tie dying will create the random patterns that best match a hunter's surroundings.

Choice of fabric is perhaps the most important step in the tie-dying process. It needs to be durable, but not durable press, permanent press, or waterproof. Natural fibers take dye best. Anything chemically treated is likely to repel it. You will want fabrics that are light in color, so forget about bluejeans and dark work shirts.

The next step is choice of colors. For big-game hunting, colors can vary considerably, as deer and antelope are considered to be color blind. While firearm hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange of a given intensity, archery hunters may want to consider experimenting with orange incorporated into their camouflage. This will make them visible to other hunters, but not so much to the game.

SEPTEMBER 1972 All about Nebraska

[image]

SANDHILL SUNDAYS AND OTHER RECOLLECTIONS By Mari San doz Stories of Nebraska's Sandoz country "retain the author's affection for the land, her family feeling and her clear depiction of the time and place. Frontier feuds, hardships, Indian neighbors and an entire way of life are described in this warm and wonderful book"—The English-Speaking Union. Cloth $5.00 BOSS COWMAN: The Recollections of Ed Lemmon, 1857-1946 Edited by Nellie Snyder Yost Lemmon, a Nebraskan, managed the largest fenced pasture in the world (865,000 acres) and bossed the biggest single roundup in history. "Sparkles with humor, bristles with the rattle of six-shooters"-Roundup Cloth $6.95 NEBRASKA: A Pictorial History Compiled and edited by Bruce H. Nicoll "A work every Nebraska family should have" - Nebraska History. 372 rare photographs, paintings, drawings, and maps. Cloth $6.95/paper $3.95 THE RIVER AND I By John G. Neihardt In 1908 the author built a boat and descended the Missouri, a voyage of 56 days. "A book to give the conventionalized city-dweller a wholesome jolt" — Dial. "A delightful outdoor book"—American Library Assn. Includes original photographs. Paper $1.95 THE OMAHA TRIBE By Alice C. Fletcher and Francis La Flesche Volume I: Origins, early history, environmental beliefs, tribal organization and government, sacred pole, quest for food. Paper $3.50 Volume II Social life and societies, music, warfare, disease, death and burial, religion, language. Paper $3.50 At bookstores or from UNP University of Nebraska Press Lincoln 68508

[image]

UNP

11   TRAVEL TIP OF THE MONTH Join the fun at the 41st annual Kass Kounty King Korn Karnival at Plattsmouth September 21-24. The celebration, originally a farmers' "Thanksgiving," features numerous parades, including bands, clowns, floats, and a "Korny" theme. The brightest moment occurs when the Kass Kounty King and Queen are crowned.

[image]

KING

KING KORN KARNIVAL PLATTSMOUTH SEPT. 21-24

[image]

YOUR INDEPENDENT Insurance Agent SERVES VOU FIRST

This message brought to you by your local INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT who is a member of the Nebraska Association of Insurance Agents Beautiful Johnson Lake

[image]

BAIT TACKLE GAS OIL CAFE MOTEL GROCERIES LAUNDROMAT OVERNIGHT CAMPING COMPLETE BOAT REPAIRS PUBLIC BOAT RAMP BOATS MOTORS STALLS OFF SALE BEVERAGES NORTHWEST SIDE OF LAKE ON BLACKTOP (308) 785-2618 HARDERS LAKEVIEW MARINA Kingsley Lodge

[image]

Lake McConaughy (south end of dam) Cafe-Cabins-Fishing Tackle —Fishing Boats & Pontoons-Fishing & Camping Information Bob Propst, Guide; Walleye & Trout-Pontoon Fishing-Pontoon Excursions P. O. Box 236, Ogallala, Nebraska 69153 Phone (308) 284-4975 FIND Treasure! With a Garrett metal mineral detector. The Recognized Leader in the Treasure Hunting World Free Literature The Spartan Shop 335 No. Williams Fremont, Nebraska 68025 (402) 721-9438 AUTHORS WANTED BY NEW YORK PUBLISHER Leading book publisher seeks manuscripts of all types: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, scholarly and juvenile works, etc. New authors welcomed. For complete information, send for free booklet R-70. Vantage Press, 516 W. 34 St., New York 10001 12

For fall camouflage, a selection of three warm colors from the gold-brown-orange range might be the best choice. If foliage is still dark, two different greens mixed with brown is a logical choice. Winter camouflage should consist of light tans and browns on white.

To begin the dying process, fold the garment. The manner of folding or gathering will determine the pattern. One type of pattern is formed by folding into accordion pleats for the full length and tying at intervals with string or rubber bands. The dye will not completely penetrate the areas that are tied, giving the uneven effect desired. The more ties you use, the less color the garment will take.

Once the garment is prepared, mix the first color of dye with hot water, but make it somewhat more concentrated than the instructions on the package demand, since you will be dipping rather than soaking the fabric. Dip the entire garment into the dye, leaving it for not more than a minute. The longer it remains in dye, the less pattern you will get. Take the fabric from the dye solution and immerse it immediately in cold water to stop the dye action.

Next, take off all the ties and allow the garment to dry before giving it another bath. Repeat the process for the remaining two colors.

For a different effect, the garment may be gathered into little tufts and tied. This provides a rough, round pattern. You may also poke the centers of the tufts back in for still another effect. Once tufted, the fabric is dipped the same as pleated garments.

A third method of creating camouflage is the "squeeze-bottle method". To do this, use a squeeze bottle with a small hole. Place the entire package of dye in the bottle with hot water, and squeeze dye on the fabric in any pattern desired. When it is immersed in cold water, the dye will bleed and colors will blend into each other.

Once you've mastered the technique, you may want to camouflage a tent, or a hat, or a bow cover, or any number of outdoor items. Then, the teenage members of the family may take over with the faded effect seen so frequently in sports clothes. Or, how about that faded dress. Tie dying could bring it right back into the swing of things.

Any number of other ways to dye camouflage might be discovered through experimentation. Try it, and happy hunting! THE END

NEBRASKAland

Hunting Nebraska

First-time gunners in the state will have questions, and hopefully some of them will be answered in this brief summary

FAMILIARITY, so the old proverb says, breeds contempt. But, for the hunter, familiarity breeds optimism and a sense of well-being. At least it does when it comes to deciding on a territory in which to pursue game.

There is a kind of tradition that comes with hunting the same area each year, and only when a new type of game is sought, or when a person is particularly adventurous, does he investigate an unfamiliar region. Terrain, weather, laws, expenses, and hunting techniques themselves pose questions. So, even though success has not been the best in the old haunts, it is easier to return there than to seek out unscouted, uncertain lands elsewhere. Much the same is true for anyone just taking up the pursuit of game with gun or bow.

For the benefit of those who have not hunted in Nebraska before, whether for pheasants, quail, turkey, waterfowl, or big game, a few questions which might arise hopefully will be answered here.

Perhaps the most obvious question might be what a hunting trip will cost. Permit fees for nonresidents are $26 including the $1 upland-game bird stamp. With this license, ail small and upland game in season is available, including waterfowl with the federal stamp. The federal waterfowl stamp costs $5 and one from any state is valid for the designated year. Other expenses will be roughly comparable to any place else in the nation, although some service and food costs might be somewhat less, Small-game permits are available from sporting goods stores, most county clerks, and hundreds of vendors throughout the state. For big game, permits should be obtained before leaving home, as they are sold on a unit basis, each with a quota, and some will be sold out. Cost for a nonresident deer or antelope permit is $30, and for turkey $15.

When it comes to selecting clothing for Nebraska hunting, there are no hard and fast rules. Temperatures in the fall vary markedly from downright warm to nippy brisk. Perhaps the most sound advice is the suggestion to bring several layers of light-to-medium-weight clothing and a favorite jacket. Mornings, at least, will be cool, and if it warms during the day, one or two layers can be removed to stay comfortable. Rain is unlikely in November, as is snowfall, but neither is impossible. Heavy dews will dampen cover, so waterproof pants will be welcome indeed.

Type of cover will vary with different areas of the state. If you concentrate on harvested corn and mtlo fields in the south-central region, you might expect easy walking, but there are always those brushy draws that someone in the group wants to kick out. Few parts of Nebraska pose difficult terrain, especially in bird country. For the most part, they are extremely flat or slightly rolling. Portions of the southwest are termed "canyon country", but they, too, are relatively tame. As to which areas offer best hunting, there can be some argument Each section of the state has pockets of both high and low bird populations which vary from season to season.

Up-to-date information can be obtained from the Game and Parks Commission before starting the hunt. Five district offices and conservation officers throughout the state can provide suggestions. Most locals are extremely helpful in directing hunting efforts. Generally, the eastern, southern, and western parts of the state boast pheasants. Quail usually are abundant in the eastern and southern counties of the state with water courses providing the most attractive cover.

Dogs are helpful in most types of hunting, and in most cases they will have no difficulty. Some terrain, notably farther west, will have burs and prickly pear, however, and dog boots are almost a necessity. Retrievers are somewhat more popular than pointers, partly because dogs must have considerable stamina to cover a Jot of ground, especially in heavy cover. Finding downed birds is perhaps the most valuable service a dog performs. Dogs brought into the state must be free of infectious diseases and must have current rabies shots. A veterinarian's health certificate must be carried by each dog's owner.

  Surplus Center TEBfP TRAVELER 7000 BTU Catalytic Heater

[image]

$27.99 ( ON-092-ZPH ) - - Puts out 7000 BTU's of flameless heat. Uses disposable propane cylinders for fuel. Can be adapted to bulk propane bottles. Reaches full heat in 45 seconds. Heat adjustable. Great for tents, trailers, campers, home, shop, etc. ( 9 lbs. ) ( sON-092-ZHA ) - - Adapter hose with P.O.L. fitting, adapter valve and check valve. Adapts above heater to refi liable, bulk propane tank. 5-foot length. U.L. approved ( 3 lbs. ) # ( #ON-092-BPT ) - - 20 lb. reliable propane fuel tank for use with above heater. Get even greater economy from your heater by filling from bulk. ( 23 lbs. ) $16.88 $7.88 Down Insulated Coat With Hood

[image]

$44.90 a ( =ON-092-MWC ) - - Mountain Product's 254 Wall Coat. A rugged alpine coat for year round use. Insulated with goose down and features a high, down collar. Detachable hood is also down insulated. Drawstring waist, elastic cuffs, zipper closure with snap down over flap. Pockets are down insulated. Shell is finest quality Ripstop nylon. Color choice blue or red. Sizes S, M, L and XL. ( 2 lbs. ) Car-Truck Gun Carriers

[image]

2-Place Model Shown 0 The safe way to carry guns in your station wagon or pickup. Holds guns securely. Plastisol coating prevents nicks and scratches. Padlocks not furnished with lockable models. ( *ON-092-T2 ) - 2-place ( 3 lbs. ) $2.59 ( ffON-092-T3 ) - 3 place ( 4 lbs. ) $3.29 ( -ON-092-T2L ) - 2 pi. lockable ( 3'/2 lbs. ) $3.19 ( *ON-092-T3L ) - 3 pi. lockable ( Aft lbs. ) $3.88 Mail Order Customers Please Read We are happy to fill orders by mail. Please use the item number and title of item you desire. Weights are shown to help you determine shipping costs. Include enough money for postage. We immediately refund any excess remittance. Including money for shipping costs lets you avoid the extra expense of G.O.D. and other collection fees. NOTE: Nebraska customers must include Sales Tax on total purchase price of items. Shooters "Feel" Gloves $2.88 Per Pair Sizes S, M, L. ( 8 oz. )

[image]

finest hunting glove ever designed. Thumb and fingers designed to give "natural touch" and "feel". When you pull the trigger you get the same feel as though without gloves. Also used by mail carriers, policemen, truck drivers, etc. Finest 100°c wool, soft grain leather palm strap and finger tips. Choice of red or green color. Dacron Insulated Coveralls BIG SMITH*

[image]

( -ON-092-ICA ) $17.99 to Dacron insulated coveralls make an excellent gift for hunters, ice fishermen, farmers, all outdoor workers. Quality made by BIG SMITH of finest materials. Heavy duty, wind-proof outer shell, nylon inner lining, 3.3 oz. Dacron 88 insulation, zipper closure, 2 zipper breast pockets, 2 back pockets, 2 front pockets, sleeve pencil pocket. Sizes 36 to 46, short, reg. or long. ( -ON-092-BCA ) - -Same coveralls as above except in sizes 48R or50R for the "BIG MEN".(5 lbs.) $19.99 Browning Sportsman's Boots

[image]

Waterproof Insulated $33.88 (-ON-092-BWI ) - - Insulated 9" boot that are guaranteed waterproof. Cleated sherpa soles and German speed lacing. Glove leather lining, cushioned insoles. Sizes 8 to 14, D and EE widths. ( 6 lbs. ) Ridge Roamer Hikers $26.99 ( *ON-092-BRR ) - - Rough-out leather 6" hiking boots. Glove leather lining and ankle padding. German speed lacing. Vibram soles and heels. Sizes 7ft to 13 in N, M and W widths. (4 lbs. ) SURPLUS CENTER Dept ON-092 Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 Saf-T-Bak Hunting Clothes

[image]

Hunting Coat $14.99 Sizes 36 to 50 (3 lbs. ) ( ON-092-SHC ) - - SAF-T-BAK brand hunting coat features 2-ply, 11.53 oz. duck, double layer sleeves, recoil pad on right shoulder, bi-swing back. Seamless nylon rubberized game pocket with zipper also acts as drop seat. Lower pockets are fitted with 6 all-guage elastic shell loops each. Corduroy collar, license hanger under collar. Martexin water repellent finish. Hunting Trousers

[image]

$11.88 ( -ON-092-SHP ) - - SAF-T-BAK brand hunting trousers are 2-ply heavy Army Duck with reinforced bar tacking, front leg and seat panels ofcoated nylon. Martexin water repellent finish. Waist sizes 30 to 48. ( 2 lbs. ) Shell and Game Vest

[image]

$4.50 ( -ON-092-SHV ) - - SAF-T-BAK brand hunting vests are made of 6 oz. enameling duck and featurea zipper front, 12 all-guage elastic shell loops, 2 full front pockets. Zip-off game pocket is rubberized, hand washable, rip resistant. Sizes S, M, L and XL. ( 2 lbs. ) SERVUS Pacs & Waders Rubber footwear by SERVUS. American made to highest specifications of finest materials to give the user greatest comfort and longest wear. These boots are the finest you can buy! insulated Zipper Pacs

[image]

( -ON-092-ZBP ) - - Insulated rubber boot pacs with zipper closure, steel shank, cushion insole. Foot protection to 20-degrees below zero. Size 6 to 13. ( 6 lbs. ) $16.88 Rubber Breast Waders $29.95 ( =ON-092-CHW ) - -Rugged, light weight, comfortable. Proper design assures easy movement. Sizes 6 to 14. ( 12 lbs. ) Jumbo Size Sleep Bag

[image]

COMFY $32.95 (-ON-092-YJB ) - - COMFY "Yosemite Jumbo" 42" x 87" finished size bag furnishes that extra room for persons 6 ft. tall and over. 65% cotton, 35% nylon outer shell. 6 lbs. improved DACRON 88 insulation with temp, rating to 0 F. Full separating zipper lets you zip 2-units together to make up a double size bag. Two air mattress pouches, flannel lining, insulated weather seal at zipper. Attached head canopy. ( 11 lbs. ) ( #ON-092-YJL)--Flannel liner for use with above bag. Fits ties built into bag. Washable so you can keep your sleeping bag always clean and fresh. $4.79 New Dacron Fiberfill II Insulated Sleeping Bags

[image]

Oil PONT CJeON FIBERFILL II New, Hirsch-Weis (White Stag) bags featuring the newDupont Dacron Fiberfill II. It is 85% as efficient as prime goose down in insulating qualities yet won't mat down when wet or lose its insulating qualities when wet as readily as down. Double layer construction gives more loft and warmth and is stitched in a manner that eliminates chances of cold spots. Drawcord hood, weathersealed zipper, nylon rollup ties, etc. Stuff sack is included. ( #ON-092-HWB-1 ) - - Tapered style, 32" x 82", 3 lbs. Dacron Fiberfill II. ( 43« lbs. )..$37.88 ( #ON-092-HWB-2 ) - - Mummy style, 32" x 88", 3 lbs. Dacron Fiberfill II. ( Ah lbs. ).....$39.88 ( #ON-092-HWB-3 ) - - Mummy style, 32" x 96", 3 lbs. Dacron Fiberfill II. ( 5 lbs. ).......$42.50 132-Piece First Aid Kit

[image]

$7.49 ( #ON-092-FAK ) - - A good First Aid Kit is a "must" for every home, auto, truck, camper, etc. Here's a well equipped, top quality kit in a sturdy metal case that's designed for carrying or mounting on a wall. Meets specs, of U.S. Occupational and Safety Health Act. Contains: 4-Sterile eye pads 2-Gauze bandages 1" x 120" 1-Triangular bandage 2-Gauze bandages 2" x 120" 37" x 37" x 52" 1 -Sterile cotton-10 grams USP 1-Tube burn ointment 1-Adhesive tape 1" x 90" 1-Box (12) aspirins 1-Surgical gauze 1 sq. yd. 2-Ammonia inhalants 10- Gauze pads 2" x 2" 1-Scissors 100-Adhesive bandages 4-Antiseptic wipes x 3" 1-First Aid Handbook Sportsman's 100% Wool Blankets ( "ON-092-SWB ) - - 62" x 82" size. Use in cabins, tents, auto, stadium, spare rooms, etc. Colors; blue, green khaki, gray, maroon. ( 5 lbs.) Avg. Net Wt., 3'/4-3H lbs. $5.67 16 NEBRASKAland

True sportsmen can have a good hunt anywhere, but a prime area doesn't hurt matters. Check with officials or local people to zero in on "gamiest" territories

For those totally unfamiliar with pheasant hunting, let it suffice to say that these birds are shrewd and sneaky. They like corn and grain, weeds, clover, alfalfa, and many other foods, but at times they will be seen on short-grass fields, plowed ground, roads, and many other unlikely places. Normally, they will be hanging around in roosting cover from late afternoon until sunrise or an hour or so after. Then they move to feeding areas. About midday they seem to disappear, leaving feeding areas for loafing and dusting, usually in remote sections of low or sparse grass or weeds.

Depending upon hunting pressure, weather conditions, and other factors, pheasants may sit so tight you can literally step on them, or they will fly out the opposite end of a field half a mile ahead. Posting hunters at the far end of a large field helps, but these conniving birds will readily go out*the sides or double back and flush behind the driving gunners. Expect the most unpredictable, contrary behavior, and you won't be disappointed. Generally, however, look for fields with the most concealment-heavy weed growth between corn rows and the like. If roosting cover, food, and water are all present in an area, it is ideal.

Deer hunters can almost select the type of terrain they prefer. Wide-open spaces in the vast, rolling Sand Hills of north-central Nebraska are the home of mule deer, but so are the rugged buttes and canyons of the northwest Pine Ridge; also prime turkey territory. Whitetails are strung out in farmland and along rivers throughout the state, and they show up as companions of mule deer in some regions, such as the fringes of the Sand Hills in the south-central area, and in the Pine Ridge.

And, speaking of the Sand Hills, it should be mentioned that they are the primary range for prairie grouse, of which there are two huntable species in Nebraska. The prairie chicken is found primarily in the eastern and southern reaches of the hills, while the sharp-tailed grouse dwells smack in the middle as well as on the fringes.

Grouse season opens about a month earlier than pheasant and there is generally about a one-week overlap of the two seasons. Dates for all game have been established and full particulars can be obtained by writing the Game and Parks Commission, Box 30370, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503. A special map showing the range of various SEPTEMBER 1972 game species, public lands, guides, and hunting regulations will be sent by return mail. Any specific questions concerning a possible hunt will also be answered.

Although rifle-antelope permits have always been issued to residents before non-residents become eligible to apply, bow permits are available. Archery permits for deer and antelope are much less restrictive than for firearm permits in that they are valid statewide, rather than being issued for one specific unit. Also, the seasons are much longer. Animals of both sexes can be taken, and the total number of licenses is unlimited.

Perhaps the most critical factor in all hunting is getting onto the land, as most of Nebraska is under private ownership. As in all states, there is a growing trend for landowners to post their ground. Much of the responsibility for this must be placed on hunters, as the behavior of each careless, inconsiderate member of the hunting fraternity reflects on all others who follow.

Most Nebraska farmers and ranchers will still grant access to hunters who ask permission, even though their land is posted, and hunting is allowed on most state and federal land. But, hunting pressure on these acres also increases. Sportsmanship is little to ask of hunters, and it certainly pays.

Once on the land and among the birds, getting them down can pose plenty of problems. A familiar shotgun is certainly more important than mere firepower, but a 12-gauge does have an advantage over its lesser cousins. After the first days of the season, when ringnecks tend to be spookier than usual, shooting ranges will, more often than not, be 50 yards or more, so a full choke is recommended. No. 6 shot is most widely used, not only for ringnecks, but also for grouse, ducks, and turkeys.

Those leaving the state after a hunt need no special permits to carry game out —only their hunting licenses. A foot or head must be left on some game birds for identification of sex and species, and all hunters are urged to become familiar with the game laws as outlined in the NEBRASKAland Hunting Guide before going afield. And become familiar with Nebraska as a hunting ground because familiarty breeds optimism and goodwill. THE END

17

A Rack to Remember

Sitting quietly was a chore that November morning. Maybe it was because the Burchard hunter sensed what fate had in store

by Lowell Johnson

THIS WAS Stan Sejkora's second deer season, and although he had seen three does on opening day, it was now Monday morning, the third day of the season, and he was still waiting for his first glimpse of a buck. A year ago, during the 1970 hunt, he had brought down a heavy buck, but the rack was comparatively small. The whitetail had weighed 205 pounds, field dressed, but the rack would have fit inside a milk pail. Despite its lack of dimension, however, it had been mounted and now hung on Stan's office wall.

He and Lloyd Lantz, also of Burchard, thought they were in a promising spot. They had selected a wooded area in Pawnee County for opening morning, and they had seen deer. Three does had appeared in a field and had kept looking back as if a buck might be somewhere in the nearby area.

During the second morning, Stan had moved farther west in the field, hoping to intercept the deer earlier in their movements and possibly get a peek at the romeo certain to be around. The does had again appeared. They had slipped out of the timber, looked again for the buck, and then continued on their way.

Stan took all this into consideration and decided on another move the following morning. Armed with his trusty .30/30 and knowledge of the deer's movements, he set up a makeshift blind near a big tree. Sitting still very long was tough for Stan, and he had to continually fight the urge to move around. The blind helped conceal his fidgeting, but it didn't do any good when he started walking around. He strolled away from his headquarters after about 45 minutes. It was not fully light yet around 7:15 a.m. or so, and it still wouldn't be easy to see if a deer had a rack.

With these and other thoughts crossing his mind, he decided to hide again for a while. It was cool, and sitting quietly invited the chill, but deer would spot his movement if he didn't stay put. A feeling of uncertainty is never far away from a deer hunter, and sitting still accentuates it. At least when moving, just like in trolling for fish, you feel as if you are covering more ground and have a better chance for a (Continued on page 62)

18 NEBRASKAland SEPTEMBER 1972 19

The Professional Touch

For the ultimate in waterfowling, one of the many commercial facilities scattered along the Missouri or Platte River will fill the bill in style and comfort

by Ken Bouc

WIND WHISTLED through five paris of wings outstretched overhead, and the sublight flashing thorugh them cast flickering shadows over five hunters huddled in the blind. The snow geese were now less than 20 feet directly overhead, and in a second or two the bird would be about 20 yards in front of the blind - perfect position for a clean shot.

The setting was a familar one for Bill Tallman of Tekamah. He had been guiding parties like this one for a  

dozen years or more, and had hunted geese in the Tekamah-Decatur area on a non-commercial basis for as many years before.

For the others in the blind, though, maintaining composure was difficult. A minute or two earlier, the temptation to jump up and start blazing away had been almost unbearable when the geese had come in low to circle the area. But the gunners had followed the advice of their guide, trusting him to call the birds into better range.

An instant later Tallman dropped his goose call and grabbed his shotgun. He yelled: "Take 'em"! A volley of 12-gauge fire from the blind clearly cut the birds down. Thanks to the guide, there was no "sky busting." Five birds were in the bag, and there were no spooked or crippled geese flying off.

The whole affair seemed to have been taken from a script applicable in many parts of Nebraska. Professional hunters with years of know-how and extensive facilities for this type of goose hunting are making the sport available to hundreds of gunners.

The setting for the drama varies somewhat in different parts of the state, however. Like most goose-hunting operations in eastern Nebraska, Bill Tallman's setup involves several hundred decoys spread out in a cornfield. A small pond makes the area even more attractive to the quarry-mostly blue and snow geese.

Along the North Piatte River in western Nebraska, however, much of the goose hunting is done over meadows and wheatfields, and the game is almost exclusively Canada geese.

The best goose hunting is usually found near waterfowl refuges or along flyways between resting areas and feeding grounds. Birds harvested by eastern-Nebraska 22 hunters like Tallman are generally guests at one of several refuges along both banks of the Missouri River.

The big Canadas of the west usually gather on the Clear Creek Refuge above Lake McConaughy and the Garden County Refuge along the North Platte River.

But, wherever they operate, commercial hunters have a lot of time and money invested in their hunting sites. Each one has hundreds of dollars tied up in leases, decoys, and comfortable pit blinds that conceal them and their clients. Propane tanks feed burners within easy reach of the gunner, providing warmth any chilly morning, and heat to prepare a steaming pot of coffee or plate of chow. Benches, shelves, and gun holders add to the comfort.

These conveniences were almost the undoing of Tallman's party just before they downed the five snows. The day was warm and sunny, not exactly the kind of weather that moves geese to the gunner, and it was a Thursday afternoon. Thus, only five hunters were on hand, and they were all lulled to complacency by fair weather, little action, and warm meals heated on the burners in the blinds.

Discipline had slipped a bit around 2 p.m. as hunters left the blind to stretch their legs and look around. Two or three of them lounged on the warm ground, and one was heard to remark that he should have brought a swim suit and suntan lotion instead of a shotgun and shells.

"Geese, behind us," someone hissed abruptly, and everyone scrambled back toward the concealment of the blinds, barking shins and stubbing toes on the way. In the rush, one flustered gunner lost his way, and ended up in one blinH while his shotgun was out of reach next door.

Their efforts almost went for naught, as the five snows swapped ends and started winging in the direction from which they had come. Tallman's skillful work with the call turned them, however, and convinced them to come back for another look.

The birds circled for several minutes, as other small flocks had done previously, but this bunch finally bought Tallman's line and came gliding toward the hunters' guns.

Most commercial hunters are old hands at their brand of goose shooting. Tallman, for example, worked as a guide for other commercial hunters in the area until he decided to set up his own operation for the 1971 season.

The difference between eastern and western Nebraska goose hunting is largely a matter of timing, brought on by the different species bunted. In the western end of the state, the take is limited almost exclusively to Canadas, and the migration of these big honkers doesn't peak until the last week or two in November.

Eastern Nebraska hunters, on the other hand, hunt early migrating blues and snows. Their shooting starts as soon as the season opens, peaks early, and tapers off as December approaches.

"Our best shooting here in the east is during the first three weeks of the season," Tallman says. "The geese in the area migrate then and decoy easily. After we get into November, we are working with refuge geese, and these are tougher, smarter birds."

Despite a few differences in their operations, commercial hunters in both eastern and western Nebraska offer outdoorsmen the same commodity —a chance to bag a goose or two under good hunting conditions. Except for a few state-owned areas, most prime goose-hunting grounds in Nebraska are inaccessible to the general public. Without commercial goose pits like theirs, many Nebraskans would have no chance at all to hunt geese. THE END

NEBRASKAland Early flights of snows and blues are the stable diet of Missouri River operations. Flooded fields help draw geese near pits

24 NEBRASKAland

Sandspurs and Tarheels

It's a long haul from North Carolina to Nebraska's pheasant fields, but planning and work are worth the trouble as two of us take on the wily ringneck

by Claude Marley as told to NEBRASKAland

IT WAS A CLEAR, cool day in November when I walked into my dentist's office with my mind on the quail hunt Dave Inman and I had planned for the next day in eastern North Carolina. As usual, I had to wait, and was thumbing through a well-used sports magazine when a picture of a pheasant in an ad on Nebraska hunting caught my eye. I had seen the ad several times before, but this time I decided to write for more information.

About two weeks later, when my thoughts were far from Nebraska, I received a large, brown envelope with information about planning atrip to the Cornhusker State. After reading the brochures, I realized that the possibility of such a trip was not as remote as I had thought. The following day I took the NEBRASKAland Afield Magazine, with all its colorful pictures of pheasant and quail hunting, to Dave, my hunting companion and coworker at Union Carbide. Dave is from near Asheville, North Carolina, where he had hunted grouse and deer, but never quail until he came to Asheboro. After one trip to the eastern part of North Carolina, he got quail fever.

It was late that summer when I received another NEBRASKAland Afield, listing hunting seasons and accommodations. About the same time, Dave told me he had found a pointer pup, so our Nebraska hunting enthusiasm really grew. I wrote to several places for accommodations in Nebraska and Dave started training his pup. By October we had decided we would stay at the Harmony Ranch near Loup City. At this point, we both realized that we were no longer just talking about going.

I had driven through Nebraska only once in 1948, so I really didn't remember much about the state other than the fact that I thought Lincoln was one of the cleanest cities I had ever seen. Dave had never been west of the Mississippi River, so the tension was running high in both of us.

I am a little older than Dave (just 20 years) and you would think we don't make a very good hunting team, but we are a lot alike.

Open season for pheasant hunting began Saturday, November 1, 1969. We had planned to leave Friday afternoon and be at the Harmony Ranch by Monday morning. We had about 1,500 miles to cover and thought that with both of us driving we could make it all (Continued on page 58)

SEPTEMBER 1972 25

four feet and a cold nose

Since man domesticated the first canine, dogs held the hunter's heart

Photographs by Lou Ell Text by Jon Farrar

FEW SIGHTS TITILLATE a hunter's soul more than a staunch pointer over quail or a gaudy cock pheasant clawing the air over quartering springers. The passion with which hunters embrace their sport is difficult for non-hunters to appreciate or even comprehend. To understand, you must endure the ravages of a young pup, sense the satisfaction of his first point, and share the joy of his first retrieve. Words do not convey these feelings.

Since recorded time, man has fancied and bred dogs to aid his pursuit of wildfowl and game, and to be his constant companion in the field. Today's variety of highly specialized breeds represents those uncounted generations of crosses and backcrosses. Though there are numerous hunting breeds, all fall under one of the four general types-pointing, retrieving, and flushing breeds, and hounds.

The English pointer is the classic pointing breed. Birds that hold well are the pointer's forte. Far ranging and the last Word in style, the pointer has swept both hunters and fielditrial judges off tl|eir feet.

For the hunter who prefers to take his hunting in k somewhat leisurely manner, yet needs a pointing dog with a choke-bore nose, medium range, and the ability to reprieve occasional waterfowl, the German short-haired pointer is a likely choice. The Vizsfi, from the steppes of Hungary, falls in the same category.

Britianies, the only spaniels that point their game, have become dntfof'the most popular an useful field dogs in this country. A boundless bundle of hustling enthusiasm, the mely,birfoy and intense on point. Most range in fairly tight.

Enpfish, kish, and Gordon setters carry blood lines of the ancient pointers and perform

  as well as retrivers. This dual ability has endear them to the upland gunner who combines his sport with an occasional duck or two. Most range closer than other pointers and adapt particularly well to pheasant. However, hunting qualities of the breed have suffered in recent years due to selective breeding by show people for visual, rather than field qualities.

Retrievers are dominated by three breeds— the Labrador, the Chesapeake Bay, and the golden. Other breeds, like the Irish water spaniel, the flat-coated retriever, and the curly-coated retriever, are still utilized by some specialists, but are not as popular as the top three.

Black Labrador retrievers lead all other retrievers in numbers of dogs registered and win more field trials than all other retrievers combined. They are heavily favored as producers and fetchers of both waterfowl and upland game. Of friendly disposition, the Lab is a versatile workhorse for the active hunter. Most Labs, be they black or yellow, are tireless workers and congenial companions.

When waterfowling conditions are so severe you actually hate to ask another retriever to go out and do the job, you can bet the Chesapeake  

Bay is just starting to enjoy himself. Hardened to the extremes of the elements, the stamina and retrieving ability of the Chessie under adverse conditions are without equal.

Adoring and affectionate, the golden retriever is a handsome fireside companion and, while no match for the Lab or Chesapeake in the water, is an accomplished performer on most upland species.

Though not overwhelmingly popular, flushing breeds have their followers. Perhaps the most popular is the English springer spaniel. Like some other flushing breeds —the cocker spaniel, the American water spaniel, and the Welsh springer spaniel — they have a natural tendency to quarter within shooting range of their masters, and so are easily taught to flush birds. Most exhibit aptitudes for retrieving fallen birds. Like some of the other hunting

  breeds, though, they have lost desirable hunting characteristics at the expense of bench-competition fanciers.

Of the hounds, the beagle is the unchallenged favorite. The beagle needs no excuse for his existence other than as a rabbit hound. Melodious of voice, he is without peer as a rabbit producer.

The basset, originally bred as a slow, steady version of the beagle, has fallen by the wayside as a rabbit and hare hound. More often than not, he is confined to the life of a family pet or show dog.

Coonhounds, like the black-and-tan, blue-tick Plott, redbone, and Walker, are the bread and butter of ringtail enthusiasts. There is no sweeter music to a bounder's ear than the "trail" or "treed" waller of his favorite breed.

Whatever a hunter's passion, there is a breed to fulfill his need, be it a pointer, a retriever, a flushing breed, or a hound, and within that breed a dog of like temperament and style. The love that develops between a man and his dog is intangible and unexplainable. So it has been, and so it will be as long as there are birds, men, and dogs. THE END

33

Better safe than sorry

When guns are involved, mistakes are often fatal. Consequently, training is matter of life or death

by Jim Wofford

FLOYD L...comes of age to go hunting. He unwraps his Christmas gift, a new .22-caliber rifle, and after a hurried breakfast takes his present behind the house to try it out on tin cans, in five minutes he is dead. Cause? Accidental discharge of a firearm.

Charles W..., age 14, is on his first rabbit hunt with his dad and older brother Bill. They return to their car for lunch. Following the example of his elders, he leans his second-hand, .20-gauge pump against the car. Before lunch begins, Charles' gun falls and discharges, permanently crippling Bill. Cause? Accidental discharge of a firearm.

These accidents, and thousands like them, are double tragedies because they could have been prevented. Had Floyd's parents been responsible enough to recognize that a .22-caliber rifle is not a toy, but a sporting tool like skis or an automobile requiring education in safe use, Floyd would not have been a holiday victim. Had Charles' elders not set a bad example by violating a basic rule of safe gun handling, his first hunt would not have ended in tragedy.

After a thorough investigation into the nature of thousands of accidents like these, the National Rifle Association, aided by the National Education Association, began a nationwide program of hunter-safety training that is still in operation today in many parts of the country. The NRA studies prove that most accidents involve young and inexperienced gun handlers, and that the types of accidents lend themselves to correction through educational approaches. Using volunteer instructors from all walks of life, the NRA training program has paid off. Statistics clearly show that persons trained under their program have fewer firearm accidents than untrained persons.

The success of the NRA program has prompted most states and Canadian provinces to begin their own safety-training programs. All have used the basic NRA course as a guide and have developed their programs in co-operation with the NRA. The basic difference between the various state programs and that of the NRA is the step-up in activity of the state-run projects. The states sell their programs harder and bring more resources to bear on the problem. They train more people and, as a consequence, hundreds of thousands of young hunters and sport shooters go afield knowing how to use firearms safely. Trained shooters are involved in fewer gun accidents, know more about their sport, and are better sportsmen than their untrained counterparts.

One of the most outstanding examples of success through education began in New York state in 1947 as a response to an increasing number of hunting accidents. After 25 years of gun-safety training, New York has many more hunters but fewer accidents. The State of New York is now training more than 100,000 first-time hunters per year.

So, we know that gun-safety education works. Several states —New York and several of Nebraska's neighboring states among them— now require the training before a person can buy his first hunting license, and it makes sense.

The Game and Parks Commission begins its hunter-safety program this month to add new life to the old NRA program and give more of Nebraska's young people what they need. An awareness of the demand for such a program, the occurrence of two Nebraska hunting fatalities 34 in 1971, and the availability of federal matching funds for hunter-safety training have combined to produce the spark to get the Nebraska program underway. The Nebraska Hunter Safety Training Program is not conspicuously different from the NRA program or that of other states. It is a voluntary program, open to anyone aged 12 or older who wishes to take the course. The course is not designed to produce marksmen. Its purpose is to train hunters with particular emphasis on safety.

The course is designed for use in any community where public-spirited citizens desire to help overcome the problem of hunting accidents. Classes will be organized and taught by trained and certified volunteer instructors who enjoy their work. The instructor may be a youth-group leader, a businessman, a sportsman, a teacher, a farmer, or any civic-minded adult who has the interest and ability to work with young people.

Hunter safety classes may be offered in co-operation with local schools, Boy Scout troops, sportsmen's clubs, or any organization with facilities where kids can gather to learn gun safety. The course consists of at least four hours of class participation covering four required topics which include: 1. Sport guns and ammunition; 2. Proper handling, transportation, and storage of guns and ammunition; 3. Sighting and shooting techniques; 4. Hunter responsibilities, game laws, and game management principles.

The student must satisfactorily pass an examination covering these topics before he can be certified as a "Safe Hunter."

The Nebraska program also includes other areas of safety training and encourages all instructors to provide optional topics for their classes whenever possible. The optional topics include: 1. Range firing and shooting qualification; 2. Further treatment of hunter responsibility and game management; 3. Game identification; 4. Archery safety; 5. Hunting techniques and care of game; 6. Survival and first aid.

We believe this training will be valuable to everyone — boys and girls; the young and the old. We want to make it available to all. Watch for announcements of hunter-safety classes in your community, and then be sure your children attend. Or, contact your local conservation officer. He knows who the instructors are in your area and when classes will be held.

Also, the program's success will depend upon volunteer instructors. The Game and Parks Commission is actively soliciting aid in this area. Any person 19 years of age or older who wants to become an instructor should contact a local conservation officer or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's Hunter Safety Co-ordinator in Lincoln. Both sources will provide you with details about the program. We welcome your inquiry.

That is a synopsis of the Nebraska Hunter Safety Training Program now underway. It will work if given a chance. Some people contend the only way a person learns to handle a firearm is through experience. It is difficult to refute this idea because experience is truly a remarkable teacher. However, it is often an expensive way of learning that firearms can maim, kill, and destroy. In many instances, a little training and understanding of firearms could have prevented a very sad lesson. It is increasingly evident that hunter-safety training works. Education helps avoid accidents. THE END

NEBRASKAland SEPTEMBER 1972

36 NEBRASKAland

Guess who does the dishes?

Recreation areas hustle to keep up with leisure hours of their patrons. They do an admirable job of providing something for all who seek them out

Photographs by Bob Grier

IT'S SEVEN O'CLOCK in the morning. Dad and the youngsters are out in the boat checking their setlines for catfish along an irrigation canal a mile beyond the reservoir. Mom, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, turns a batch of bacon sizzling over an open fire. The sun has just left the horizon, its warmth now evaporating dew from the grass. Birds twitter in the trees.

Autumn is just around the corner, but this family is enjoying one last outing on one of Nebraska's recreation areas. Leaves turned gold by yesterday's sun are waiting for tomorrow's breeze to whip them away to a humus bed for winter. This is the family's favorite spot where Dad, Mom, and their children spent every weekend they could during the summer; where Dad will set up headquarters with his buddies during the hunting seasons later on. The area has everything from a hookup for the trailer to a ramp where they launch SEPTEMBER 1972

37   38 their boat. With facilities like these, it provides an outdoor environment in which each member of the family may pursue a particular interest. The boys often swim in the lake or collect rocks along the shore; Dad fishes a lot. Mom, too, loves the outdoors like the others.

There are approximately 50 recreation areas in the state, all on land owned or leased by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. They range in size from small plots merely cleared for those who like roughing it to the 5,492-acre Lake McConaughy Recreation Area, complete with modern camping facilities.

Thousands of Nebraskans—like millions of Americans —have turned outdoors for leisure. Conveniences of home the campground does not have, but it offers something else —a change of pace. Recreation areas suit the needs of NEBRASKAland

SEPTEMBER 1972 39   40 NEBRASKAland urban and rural residents alike who use them to get away from the humdrum routine of everyday life.

Most all Nebraska recreation areas, maintained by personnel under control of the Game and Parks Commission's Bureau of State Parks, are equipped with bare necessities —drinking water, fireplaces, and sanitary facilities, but many offer more. Take, for example, Dead Timber Recreation Area 5 1/2 miles southwest of Scribner. A trail there meanders through native prairie grasses, offering an interesting hike for students of nature. At the Memphis area, paddle boats can be rented.

Others are located near historically significant places like Brownville with its century-old mansions or Walgren Lake with its legend of a denizen somewhere in its depths.

Fishing is a major attraction. From Two Rivers, a fee-fishing trout area southwest of Venice, to Red Willow Reservoir, inhabited by the state's major SEPTEMBER 1972

41  

[image]

Smith Lake is welcome oasis on edge of the Sand Hills

[image]

Beauties of Big Alkali Lake belie its brackish name

species, the areas provide anglers with myriad lakes and mile upon mile of shoreline.

Hunting is another aspect of outdoor life which, during fall, rises to top priority for sportsmen. Recreation areas are open year-round and firearms may be brought onto them October 1 by hunters who wish to camp there. This regulation pertains only to certain sites, but where it applies, the privilege lasts until April 1 the following year unless otherwise posted.

Statistics show that areas in the eastern half of the state are used much more than those out west, but they are evenly scattered throughout Nebraska.

Now Dad and the kids come back. Their sunup run along the canal was successful. They pulled 12 two-pound cats from the 30-odd lines they have out. Two hours later they will check them again, but right now it's time to eat. The eggs are done to a turn and the bacon smells delicious. They finish breakfast, then Dad goes down to the ramp to fuel his boat for the next run and the kids don swimsuits for a dip; Mom is stuck with the dishes. THE END

NEBRASKAland

[image]

A spot with shade and water and fish brings out the kid in all who enter here

SEPTEMBER 1972 43

Linger a day longer...NEBRASKA

...the good life

by Don Atwater

TOURISM is big business in Nebraska. In fact, a recent national survey shows that a phenomenal number of vacationers cross the state each year, and that figure is climbing. The same survey, surprisingly, shows that highways in Nebraska carry more travelers than Colorado and South Dakota together.

To develop this highly lucrative market, the state last summer created a Division of Travel and Tourism within the Department of Economic Development and charged its staff with the responsibility of conducting a tourist program to improve the Nebraska travel industry.

The challenge to the division was clear. It was to devise a program which would help Nebraska's communities capitalize on this gigantic, rolling resource.

The program zeroed in on one critical problem. While Nebraska enjoys more tourists than her sister states, the average time each tourist spends in the state is no longer than the time it takes to drive from Omaha to the Colorado or Wyoming borders —one day. Colorado hosts visitors for five days and South Dakota keeps its guests for almost four days. As a result, the division focused immediate attention on methods of communicating with travelers on Nebraska's highways, especially on Interstate 80. Needed were ways of explaining the state's tourist attractions and convincing vacationers that sharing Nebraska's historic, scenic, and recreational areas is a rewarding experience, thus getting them to spend an extra day in the state.

Armed with a firm objective and well-researched knowledge of the nation's travel habits, the division developed a marketing strategy aimed at doubling tourism profits in one season.

First, the now well-known slogan —Nebraska...the good life-was put into play, Backed by a catchy song praising Nebraska's lifestyle and heritage, the slogan quickly became the campaign's backbone. The song, along with spot announcements about travel attractions, was aired on radio and television stations throughout the state during the summer. The slogan became a central feature in the Department of Economic Development's advertising campaign. In co-operation with the Nebraska Roads Department, highway signs carrying the "good-life" message sprouted up along heavily traveled routes. And, brochures promoting the "good life" were distributed to vacationers entering the state.

After the substance of a well-organized tourism program was in hand, the travel division concentrated on the most important factor necessary to make the program work. It was imperative that support for the program be won in every Nebraska community-that groups and individuals be involved.

State Travel Director John Rosenow explains: "Our program is really a foundation to build upon. The real work in a successful travel campaign falls on the communities. Each community in Nebraska has a tremendous potential to host vacationers, and each can contribute to the success of the statewide program."

The crux of the plan to increase the length of time tourists stay in Nebraska is the impulsive nature of today's vacationers. If an area or an attraction catches their fancy, tourists take time to visit them. Nebraska has many interesting two-hour to two-day "impulse" attractions such as Boy's Town, the State Capitol, Stuhr Museum, Pioneer Village, and Buffalo Bill's Ranch. While these and many other sites dotting the state are the obvious attractions to woo vacationers, there are hundreds more not so obvious but fascinating for tourists seeking unusual or offbeat places. Ferreting out these charming but little-known spots in Nebraska's countryside is relatively easy by charting self-guided "Circle Tours." This method of attracting tourists to remote communities is the travel division's favorite. It is a good example of the way the division provides services for communities. But, the Circle-Tour idea is a self-help Project, and it is up to individual community groups to take the initiative in mapping out their own tours.

"Community residents must rediscover their areas," Rosenow says. "Long-forgotten landmarks or interesting views, or sites with historical significance throughout the state can make for extremely interesting side trips. Once a community has taken a closer look at its region with an eye °n spots of interest, the travel division helps the community promote the area as a tourist attraction. Maps are drawn, accompanied by descriptions of historic and scenic sPots included in the tour. The information is compiled by knowledgeable persons in the community and becomes the backbone of the state's over-all promotion campaign. The tours are then publicized through the many avenues available to the travel division and to the communities.

Anchoring this magic-carpet approach to Nebraska's travel attractions is a group of young "Vacation Guides" hired last spring. The guides work in specially built information centers at 16 rest stops on the Interstate from Melia Hill in the east to Ogallala in the west. Before opening the information centers, the guides completed a 7-day, 1,400-mile tour of 40 attractions throughout the state to prepare themselves for the task of informing tourists about points of interest.

With first-hand knowledge of these travel attractions, the guides are well prepared to distribute state maps, Circle-Tour maps, community information, and other materials promoting the "good life."

"We think our travel theme for Nebraska is very appropriate," Rosenow comments. "We have a good life in Nebraska, and sharing it with tourists is not only the neighborly thing to do, but this will have a noticeable impact on the economies of the state's communities."

The Nebraska travel division has put together an exciting and successful tourism program, and many communities and individuals have built on it. When the results are tallied later this fall, Nebraskans should be able to point with pride to the steps the state has taken to expose to millions of visitors a place which can rightfully claim the "good life." THE END

NOTES ON NEBRASKA FAUNA...

WOOD DUCK

Bright plumage, fondness for woods set this species apart from its webfooted relatives in eastern Nebraska

by John T. Sweet Waterfowl Biologist

THE WOOD DUCK has been described as Nebraska's most beautiful duck. Anyone who has had the opportunity to observe this bird in its natural habitat —a quiet, isolated pond — must surely agree with this description. In spite of its almost gaudy colors and markings, the wood duck, like the ring-necked pheasant, blends well with its surroundings and is quite unobtrusive.

This peacock of duckdom bears the scientific name Aix sponsa, a name which, in part, refers to the bird's colorful plumage. The generic name comes from the Greek, "a kind of waterfowl", and the specific name, sponsa, is of Latin derivation meaning betrothed, as if in wedding dress. Common names include summer duck, woody, acorn duck, branchier (inhabitant of the branches), the bride, gray duck, squealer, swamp duck, tree duck, and wood widgeon.

Most distinctive field markings of the male in breeding plumage are the crested head, the iridescent combination of greens, blues, and purples on the head, the distinctive finger-like, white throat-patch, and the long and dark, squared tail.

A female wood duck is more demure in her markings than her flamboyant mate but still displays more color than mostfemaleducks. She has a brownish-gray head with a long crest, a white teardrop-shaped patch around the eye, and a relatively square tail.

The wood duck on water gives a general impression of alertness. It rides 46 quite high in the water with head erect, unless feeding. Flight is usually rapid, high, and direct. The head is held above the level of the body with the bill angled downward. The agility of the bird in flight is demonstrated well by its ability to fly in quite dense woods with-out disastrous results.

Wood ducks are unique in that they are American. Unlike many other species of ducks, they are native only to the North American continent. They are found breeding throughout the United States in proper habitat, but are most common from the Missouri River eastward. The latitudinal range is from the most southern states to the southern portions of the Canadian provinces. Southward migration occurs early in the fall, usually in September and early October, and is quite short. The birds travel only to the inland water areas of the southern states. They return to the northern portions of the breeding range soon after the ice is gone.

Typical habitat is a small, isolated pool in a marsh or swamp or alongside a stream. Woods are always associated with the area. The birds may be found feeding industriously in such a pool or on the banks under the trees. It is not an uncommon sight to see them sitting on tree branches as they are quite at home in this environment. They normally roost during the night on open pools in the woods.

Plant food makes up about 90 percent of the diet of wood ducks. They are relatively small birds, being only slightly larger than the adult blue-winged teal and slightly smaller than the baldpate. Average dimensions are 18 inches in length with a 24-inch wingspan. Adult birds weigh about 1 1/2 pounds.

The wood duck is almost exclusively a tree nester. The typical nest site is a hollow tree or stump, sometimes as much as 50 feet above the ground. The female can pass through a 4-inch opening very nicely. She lays 8 to 15 buff-colored eggs in the bottom of the cavity which she pads with down. The eggs are about 2 by 1 1/2 inches in size. Incubation takes from 28 to 31 days and is done entirely by the female. As in the case of most ducks, the male deserts the female soon after incubation has begun. When the eggs have hatched, the female calls the ducklings from the nest. The approved method for leaving the nest cavity is to simply jump. The bodies of the tiny ducklings are light and resilient. They flutter their wings and spread their feet to break the fall and no harm is done, even from comparatively great heights.

At one time the wood duck was threatened with extinction. Much of the original natural habitat has been altered drastically. Woodlands have been cut and swamps drained. Not only were the birds hunted for their tasty meat, but for their plumage. Mounted specimens were in demand for collections. The feathers of the male bird when in breeding plumage was highly prized by the manufacturers of certain artificial flies for fishing. A prime full-plumaged skin sold for $3 to $4 each. In 1918, the season closed on wood ducks in the United States and Canada. The closure was in effect until 1941 when one bird was allowed in the bag in some states. During this time, the species recovered. The conservation agencies of several states have since initiated special wood-duck studies. As a result of these studies, management practices have been developed which have enhanced the recovery of the population as well as allowed limited harvest.

Wood ducks are now quite common near certain water areas in the eastern third of Nebraska and occasional birds can be found along wooded stream courses throughout the remainder of the state. A limited restoration project is being conducted in the Salt-Wahoo Watershed area. Perhaps in the relatively near future, many more persons will be able to enjoy the sight of this beautiful, colorful bird in its natural habitat. THE END

NEBRASKAland

...the good life NEBRASKA and the nebraska MOTEL ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

Moke reservations at one of these fine motels

NEBRASKA MOTEL ASSOCIATION 525 Stuart Building Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 AINSWORTH REMINGTON ARMS MOTEL, U.S. 20 East 402-387-2220 SKINNER'S MOTOR COURT, 215 So. Main, Hwy. 7 402-387-2021 ALBION DOWNTOWN MOTEL, North on 4th, Uptown 402-395-6513 DUNES MOTEL, Hwy. Jet. 39,14 & 91 402-395-2105 ALLIANCE WEST WAY, Friendship Inn, Hwys. 2 & 385 West 308-762-4040 McCARROL'S MOTEL, Hwy. 2 East 308-762-3680 RAINBOW LODGE, Hwys. 2, 385 West 308-762-4980 FRONTIER MOTEL, Hwys. 2, 385 West 308-762-1320 ALMA WESTERN HOLIDAY, Best Western 210 Hwys. 183 & 383 308-928-2155 ARAPAHOE McCOY MOTEL, West on Hwy. 6 & 34 308-962-8945 AUBURN PALMER HOUSE MOTEL, U.S. 73 & 75 So 402-274-3193 AURORA KEN'S, Best Western, U.S. 34 West 402-694-3141 BAYARD LA POSADA MOTEL, U.S. 26 308-586-1375 BEATRICE THE SAIDA INN, 1700 No. Hwy. 77 402-223-4036 BEEMER TRAIL'S INN MOTEL, Hwy. 275 402-528-3235 BELLEVUE REDWOOD MOTEL, 1209 No. Fort Crook Rd 402-733-4889 BENKELMAN CIRCLE B MOTOR LODGE, U.S. Hwy. 34 A 61 308-423-2922 BLAIR B-LINE MOTEL, U.S. 30 West 402-426-4884 BLAIR HOUSE MOTEL, U.S. 30 West 402-426-4555 BLOOM FIELD FOUR SEASONS MOTEL, Hwy. 84 402-373-2441 BRIDGEPORT DELUX MOTEL, 6th & Main, Hwy. 385 308-262-0290 BROADWATER LAZY U MOTEL, U.S. Hwy. 26 308-489-5521 BROKEN BOW MRS. MURRAY'S COURT PERFECT, Hwys. 2-92-70, West Edge 308-872-2433 WILLIAM PENN LODGE, East Hwys. 2-92-70 308-872-2412 BURWELL RODEO MOTEL, Hwys. 11 & 91 308-346-3115 48 CENTRAL CITY CRAWFORD MOTEL, Hwy. 30 East.308 946-3051 EDDA'S MOTEL, U.S. 30 East308-946-3066 CHADRON GRAND MOTEL, Friendship Inn West Hwy. 20 & 385308-432-5595 LOG CABIN MOTEL, East U.S. 20.308-432-5597 ROUNDUP MOTEL, ft Mile East on U.S. 20308-432-5591 WESTERNER MOTEL, West Hwy. 20 .308-432-5577 CHAPPELL EL RANCHO MOTEL, East Hwy. 30308-874-2852 EMPIRE MOTEL, U.S. 30 East.308-874-2805 COLUMBUS GEMB0LS, Friendship Inn 3/« Mi. So. on U.S. 30 & 81402-564-2729 KEEN KORNER MOTEL, U.S. 30 Corner 23rd St. & 33rd Ave402-564-2861 ROSEBUD MOTEL, U.S. 30 East402-564-3256 COZAD CIRCLE "S", Best Western, 1-80 Exit.308-784-2290 COZAD MOTEL, Hwy. 30 West .308-784-2059 EVENING STAR COURT, Hwy. 30 West.308-784-3360 CRAWFORD HILLTOP MOTEL, So. Hwy. 20 & 2 308-665-1144 TOWNLINE MOTEL, Hwys. 2 & 20.308-665-1450 CRETE STAR MOTEL, East Hwy. 33.402-826-3344 CURTIS HI LINE MOTEL, 323 Center St402-367-4340 FAIRBURY CAPRI MOTEL. U.S. 136 & Jet. 15402-729-3317 FALLS CITY CHECK-IN MOTEL, North Hwy. 73.402-245-2800 STEPHENSON MOTEL, North on Hwy. 73402-245-2459 FREMONT LAKE SUNSET MOTEL, 2 Mi. West on Hwy 304402-721-7860 ERIN MANOR MOTEL, Jet. U.S. 30 & 774402-721-1310 MODERN AIRE, Best Western, East on Hwy. 304402-721-2713 GERING CIRCLE S LODGE, Hwy. 92 East308-436-2157 GIBBON FIE MOTEL, U.S. 30 West308-468-5844 GORDON HILLS MOTEL, Jet. Hwys. 20 & 27.308-282-1795 GOTHENBURG RICHARD'S MOTEL, U.S. 30 East308-537-3691 WESTERN MOTOR INN, Interstate 80308-537-3622 GRAND ISLAND CONOCO MOTEL, Hwy. 30 West308-384-2700 4-PLEX MOTEL, 1808 West 2nd308-382-6750 HOLIDAY INN (1-80). Jet. I 80 & U.S. 281308-384-7770 HOLIDAY INN (Mid Town), 2503 Locust308-384-1330 ISLAND INN, Best Western, 2311 So. Locust308-382-1815 GRAND ISLAND TRAVELODGE, U.S. 30 Downtown308-384-1000 VALENTINE MOTEL, 1 blk. So. on Hwys 34 & 2308-384-1740 HOTEL YANCEY, Downtown on U.S. 30308-382-5800 HASTINGS MIDLANDS LODGE, Best Western, Jet. 6-34 & 281402-463-2428 REDONDA MOTEL, East Hwy. 6 402-462-2404 DLD MOTEL & TEEPEE COURT, 406 So. Elm402-462-5266 HEBRON BLUE TOP MOTEL, U.S. 81 & 136402-768-6524 HOLDREGE A & A TOURIST COURT, East Hwy. 6 & 34308-995-5191 PLAINS MOTEL, U.S. 6 & 34 West Edge308-995-8646 TOWER MOTEL, Friendship Inn, U.S. 6 & 34 West308-995-4488 HUMPHREY MIDWAY MOTEL, Jet. Hwy. 81 & 91.402-923-3711 IMPERIAL MRS. HAP'S MOTEL, U.S. 6 North308-882-4429 KEARNEY CANNON MOTEL, West on Hwy. 3u308-234-8291 HAMMER MOTEL, Friendship Inn, U.S. 30 West308-237-2123 HOLIDAY INN, 301 So. Second Ave308-237-3141 PIONEER MOTEL, East Hwy. 30308-237-3168 SHADY LANE MOTEL, 1ft Mi. Weston Hwy.30 308-237-5161 TEL-STAR MOTOR INN, Best Western 1 Mi. North 1-80 Exit308-237-5185 WESTERN INN, Best Western, 1 Mi. North of 1-80308-237-3153 WESTERN MOTEL, Friendship Inn, U.S. 30 East308-234-2408 KIMBALL HOLIDAY MOTOR LODGE, Best Western U.S. 30 East .308-235-4671 SLUMBER J LODGE, West Hwy. 30308-235-3666 LEMOYNE FRENCH'S PARADISE, by Lake McConaughy308-355-2102 LEXINGTON (K-15) GREEN VALLEY MOTEL, West Hwy. 30.308-324-2095 HOLLINGSWORTH MOTEL, Friendship Inn East Hwy. 30308-324-2388 LEE'S MOTEL, East Hwy. 30 308-324-4603 MINUTE MAN, Best Western, on 283 North of 1-80 308-324-5544 MOTEL ROYAL, Friendship Inn Hwy. 283 & 1-80 Exit308-324-5601 L-R RANCH MOTEL, U.S. 30 East 308-324-4621 TODDLE INN MOTEL, I 80 & Hwy. 283308-324-2245 LINCOLN ARMSTRONG MOTEL, 7303 West "0" St402-435-6685 BUFFALO MOTEL, Friendship Inn, 347 No. 48th402-466-1931 CARRIAGE HOUSE MOTEL, 4500 Cornhusker Hwy.402-434-3127 U.S. 6&77N.E.402-435-2191 CLOVERLEAF MOTEL, 1300 No. 10th COLONIAL INN, Friendship Inn 5600 Cornhusker Hwy402-434 5971 CONGRESS INN, 2001 West "0" St.402-477-4488 DELORES MOTEL, 3510 Cornhusker Hwy402-466-2324 FAIRVIEW MOTEL, 1400 Cornhusker Hwy402-432-8041 LAZY K MOTEL, U.S. 6 & 2 West of City .402-435-7504 SHADY LANE MOTEL, 2235 West "0" St402-477-8484 SLEEPY HOLLOW, Best Western East U.S. 34 & City Route U.S. 6402-434-3166 STARLITE MOTEL, 5200 Cornhusker Hwy402-466-1902 VILLAGER MOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER 5200 "0" St.402-434-9111 WEST "0" MOTEL, 1402 West "0" St402-432-5127 LOUP CITY LOUP MOTEL, Hwys. 92 & 58.308-745-0164 McCOOK CEDAR MOTEL, U.S. 6 & 34 East.308-345-1896 CHIEF MOTEL, Friendship Inn, U.S. 6, 34, 83 West.08-345-3700 RANCH MOTEL, 5 Mi. East on U.S. 6 & 34.308-345-2685 RED HORSE MOTEL, East Hwy. 6 & 34.308-345-5800 MILFORD BLUE VALLEY MOTEL, ft Blk. off Hwy. 6.308-832-2750 MINDEN PIONEER MOTEL, Hwy. 6.402-761-2811 NIOBRARA (B-20) RIVERSIDE MOTEL, Hwy. 12 East.402-857-3773 NORFOLK BECKERS MOTEL, 407 No. 13th .402-371-9660 BREE MOTEL, 711 So. 13th St.402-371-5622 BUCK-A-ROO MOTEL, Hwy. U.S. 81402-371-1240 FLAMINGO MOTEL, U.S. 81 So.402-371-3220 SEY CREST MOTEL, Hwys. 81-275 City Route* 35. 402-371-2750 SKYLINE MOTEL, 509 No. 13th402-371-5610 NORTH PLATTE CEDAR LODGE MOTEL, U.S. 30 West308-532-9710 CIRCLE "C", Best Western, N. 1-80 on U.S. 83.308-532-2313 EL RANCHO MOTEL, West Hwy. 30308-532-0490 HOLIDAY INN, Jet. U.S. 83 & 1-80308-532-9090 PARK MOTEL, U.S. 83 North308-532-6834 PLAINS MOTEL, East Hwy. 30.308-532-1777 RAMBLER COURT, Friendship Inn, West Hwy. 30.308-532-9290 RANCH MOTEL, 508 Rodeo Road.308-532-5786 THE SANDS MOTOR INN, 1-80 & Hwy. 83.308-532-0151 STANFORD LODGE, Best Western, 1400 E. 4th St.308-532-9380 TRAIL MOTEL, U.S. 30 West308-532-7068 TRIANGLE MOTEL, West Hwy. 30.308-532-6654 NORTH PLATTE TRAVELODGE, 602 E. 4th St.308-532-7705 UPTOWN MOTEL, East U.S. 30.308-532-4775 OAKLAND CREST MOTEL, Hwy. U.S. 77.402-685-5911 OGALLALA EASTWAY MOTEL, 703 E. 1st St.308-284-2427 ELMS MOTEL, U.S. 30 West.308-284-3404 ERIN PLAZA MOTEL, Hwy. 30-311 E. 1st.308-284-3651 LAKEWAY LODGE, North of Hwy. 30 on Hwy. 26.308-284-4004 LAZY K MOTEL, U.S. 30 East 308-284-4085 OREGON TRAIL MOTEL, 201 E. 1st.308-284-3705 PARADISE-FRIENDSHIP INN, East. Hwy. 30.308-284-3684 VALLEY MOTEL, U.S. 61 No. U.S. 26308-284-3676 OMAHA IMPERIAL '400', Friendship Inn, 2211 Douglas . 402-345-9565 NEW TOWER HOTEL COURTS 78th & Dodge St. on U.S. 6.402-393-5500 PROM TOWN HOUSE, Best Western 7000 Dodge St402-556-5161 NEBRASKAland O'NEILL TOWN HOUSE, Best Western, U.S. 20 & 275 East.02-336-1640 ORD HILLCREST MOTEL, Hwy. 11 West308-728-3267 OSHKOSH S & S MOTEL, Jet. 26 & 27308-772-3350 SHADY REST MOTEL, 140 Main .308-772-4115 RANDOLPH CEDAR MOTEL, V« Mi. North on U.S. 20.402-3370500 SCHUYLER VALLEY COURT MOTEL, U.S. 30 West402-352-3326 SCOTTSBLUFF CAPRI, Friendship Inn, 24 and Ave. 1.308-635 2057 PARK, Friendship Inn, 209 W. 27th308-632 6176 SANDS MOTEL, 814 W. 27th St.308-632-6191 SEWARD EAST HILL MOTEL, 131 Hwy. East 34402-643-3711 DALES STEAK HOUSE & MOTEL Uptown U.S. 34 & 15402-643-3685 SIDNEY EL PALOMINO, Friendship Inn, 2220 Illinois St. 308-254-5566 SIDNEY MOTOR LODGE, U.S. 30 West.308 254-4581 SOUTH SIOUX CITY PARK PLAZA, Friendship Inn U.S. 77 South 402-494 2021 ST. PAUL BEL AIR MOTEL, U.S. 281-92-11.308-754-4466 SUTHERLAND PARK MOTEL, Hwy. 30 West308 386 4384 SYRACUSE MUSTANG MOTEL, ft Mi. So. of Hwy. 2 on 50 402-269-2181 TECUMSEH BLUE CREST MOTEL, 10th & Clay402-335-2270 THEDFORD ARROWHEAD LODGE, West Jet. of Hwy. 2 & 83308-645-2246 VALENTINE RAINE, Friendship Inn, U.S. 20 West.402-376-2030 TRADE WINDS, Best Western 1 Mi East on U.S. 20 & 83402-376-1600 VALENTINE MOTEL & CAMPGROUND East Edge of Town on U.S. 20 & 83402-376-2450 WAKEFIELD T.N.T. MOTEL, Hwys. 35 4 9402-287-2262 WAYNE THE ELM MOTEL, 311 E. 7th St402-375-1770 WEST POINT SANDMAN MOTEL, U.S. 275 South-West402-372-2491 YORK DOWNTOWN MOTEL, Hwy. 81,128 So. Lincoln Ave.402-362-5523 BUZZ'S, Friendship Inn, 1 Mi. N. on U.S. 81 & 34402 362 3335 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AUBURN, NEBRASKA MIDWEST COURTESY COFFEE CO., 1714 N St402-274-3311 DENVER, COLORADO A. D. RADINSKY & SONS, INC. 2000 West Colfax303-623-4293 VALIANT PRODUCTS CORPORATION 2727 W. 5th Ave.303-892-1234 LINCOLN, NEBRASKA GIL GRADY & ASSOCIATES, INC., 3031 "0" St402-475-8888 Specializing in the sale and exchange of motels HOST OF NEBRASKA, 2631 Randolph St402-432-0220 NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA ACTION AGENCY, 1521 Rodeo Road308-532-6320 PACKER COMPANY (Laundry Equipment) 421 Rodeo Rd308-532-9710 OMAHA, NEBRASKA FREEMAN COMPANY, 1408 Harney. NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE CO. 1906 Douglas St TRUESDELL DISTRIBUTING CORP., 6009 Center St402-341-6000402-558-8200 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA PHILCOFORD CORPORATION,Tioga and CSt.215-443-6491 SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH LYNX PRODUCTS, INC., 845 West 2400 So.801-4868493 SEPTEMBER 1972

where to go.

North Platte

Circle tour

SEPTEMBER 1972

PERHAPS NO OTHER man quite captures the imagination as does William F. (Buffalo Bill) Cody. There are those who would sully his name, of course, just as many deride any number of national heroes. They call him a drunkard, a womanizer, and a fop who could never manage money. But their attacks roll off the image of the man as water runs from a duck's back. To millions of Americans, Buffalo Bill is the American West, a sure-fire hero whose life and times are as real now as they were on the brawling frontier.,

Cody was born in Scott County, Iowa, on February 26, 1846, and the farming life his father pursued seemed his lot. But the youngster was drawn to adventure, and in early manhood became an army scout. With that step, his fortune began to grow. Campaigns after Kiowa and Comanche added to a reputation that mushroomed when he signed on as a meat hunter for the advancing railroads. By his own count, Cody allowed that he killed 4,280 buffalo in 17 months with his .50-caliber Springfield rifle. And, it was Buffalo Bill Cody who reputedly killed and scalped Cheyenne Chief Yellow Hand near Harrison in northwest Nebraska. Those feats aside, however, it is for his Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World show that Cody is best remembered. He and his troupe traveled the globe, playing before paupers and crowned heads alike as they portrayed the "real" American West in all its glory. But that is all gone now, and William F. Cody lies atop Lookout Mountain in Colorado where he was buried after his death in 1917.

Buffalo Bill is far from forgotten, however, and the western Nebraska city of North Platte is out to make sure that such never happens. The town was home for Cody for a number of years, and his Scouts Rest Ranch still stands as a.monument to his memory. And, the town has built its Old West Trail City Circle Tour around both the figure and his name.

North Platte's tour begins only a few yards north of the Interstate 80 interchange south of town. Fort Cody, a replica of an early military outpost, stands just east of northbound Dewey Street and U.S. Highway 83. A private enterprise, this attraction is slanted toward the traveling public with a curio shop and refreshments on hand. Children will want to have their pictures taken beside the stockade as mannequin soldiers peer over their shoulders. Mom and dad, too, will relish the pause as a chance to stretch their legs and ease into a fun-filled day.

53   HUNTING AND FISHING HEADQUARTERS IN THE CENTER OF NEBRASKA'S GREAT LAKES Rods, Reels, Lures, Guns, Decoys, Telescope Sights Remington 788-Right Hand $75.00 all calibers Outers Smokers Smokes fish, fowl, cut meat. Gives old hickory flavor. $26.95 plus postage. Ammunition & Hunting Supplies Hunting Permits- Game and Duck Stamps YOU SAVE MORE AT BUD & NICKS GUN & TACKLE SHOP 402 South St., McCook, Nebr. Phone 345-3462 GOOSE AND DUCK HUNTERS SPECIAL- $9.75 PER DAY PER PERSON ELECTRIC HEAT 3 MEALS AND LODGING MODERN MOTEL TV OPEN 4:30 A.M. FOR BREAKFAST J'S OTTER CREEK MARINA NORTH SIDE LAKE McCONAUGHY PHONE LEMOYNE 308-355-2341 P.O. LEWELLEN, NEBR. 69147

[image]

DX

AL & TERRY'S

[image]

DX

TRAVEL MART Hunting and Fishing Permits, Supplies, Towing and auto repair — Travel-trailer sanitary dump Camping supplies —Block and cube ice —Sundries, groceries, and novelties. Cleaning and Freezing Facilities Available ONE-STOP SERVICE Honor 17 Credit Cards Lexington I-80 Interchange North. Browning Our EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT PLAN on all BROWNING products will save you up to 20%. This includes guns, ammunition, archery, clothing, boots, tents, canoes, gun cases, rifle scopes and fishing equipment. Inquire . it will save you $$$. Big discounts on other sporting goods.

[image]

PLUM CREEK GUN SHOP PHONE: 643-3303 P. O. BOX 243 SEWARD, NEBRASKA 68434

That heritage runs deep at the D.A.R. Museum in Memorial Park just a few blocks east of the intersection of Dewey and Fourth streets. The museum is housed in a cabin built in 1867 at Plum Creek (present-day Lexington). A fellow named Smith is said to have cut cedar logs for the dwelling's construction from canyons in the area. It was later moved to North Platte where it became a museum in 1924. Today, it boasts memorabilia of pioneer days and is open throughout the summer.

Parks are a part of North Platte's hospitality, and one of the most talked-about in Nebraska is found here. Retracing Fourth Street to Poplar or Dewey, turn north and follow the chosen route to Cody Park. Visitors and residents alike frequently refer to the facility as being in a storybook setting, and park personnel carried that thought one step further by naming the children's zoo portion Storyland. Most imposing among its attractions is Big Boy, a million-pound locomotive dedicated to preserving woodburner nostalgia in this railroad town. One of only two such locomotives still in existence, Big Boy is an asset to the park and a big complement to its other points, which include picnic facilities, playground equipment, and a healthy representation of waterfowl on the lake. Naturalists and camera buffs alike will find the waterfowl reserve worth many hours of attention and will come away with a greater knowledge of wildlife in its natural environment. Lessoutdoor-inclined members of the family can explore the Fort McPherson cabin located on the grounds or simply ramble around the 90-acre tract.

Returning to the intersection of U.S. Highway 30 and U.S. Highway 83, the modern traveler stands on the brink of a trip into the past. Turn right on U.S. Highway 30 and continue to Buffalo Bill Avenue, then turn north and follow it to Scouts Rest Ranch. This is where Buffalo Bill Cody rested after months on the road with his show, and where a constant stream of Western notables visited. Now a State Historical Park operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Cody ranch remains today much as it was when its famed owner was in residence.

)ust south of the Cody ranch is the Union Pacific Edd Bailey yard. The railroad calls it a retarder yard. This facility has a receiving capacity of 6,000 cars and construction cost was around half a million dollars. North Platte is a railroad town, and it is proud of that fact. So, the Bailey yard is an excellent way for the community to show off the industry that helped it grow.

Rounding out the tour, the traveler may wish to visit the Lincoln County Courthouse and War Memorial. Located in downtown North Platte, both attractions are close to shops and entertainment, and are sure to add to any visit.

There is plenty to see and to do in North Platte, and a check with the local Chamber of Commerce will provide all the information necessary to get the most out of the hours —or days —spent here. THE END

NEBRASKAland

Roundup and What to do

SEPTEMBER breezes into Nebraska with the song of whipping sails. The Third Annual Governor's Cup Sailing Regatta at Lake McConaughy near Ogallala is a good excuse for some end-of-summer sailing during the Labor Day weekend.

From 110 to 150 boats are expected for the competition, representing four states — Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The best four out of five heats wins the trophy.

As Indian summer blankets Nebraska's river bottoms and forested acres with a shower of crimson and gold, hiking becomes a favorite activity. Kathy Hansen of Lincoln finds back packing an exhilarating way to spend a Saturday.

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George P. Hansen of Syracuse, Kathy is a graduate of Syracuse-Dunbar High. She is presently working for the Nebraska Department of Roads.

Nebraska's State Fair in Lincoln September 1 through 6 is a collage of whirling ferris wheels, blue-ribbon beeves, prize-winning pies, and dozens of industrial displays. Here is an opportunity for business and government to bring messages to thousands of people with one shot, and opportunities for thousands of people to see the wares of various organizations.

In Nebraska City September 16, residents turn out with visitors to celebrate the annual Apple Jack Festival. A parade in the afternoon will be followed by the Tarkio-Peru football game. Then, an after-the-game dance will add to the day with some-do-it-yourself fun. Local merchants will be offering apple products at sale prices.

The first football game of the University of Nebraska's season pits the Cornhuskers against the Texas A & M squad September 16. Twice named No. 1 in the nation, Big Red will be trying for a third crown.

Several hunting seasons open during this fall month. Archers are free to pursue deer beginning September 16, and in the Sand Hills and southwest, grouse hunters will begin the frustrating pursuit of both sharptails and prairie chickens. The bow-and-arrow season continues until September 23 when firearm hunters take over. Cottontail and squirrel seasons also begin in September.

At Plattsmouth, the annual Kass Kounty King Korn Karnival brings color and excitement to the river town. The coronation of a King and Queen of Korn will kick off festivities, followed by myriad attractions. The Grand Parade is one of the biggest in the state.

Horse racing rounds out the month's activities at Columbus until September 23, beginning again September 26 at Atokad Park in South Sioux City.

The Prairie Schooners annual Square Dance Festival at Sidney provides foot-stomping, hand-clapping fun to keep the calendar full until the end of the month. Plenty of rollicking activity will keep NEBRASKAland in constant motion throughout September.

SEPTEMBER 1972 What To Do 1-2-"He Lured Her to the Primrose Path" and "Shootout at Hole in the Wall," Mellerdrammers, Lincoln 1-22 —Archery Antelope Season, Statewide 1-23 —Horse Racing, Columbus 2 —Deer Park Golf Tournament, Valentine 2-3 —State Outdoor Smallbore Prone Championship, Louisville 2-3 —German Shorthaired Point Club Field Trial, Lincoln 2-4 —Labor Day Celebration, Schuyler 2-4 —Registered Trap Shoot, Fremont 2-4 —Governor's Cup Regatta, Ogallala 2-4 —Brown County Fair, Johnstown \ 3 —Pine View Beagle Club Sanctioned Trial, Omaha 3 —Stock Car Races, Franklin 3 —Newman's Labor Day Amateur Horse Show, Stuart 3-4 —Labor Day Rodeo, Bridgeport 3-4 —Registered Trap Shoot, Cozad 3-4 —State Field Archery Tournament, Grand Island 4 —Labor Day Celebration and Barbecue, Wausa 5 —Ikes Trophy Trap Shoot, Lincoln 8-10 —Keya Paha County Fair, Norden 9 —Registered Trap Shoot, Beatrice 9 —Ikes Young Hunter Safety Clinic, Lincoln 9 —Edison Market Day Festival, Edison 9 —Wilber Fall Flower Show, Wilber 9-10-Fall Hunter's Special Shoot, North Platte 10 —Ikes Hunter Rifle Trophy Shoot, Lincoln 10 —Cyclons, Motorcycle Races, Norfolk 10 —Registered Trap Shoot, Nebraska City 10 —Forest Festival, Friends of Fontenelle Forest Guild, Omaha 10 —Bowhunters Jamboree, Omaha 10 —Hidden Valley Arabian Show, Blair 10-11 -Hay Days, Cozad 13-15 —Richardson County Fair, Humboldt 14-16 —Jaycees Fallfest-Hey Days, Broken Bow 15 —Fishing Ends on DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge 15-17 —Fourteenth Annual Plains Rock and Mineral Show, Kimball 16 —Apple Jack Festival, Nebraska City 16 —State Parks Lodging Closes 16-Nebraska vs. Texas A & M, Football, Lincoln 16 —Plattsmouth Waterfowl Management Area Closes 16 —Archery Deer Season Opens, Statewide 16 —Grouse Season Opens, Sand Hills and Southwest 16 —Oregon Trail Days, Oak 1 7 —Registered Trap Shoots: Doniphan and Lincoln 17 —Snoopy Valley, Motorcycle Races, North Bend 17 —Pancake Feed, Falls City 17 —Annual Flea Market, Steele City 19 —Twenty-fourth Annual Farmers and Merchants Chicken Barbecue, Superior 20-23 —Midwest Recreational Vehicle and Camping Show, Omaha 21-24 —Kass Kounty King Korn Karnival, Plattsmouth 22-30 —Ak-Sar-Ben Livestock Show and Rodeo, Omaha 23-Wallace Fall Festival, Wallace 23 —National Hunting and Fishing Day 23-24 —Curtis Fall Festival, Curtis 23-24 —German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Nebraska Fall Trial, Lincoln 23-Oct. 1 —Rifle Antelope Season, Specified Units 24 —Valley View, Motorcycle Races, Columbus 24 —Ikes Muzzle Loader Shoot, Lincoln 24 —Registered Trap Shoots: Lincoln, Norfolk, and Roscoe 26-Nov. 4 —Horse Racing, Atokad, South Sioux City (closed most Mondays) 30 —Nebraska vs. Minnesota, Football, Lincoln 30 —Fishing Closes, Crescent Lake and North Platte National Wildlife Refuges 30-Oct. 1 —Prairie Schooners Annual Square Dance Festival, Sidney THE END 57

WHERE TO HUNT Local inquiry is recommended for directions to areas located on county roads or Sand Hills trails. Small acreages have transient \deer populations. Hunting in season is permitted on state recreation areas from October 1 to April 1 unless otherwise posted or designated. State-recreation and special-use area directional signs are \ located on adjacent major highways. Although not listed, most hunting areas have varments and a nonresident hunters, regardless of age, must have Nebraska non-resident permits to hunt them. The grid marks refer to the 1972 Nebraska Department of Roads official highway map. NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN StateRecreationArea SateSpecialUseArea AcreageLand AcreageWater Pheasant Quail Grouse Waterfowl Rabbit Squirrel Turkey Deer Cabins Camping DrinkingWater Trailer Spaces Fishing REMARKS: PANHANDLE Box Butte, 10 miles north of Hemingford on county road, D 6 Hemingford 612 1.600 • • • • • • • Bridgeport, north edge of town, G 6 Bridgeport 126 70 Chadron State Park, 9 miles south of Chadron on Nebraska 385. B 6 Chadron 801 Hunting in adjacent areas for deer, pheasant, grouse, turkey, antelope, and water fowl. Check with park superintendent Cleat Creek Waterfowl Management Area, l/z-mile south. 3 miles east of Lewellen. 19 Lewellen 5.709 300 i A controlled waterfowl hunting area based on preseason drawing for blind sites Crescent Lake National Wild life Refuge, I6V2 miles north of Oshkosh on county road, G 8 _ Oshkosh 46,350 Most seasons follow Nebraska regulations Hunters should check at refuge headquarters for special regulations and areas open. Fishing per mitted until Sept. 30 Fort Robinson State Park, 3 miles west of Crawford on U.S. 20. C 5 Crawford 11.600 No hunting permitted in park. Check with superin tendent tor areas open to public hunting for deer, antelope, grouse, pheasant, turkey Gilbert-Baker. 41/2 miles north of Harrison on access road, C-3 Harrison 2.452 5 James Ranch, near Crawford, C 5, Crawford 10.000* 50- Lake McConaughy. 11 miles north of Ogallala on Nebraska 61.1 10 Ogallala 5.492 34.760 « 1 Privately owned lodging available Lake Ogallala, 9 miles north of Ogallala on Nebraska 61.1-11 Ogallala 339 320 1 1 Metcalf. 14 miles north of Hay Springs on county road. B 7 Hay Springs 1.317 Nebraska National Forest (Pine Ridge District) lies east and west of Chadron along US. 385. B6 Chadron 102.392 0 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 US 26. 7 miles north on county road. F 5 Minatare 180 Stream fishing as posted Oglala National Grassland. 6 miles north of Crawford on Nebraska 2 or north of Harrison on Nebraska 29. A4 Crawford or Harrison 94.700 Camping facilities are located at Toadstool Park on access road west of 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 Peterson, 8 miles west of Crawford on U.S. 20. C 4 Crawford 2.400 Ponderosa. 2' ? miles south of Crawford on Nebraska 2 to access sign, then 4 miles east. C 5 Crawford 3.659 Smith Lake. 23 miles south of Rushville on Nebraska 250. D 8 Rushville 420 200 « » Wildcat Hills. 10 miles south of Germg on Nebraska 29. then a short distance east on access road. G 4 Germg 240 NORTH-CENTRAL American Game Marsh. 19 miles south. 1 mile east of Johnstown on U.S. 20. D 16 Johnstown 40 120 Arcadia Diversion Dam. 3V2 miles south of Comstock on county road. H 18 Comstock 773 109 Arnold Lake. 1 mile south of Arnold just off Nebraska 40.1 15 Arnold 18 22 Atkinson Lake. ^2 mile west of Atkinson on U.S. 20. Nebraska 11. D 19 Atkinson 36 14 Ballards Marsh. 20 miles south of Valentine on U.S. 83. C 14 Valentine 961 340 Big Alkali. 17 miles south. 3 miles west of Valentine on U.S. 83. west on State Spur 483. C 14 Valentine 47 842 Bowman Lake. '/2 mile west of Loup City on Nebraska 92.1 19 Loup City 23 20 Cottonwood Lake. '? mile east. 1'2 mile south of Mernman. south of US 20. B 10 Mernman ___ 180 60 58 NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN StateRecreationArea SateSpecialUseArea AcreageLand AcreageWater Pheasant Quail Grouse Waterfowl Rabbit Squirrel Turkey Deer Cabins Camping DrinkingWater Trailer Spaces Fishing REMARKS: ■ 3 C u n L. —J to B ra Goose Lake, 5 miles east of Chambers on Nebraska 95, 8 miles south on US. 281, 4 miles east on county road, E 20 Chambers 50 300 Hull Lake, 3 miles west of Butte on Nebraska 12, 2 miles south on Nebraska 11, B-20 Butte 36 5 Long Lake, 20 miles southwest of Johnstown on county road, E-16 Johnstown 30 50 Long Pine, northwest of Long Pine, just south of U.S. 20,0-17 Long Pine 154 Trout fishing. Local inquiry recommended Merritt Reservoir, 26 miles southwest of Valentine on U.S. 83. C 13 Valentine 6,146 2,906 No hunting permitted north of a line from boat ramp and parking area to west abutment of the dam Milburn Diversion Dam, 2 miles northwest of Milburn on county road, G-17 Milburn 317 355 Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Division), entrance west of HalseyonU.S. 2, F 14 Halsey 90,350 U.S. Forest Service land. Check at headquarters for special regulations Nebraska National Forest (Samuel R. McKelvie Division) 10 miles south of Nenzel on Nebraska 97 or by trail west from Merritt Reservoir, B 12 Nenzel 116,000 U.S. Forest Service land. Check at headquarters for special regulations Pressey, 17 miles south of Broken Bow on Nebraska 21 or 5 miles north of Oconto, J 17 Oconto 1,524 15 Rat and Beaver Lakes, 30 miles southwest of Valentine on on U.S. 83.0-14 Brownlee 204 33 Schlagel Creek, 11 miles south of Valentine on U.S. 83, 4 miles west on Sand Hills trail, C 14 Valentine 440 1 Limited waterfowl hunting on the creek. Limited pheasant hunting Sherman Reservoir. 4 miles east of Loup City on county road, 1-19 Loup City 4,721 2,845 South Twin Lake, 19 miles south of Johnstown on dirt road. 3 miles west on trail road, D 15 Johnstown 107 53 Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, 13 miles south of Valentine on U.S. 83, west on State Spur 483, C-14 Valentine ( » 61,000 11,000 Special regulations apply. Check at area headquarters NORTHEAST Basswood Ridge, 2 miles northwest of Homer on U.S. 73 and 77, E 27 Homer 320 Bazile Creek, 2 miles east of Niobrara on Nebraska 12, C-22 Niobrara 2,530 10 Waterfowlers may hunt shoreline of Lewis and Clark Lake and islands on Nebraska side Dead Timber, 4 miles north of ScribneronU.S 275, l1/?miles east on access road, H 27 Scribner 150 50 Grove Lake, 2 miles west of Royal on US. 20, north on county road, E 22 Royal 1.524 67 Lewis and Clark Lake, 15 miles north of Crofton on Nebraska 98, C-24 Crofton 1,227 31,000 Privately owned lodging available Area extends along shoreline from Gavins Point Dam to Santee. Nebr. Niobrara State Park. '2 mile south. 1 mile west of Niobrara on Nebraska 12. C 22 Niobrara 405 3 Deer hunting in designated areas. Check with park superintendent Omadi Bend, 2 miles north. 3 miles east of Homer onU.S 73, 77. E 27 Homer 33 Back water of river Pibel Lake, 9 miles south of Bartlett on US 281. 1 mile east on access road, G 21 Bartlett 42 24 Ponca State Park, 2 miles north of Ponca on access road, D 27 Ponca 803 on river Deer hunting only permitted in designated areas Sioux Strip, 2 miles southeast of Randolph on county road, E 24 Randolph 25 Three separate areas as posted along abandoned railroad right-of-way Whitetail, V2 mile west of Schuyler on US. 30. 3 miles south on county road, 1 26 Schuyler 185 31 Fishing in Platte River Wood Duck, 1 Vi miles west of Stanton en Nebraska 24, 2 miles south, 1V2 miles west, 1 mile north on county road, F-25 Stanton 311 26 Yellowbanks, 3 miles north of Battle Creek on Nebraska 121, 2V2 miles west, '/2mile north on county road, F 24 Battle Creek 254 5 Fishing in Elkhorn River SOUTHWEST Atlanta Marsh, Vi mile north of Atlanta on county road, M 18 Atlanta 1 1 640 1 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Bartley Diversion Dam. 3 miles east of Indianola on U.S. 6-34. N 15 Indianola 53 river front Bassway Strip, Minden Inter change, south on Nebraska 10 to marked access road, L 19 Newark 515 100 Area runs east and west between 1-80 and Platte River. Boundary signs denote area Blue Hole, both sides of U.S. 183 just south of Elm Creek 1 80 interchange. L 18 Elm Creek © 450 125 Bluestem Lagoon, 1 mile south, 3 miles east, 2 miles south of Axtell. M-19 Axtell 11 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood NEBRASKAland

SANDSPURS, TARHEELS

(Continued from page 25)

right, barring any trouble on the road. We were going to drive until we got tired, hoping to make it to Saturday afternoon. When the sun started going down Saturday, we were still feeling fine. With 1,100 miles behind us, we entered Lawrence, Kansas, and decided we had better stop. We found a nice motel with a large field and grove of trees nearby, so we turned out the dogs for some much-needed exercise.

Sunday was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed the trip to Loup City, stopping at Grand Island to get our non-resident hunting licenses and arriving at Harmony Ranch about sunset. We were greeted at the door of the large ranch house by Mr. and Mrs. Luther Harmon, two of the friendliest people I have ever met. They introduced us to other hunters sitting in the large room talking about the pheasants they got and the ones they missed, since they had already hunted Saturday and Sunday. After all this talk, we were really looking forward to the next day. Dave and I had never hunted pheasants, nor had our dogs ever seen one, so we didn't know what to expect.

About the time we were ready for bed it was snowing. We had read a lot about the weather conditions for this time of year in Nebraska, and Mr. Harmon told us that they had already had eight inches of snow, but it had melted away.

Mrs. Harmon announced she would start serving breakfast at 6 a.m., so I was up at 5, more interested in the weather than I was in getting to breakfast on time. It was still dark outside, but with the help of a large light in the yard, I could see that it wasn't snowing. Only enough had fallen to whiten the grassy spots in the yard.

After a good breakfast, the other hunters left for their favorite fields and Mr. Harmon drove us around the 2,400 acres that we were to hunt. It was 9 a.m. when we finally got afield.

Driving the pickup to the far side of a large milo field, we let the dogs out, and began readying our guns and shells. We carried No. 6 shot for pheasant and some No. 71/2 shot in case we wanted to hunt quail. I shoot reloads all the time in North Carolina for quail, doves, and crows, and I get good results. So, I couldn't see changing for pheasant or quail in Nebraska. Dave had some factory loads and also some of my reloads. Dave was carrying a new auto-loader that he had owned only a short while. He had changed the barrel from a 26-inch improved cylinder to a 28-inch modified choke after he got to Nebraska. We spent 10 to 15 minutes getting ready and were not watching thedogs. I knew they were near the truck, but I didn't notice that one of them was gone. Frank (my pointer), and Liz (Dave's pup) were nearby, but we couldn't see Whitie (my setter) anywhere. I called her a few times, but she didn't return. I decided she must be on point. We SEPTEMBER 1972 figured the only place she could be was in the milo, so we started up the center of the field. We had gone about 50 yards when we saw a large cock pheasant fly out about 50 yards ahead, too far to think of a shot. We went only a few steps farther before seeing Whitie locked on point. We knew the bird had flown when it heard us, but we had found our first pheasant and knew now how smart they are. We got a lot of satisfaction out of knowing that at least one of our dogs could point them and I felt confident that Frank would too. Dave's dog, Liz, was still young so we didn't really expect much from her, but we figured the experience would do her good.

The rest of the milo field proved fruitless and as we returned to the truck, it started snowing lightly. The sky was light, so we didn't worry about it.

We returned to the same area after lunch and figured we would hunt the surrounding draws and plum thickets. We worked our way down one draw with no success, and started up another with Dave on one side and me on the other. Whitie was going up the center and Frank was a few yards in front of Dave. I could see both dogs, but Dave could see only Whitie. Frank was in grass or weeds at about the same level as Dave. I saw Frank slow up, then freeze. I didn't dare call out to Dave for fear of flushing the bird out of range, so I just stood still. Dave glanced over at me and I pointed to Frank up ahead. As Dave moved up behind him, I saw Whitie come to a solid point a few feet in front of me. I eased up a few steps while Dave was closing in on Frank. Dave flushed his bird and downed it with one shot. His shot flushed the bird in front of Whitie and I got it.

Working our way to the top of a ridge at the far end of the milo field, we started toward the truck when we saw a large cock fly into the center of the field. We couldn't pinpoint his exact location from where we were, but we hurried across the field to where we thought it was. When we got there, the dogs pointed, moved up, and

59

WHERE TO HUNT

NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN StateRecreationArea SateSpecialUseArea AcreageLand AcreageWater Pheasant Quail Grouse Waterfowl Rabbit Squirrel Turkey Deer Cabins Camping DrinkingWater Trailer Spaces Fishing REMARKS: Buttlehedd. 4 miles east of Kearney 1 80 interchange on county load. L 19 Kearney 30 10 Clark Lagoon, 6 miles east. 1 mile north of Wilcox on county road. M 19 Wilcox 451 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Coot Shallows. 1% miles west ut Odessa 1 80 Interchange on county road. L 18 Odessa 23 12 Cottonmill Lake. 1 V* miles northwest of Kearney on 0 S. 30. ' r mile noith on county road. L 19 Kearney m 68 40 Cottonwood Canyon. 1V2 miles south of Maxwell on i ounty load. J 14 Maxweli 15 Ciystal Lake. IViTniles north of Ayr on county road. M 21 Ay; 33 30 « Dan Strip, 3 miles east of Co^ad 1 8U interchange, on south side on county road. K 16 Cozad 76/ river front f Dogwood, 4J4 miles west of Overtoil on U S 30. 3Vi miles south on county road. J 1/ Overton 264 10 f i Stream fishing as posted L1 ley Lagoon. 2 miles west of Bertrand on Nebraska 23, 21 i miles south on county road. M 1/ Bertrand 60 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Enders 9'2miies southeast ut Imperial on U S 6. Mil Enders 3,643 1.0/0 Portion posted ► as refuge Frenchs Lagoon. 2 miles east, ^mile north of Wilcox on county road. M 19 Wilcox 4/ Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Gallagher. 8 miles south of Co^ad off Nebraska 21. K 16 Cozad 24 400 4 » Gleason Lagoon, 4 miles south uf Mmden on Nebraska 10, 4 miles west on county road. M 19 Mmden 569 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Hansen Lagoon, 10 miles vjjth of Sutton on county luad L 2i Sutton 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 OS 183. 136. 0 18 Alma 1/.278 13.000 Controlled by U.S. Corps of ft Engineers Harms Lagoon. 2 miles east and 3 miles south of Clay Center on county road. M 22 Clay Center 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 noith of Harvard. L 22 Harvard 280 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Hayes Center, 12 miles northeast of Hayes Center on county ruad M 12 Hayes Center 78 40 ( i Jeffrey Canyon. 5 miles south. 3 miles west of Brady on county road, J 15 Brady 35 588 Jensen Lagoon. 6 miles south 1 mile east of Norman on county road. M 20 Norman 465 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Johnson Reservoir, / miles south of Lexington on US 283. L 1/ Lexington i 50 2.061 Jones Marsh. 2 miles east. 2 miles north of Atlanta. M 18 Atlanta 166 1 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Kearney, V* nine east, 1 miJe north of Furt Kearny State Historical Park Just off Nebraska 10 Area is on a county road. L 19 Kearney 152 sand pits Kiildeer Basin. 3 miles east. 1:.- miles north of Wilcox on county road. M 19 Wilcox 38 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Lange Lagoon. 2 miles south, ''2 mile east of Sutton on ' county road L 23 Sutton 160 Land and water acn varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Limestone Bluffs, 6 miles south ot franklin on Nebraska 10 2 J4 miles east on county road.O 19 Franklin 479 Lmdau Lagoon. 6 miles south. 4 miles east ot Axtell on county road. M 19 Axtell 152 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign ot canvasback brood. Entrance on >? mile line, west side of section Macon Lakes, 6'2 miles north of Franklin, 0 19 Franklin 550 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is marked by green and white sign of canvasback brood Maiuney Reservoir, 6 miles th 01 North Platte ott US 83 Marked access road. J 13 North Platte 132 LOCK 60 NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN StateRecreationArea SateSpecialUseArea AcreageLand AcreageWater Pheasant Quail Grouse Waterfowl Rabbit Squirrel Turkey Deer Cabins Camping DrinkingWater Trailer Spaces Fishing REMARKS: State Spe Federal Land Water Pheasant Medicine Creek, 2 miles west of Cambridge on US 6 34. / miles north on access road. N 15 Cambridge 6.726 Concession - rented trailer spaces available also Peterson Basin, 3 miles south of Bertrand on county road, M 1/ Bertrand 994 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Platte Valley, from Grand Island to North Platte adjacent to 1 80 as posted X Areas are in various stages of development Some have drinking water, picnic tables, fireplaces, others are primitive. All areas offer fishing Local inquiry recommended Plum Creek. 5 miles southwest of Lexington on US 283, 2 miles west on county road. 1 mile south on county road. 5 miles west on county road. L 17 Lexington 5 320 Prairie Dog Marsh, 2 miles east. 2 miles north of Wilcox on county road. M 19 Wilcox 731 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Quadhamer Lagoon, 3 miles west. 1 mile south of Hildreth on county road. N 19 Hildreth 590 Land and water acreage vanes with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Ravenna. 1 mile southeast ot Ravenna on Nebraska 2. K 19 Ravenna 53 30 Red Willow Diversion Dam. 9 miles north of McCook on US 83. N 14 McCook 56 5 Red Willow Reservoir. 11 miles north of McCook on onUS 83. N 14 McCook 4.320 1.628 Concession rental trailer spaces Ritterbush Lagoon. 5 miles ■ south of Hildreth. N 19 Hildreth 1 81 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Rock Creek, 2 miles east, 1' 2 miles west of Parks on gravel road. 0 10 Parks 165 50 Sacramento Wilcox, 2Vi miles west of Wilcox on county road to access sign, or on Polly Line Road southeast from Holdrege. M 19 Wilcox 2,239 400 Area is combination land and marsh Sandy Channel, 1 Smiles south of Elm Creek inter change on 1 80 Marked by access sign. L 18 Elm Creek 133 4/ -----------------------------------.----------------------------, South Odessa. 5 miles east of Odessa Interchange on eastbound access road, south sideot 1 80, L 18 Odessa /l 60 Area is marked with boundary signs Sutherland Reservoir. 2 miles south of Sutherland on Nebraska 25. J 12 Sutherland 36 3.01/ Swansun Reservoir. 2 miles west of Trenton on US 34 N 12 Trentun 3,95/ Concession controlled Welltleet. Venule southwest of Welltleet on county road west of US 83. L 13 Welltleet 115 Two privately owned cabins. trailer space Wood River West. 3 miles south of Wood River on county road K 20 Wood River « 13 15 SOUTHEAST Alberding Lagoon. 3 miles east. 2' 2 miles south ot Clay Center on county roads. M 22 Clay Center 35 Land and water acreage vanes with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Alexandria State Lakes. 4 miles east ot Alexandria on Nebraska /6. N 25 Alexandria 384 46 « Bluestem. 212 miles west of Sprague on county road. L 2/ Sprague * 483 Branched Oak. 3 miles north of Malcolm K 26 Malcolm 4.406 1.800 Portion closed to waterfowl hunting as posted Conestoga. 2 miles north of Denton on Nebraska 806. L 26 Denton 486 230 « Cornhusket 5 miles west ot Grand Island on State Spur 430. ' 2 mile south on 1 Ounty road. K 21 Grand Island 814 Weapons restricted to shotgun and bow and arrow County Line Marsh. 4 miles north of Fairmont on U S 81, ?' 2 miles east on county road L 24 Fairmont 408 Land and water acreage vanes with rainfall Aiea is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Eckhardt Lagoon 8 miles east ot Clay Centei on Nebraska 41 4 miles south on county road. M 2? Clay Center 94 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Glenville Basm. 2 '■ ? miles SO-uth 2 miles east ' : north ot Menville M 22 Glenville 120 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Hedgefield J miles east 1 mile south ot Hickman ; Hickman 70 44 Hoia lake 2 miles east ot Central City un ll S 30, I 22 Central City 64 20 Indian Cave State Park 5 miles east ut Nehiaska b on Nemaha Rh liardson i ounty hii* idil N il Baradd 2.800 > NEBRASKAland

SANDSPURS, TARHEELS

pointed again, so we knew the bird was running on the ground and we moved in fast. After about 50 yards of this, I finally downed it with one shot. Now we had three birds, half our combined daily limit —not a a bad showing for a couple of greenhorns.

There was about an hour of hunting time left when we got to the truck, so we decided to hunt the draw on the other side of the milo field. We had almost reached the upper end of the draw when Frank suddenly pointed at some tall weeds. We both moved in behind him, hoping for several birds, but to our disappointment, only one came out — a hen.

We had learned a lot about pheasant hunting during our first day. The other fellows hunting there were from Ohio, Missouri, and West Virginia, all veterans at the sport. And, they were helpful in giving us all the pointers they could to help us on our first trip.

Tuesday morning dawned clear and cold, but it turned out to be even more active than the first day. We moved around quite a bit and found a lot of pheasants, the majority of them hens. We found one group of three cocks and two hens that flushed right from under our feet. Both of us emptied our guns,, but we got only one bird. Dave hit another, but it kept going until it was out of sight. We found another group of five hens and one cock which I dropped with one shot. Both Whitie and Frank pointed in some short grass at the very end of a draw and two birds, both cocks, held until we were within 10 or 15 feet of them. Dave got the first one and I shot the second, but it wasn't hit hard enough to fall right away. It went down about 100 yards out in a clear field and ran about 50 more yards before Frank caught up with it. That was a thrilling sight to watch Frank returning a bird larger than his head all that distance. Then, we each got one more bird to fill our limit for the day.

Day three found us with nine birds killed — seven cleaned and two frozen for mounting. It took a lot of walking and produced very few birds. The walking was beginning to show on both of us and the dogs were also tiring. We managed to get four birds and feit real proud of them, as we were doing just as well as the other hunters. The area we worked had a lot of milo, corn, and good cover, but we were told it had never been hunted much with dogs because of the sand spurs. That we soon found out. We will get boots for our dogs before the next trip.

The last bird of the day was downed late in the afternoon. The milo field turned out to be a solid bed of sand spurs, so we had to get out, although I'm sure it would have produced more pheasants. I was still tired when we drove up the next milo field. Both dogs pointed about 200 feet apart as soon as we entered the field, so I went to Whitie downhill from us and Frank was uphill. As Dave neared, Frank moved up a short distance and pointed again. I flushed the bird in front of Whitie — a hen. I looked SEPTEMBER 1972 back toward Dave and saw him and Frank both going over the ridge, chasing a running bird. I just waited. A few minutes later I heard a shot and saw a bird still flying, but on the second shot I saw it go down. Dave and Frank reappeared with Dave holding the bird high. We had had a good day and the dogs were getting tired, so we headed back to the ranch.

One of the other hunters, who had limited out and was leaving, told us about a tract of C.A.P. land just a few miles down the road with a lot of pheasants on it, so we decided to give it a try the next day. The weather had warmed a little each day, and Thursday the temperature hit 80 degrees. The dogs were worn out (as were Dave and I) and the hot weather made it worse.

We had gone about three-quarters of the way across the first cornfield during our last day's hunt when we saw about 1 5 pheasants fly up from the other end. The corn had been cut short so I suppose they had seen us coming. They flew into some heavy cover about 200 yards beyond the field. The setup looked perfect for a lot of shooting but didn't quite work out that way. A deep ditch split the cover, and as we approached it, a hen flushed. We were sure the others were just across the ditch, so Dave volunteered to cross first, telling me to watch. About the time Dave got down into the ditch, a cock burst from the other side and I dropped it with the first shot. This brought Dave up the other side fast and another one flew up from under his feet. That's when the greatest disappointment came as Dave's gun misfired and I couldn't shoot because he was between me and the bird. A few loud words about the gun not working sent up four or five more within easy shooting distance, and I was still on the other side of the ditch. During the next five minutes the entire flock disappeared without another shot being fired. We had missed our best chance to limit out for the day. We tried to find out what was wrong with Dave's gun but couldn't find anything, so he changed to another brand of shells and we moved on

61

WHERE TO HUNT

NAME AND LOCATION NEAREST TOWN StateRecreationArea SateSpecialUseArea AcreageLand AcreageWater Pheasant Quail Grouse Waterfowl Rabbit Squirrel Turkey Deer Cabins Camping DrinkingWater Trailer Spaces Fishing REMARKS: Killdeer, 2V2 miles north of Martell on county road, L 27 Martell 69 20 Krause Lagoon, 4 miles west, 3'/2 miles north of Shickley on county road, M 23 Shickley 277 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Loch Linda, Vi mile north, 2 miles east, Vi mile south, 114 miles east from Alda Interchange on 1-80, K 21 Alda 25 35 Fishing in Platte River Long Bridge, 3 miles south of Chapman on county road. J 22 Chapman 108 86 Louisville, Vi mile southwest of Louisville on Nebraska 150, E-31 Louisville 142 50 Mallard Haven, 2 miles north of Shickley on county road, M-23 Shickley 664 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Massie Lagoon, 3 miles south of Clay Center on Nebraska 14, M-22 Clay Center 670 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Memphis, just north of Memphis on Nebraska 63. J 28 Memphis 160 48 Moger Lagoon, 3 miles east of Clay Center on Nebraska 41, 3 miles south on county road, M 22 Clay Center 120 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Morphy Lagoon, Vi mile west 1 mile south of Grafton L 23 Grafton 62 Land and water area varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Olive Creek, 2 miles south, 2 miles west, 1 mile south of Bluestem Lake Sprague 438 175 Pawnee, 6V2 miles west, 2 miles north of Lincoln, U.S. 6, K 27 Lincoln 1,184 740 Pawnee Prairie. 8 miles west of Pawnee City on Nebraska 8, Similes south on county road, N-29 Pawnee City 1,012 8 Pintail Marsh, 3 miles west of Harvard on county road. L-22 Harvard 42 240 Plattsmouth. 2 miles northeast of Plattsmouth, U.S. Highways 34, 73-75. and Nebraska 66 are available routes, J 29 Plattsmouth 1,465 35 Special regulations apply. Contact area manager. Phone Plattsmouth 296-3494 or Lincoln 434-0641 Rauscher Lagoon, 2 miles south, 2 Vi miles west of Grafton on county road. Entrance on north side of section, L-23 Grafton 251 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Rolland Lagoon, 2 miles east, 1Vi miles south of Sutton on county road, L-23 Sutton 129 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasoack brood 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, L-24 McCool Junction or Fairmont 160 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Smartweed Marsh, 2 Vi miles west of Edgar on Nebraska 119, 2V4 miles south on county road, M-23 Edgar 40 Approximately 34 acres of marsh Smith Lagoon, 6 miles south of Clay Center on Nebraska 14, 3Vi miles east on county road. M-22 Clay Center 397 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brcod Stagecoach, 1Vi miles south, Vi mile west of Hickman, L-27 Hickman 412 195 Teal Lake. 2 miles south. 2 miles west, 2 miles south. 2 miles west. V2 mile south of Bluestem Lake. L 26 Sprague 66 34 Theesen Lagoon, Vimile north of Glenville on county road, M-22 Glenville 80 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Two Rivers, 6 miles south, 1 mile west of Valley, A-29 Valley 643 320 Controlled waterfowl hunting. Check at area headquarters. Archery deer hunting only Victor Lake, 4V4 miles north, Vi mile west of Shickley on county road, M 23 Shickley 238 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Wagon Tram, 2 miles east of Hickman on county road. L-27 Hickman 720 315 Weis Lagoon, 2 miles north of Shickley on county road, M-23 Shickley 160 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall. Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Wilkins Lagoon, 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Grafton on county road, L 23 Grafton 501 Land and water acreage varies with rainfall Area is identified by green and white sign of canvasback brood Yankee Hill, 2 Vi miles east, 1 mile south of Denton on county road, L 26 Denton 728 ■ 210 62

SANDSPURS, TARHEELS

cross the ridge to check a small milo field we had seen earlier.

We had almost covered the field. Dave was about 25 yards to my left when he yelled: "Get him!" I looked up just in time to see a large cock coming straight at me. My first shot went wide, but the second connected. Dave walked a few more steps and flushed a hen that flew straight away from him. But we were tired, and the dogs were not hunting, so we called it a day.

We enjoyed our four days of hunting in Nebraska; so much so that we started planning our next trip even before we left for home. Now, it's just a short time until open season again and Dave and I arecounting the days until we will be back in Nebraska trying again to outsmart the smartest bird there is. THE END

RACK TO REMEMBER

(Continued from page 18)

strike, but when you're sitting still it becomes boring.

For several minutes, Stan reviewed the events of the past several days. Suddenly he became aware of movement in the distance. He had been looking to the north, although he expected deer to come in from the west. He knew it was a deer, but couldn't tell if it had a rack.

"It couldn't have been coming toward me any better," he later told Lloyd. "He was sort of angling slightly toward my right, then must have stopped behind that brush pile. I couldn't see him for a while.

"I guess he must have become suspicious, or maybe I was moving around more than I thought. It was gradually brightening outside. Anyway, the next thing I knew, a big buck was coming out of there. He turned off the trail and cut almost straight west. There was a lot of brush between us, but then he started across an open spot and I NEBRASKAland let him have it. I suppose it was about 130 yards."

For a few seconds, the deer showed no effects. Stan knew he had hit him because he had heard that telltale "thump", but at that distance he could see no reaction. Then the buck changed direction again, turning almost back onto his trail, and slipped behind some protective brush. The heavy timber ahead had reflected the noise of the shot, confusing the deer as to where Stan might be.

Stan waited, expecting the buck to pass by another opening in the cover. He wasn't rattled, but was experiencing the exhilaration of seeing wild game.

Although it seemed like several minutes, it was only a matter of seconds before the massive buck hit a clearing. Stan checked the terrain along the expected path and waited. When the big whitetail came into view, Stan zeroed in again and touched off a second shot.

Just as with the first hit, the sound came back, but the buck showed little reaction. He continued down a shallow ravine. Then, as he followed the ravine to the base of an embankment, he started up. By this time he was moving slowly and weakening. When the buck reached the top, he reared up on his hind legs like a wild mustang. By this time, Stan was out of his blind and starting to trail along just in case. Then the buck made one last turn and headed back north, covering 50 yards before collapsing. He was dead when Stan reached him.

Only then did Stan realize how big the rack was. Antlers seemed to run in every direction from the regal head. And the body — it was monstrous!

An agreement had been made before the day's hunt began that only if a hunter signalled was his companion to come out of concealment to help. Lloyd, several hundred yards away, speculated on what had happened. He had heard the first shot and had waited for what seemed a long time. Then the second, echoing boom. He waited and waited, expecting Stan to call out, but nothing happened.

Finally, Stan gave the signal.

Lloyd arrived a few minutes later. During this time, Stan performed the oft-recommended but this time unnecessary ritual of cutting the deer's throat. With two solid hits in the rib cage just behind the shoulders, one bullet had entered from each side. The deer had bled entirely into the chest cavity.

The cut neck later gave the taxidermist a real challenge.

"I'll never do that again," is all Stan says now whenever someone comments on the scar.

After field dressing the buck, the two men walked half a mile back to the pickup. Despite heavy cover, they were able to drive to within 200 yards of the deer. With considerable grunting, they dragged him the rest of the way and loaded him into the back of the rig.

SEPTEMBER 1972 ARMSTRONG'S INC. 1101 N. Spruce St. Box 448 Ogallala, Nebraska 69153 HUNTING HEADQUARTERS Browning - Ithaca - Buck Knives Over 300 guns in stock Bill or Mike DRAHTHAARS GERMAN WIRE-HAIRED POINTERS

[image]

Want an easily trained pointer retriever that hunts close and finds birds? ADrahthaar works on land or water in all weather conditions. SAGAMORE KENNELS 501 Jeffery Drive Lincoln, Nebr. 68505 FORT SIDNEY MOTOR HOTEL and RESTAURANT

[image]

Fine Food, Luxurious Lodging, Superior Service COMPLETE HOTEL SERVICE-50 UMTS Spacious Restaurant Large Heated Pool Banquet Facilities Conference Room Paved Parking Lot Color TV 935-9thST. SIDNEY 254-5863 WELCOME HUNTERS

[image]

Color TV in all rooms For reservations call (308) 324-5601 MOTEL ROYAL I-80 Interchange Hwy. 283 Lexington, Nebraska THE PINES Rooms and Cabins Adjacent to the Finest Trout Stream in Nebraska. Ph: (402) 273-4483 Long Pine, Nebraska 69217 When hunting in McCook area Chief MOTEL

[image]

PHONE 345-3700 612 West B McCook, Nebraska On U.S. Highway 6, 34 and 83 AIR CONDITIONED - DIRECT DIAL PHONES KING LENGTH BED - CHIEF STEAK HOUSE WALL-TO-WALL CARPET - TV 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 HEASANT HUNTING 196 Acres Native Grass 1,000 Acres Cropland Fireplace-free ice-card table — free freezing and cleaning — all services included for 15 people or less-$30 per day. Mr. & Mrs. Bob Pence

[image]

Route 2 York, Nebraska 68467 Ph: (402) 362-8691 All Types LIVE BAIT OPEN 6 A.M. TO 10 P.M. South Side Service 8501 West "0" Street (Emerald) 435-1611 Lincoln, Nebr. 68502 NEBRASKA'S FIRST NEWMAN'S GUEST RANCH Specializing in family and youth vacations For complete information write MR. HERB NEWMAN JR. Stuart, Nebr. 68780 Tele-402-924-3292 63   HUNTERS CONTESTS OPEN TO GUESTS FOR PHEASANTS WITH LONGEST TAILFEATHERS Stay at.Holiday Inn

[image]

[image]

Indoor Hydro-Therapy Pool Sauna Bath ■ Restaurant Night Club ■ Entertainment Nebraska's Most Complete Inn Hunters' breakfast served Kennels Adjacent on Interstate 80 Kearney, Nebraska The Kearney Holiday Inn is a favorite of Nebraska mixed-bag hunters. Game-cleaning facilities are available for cleaning and freezing birds in Kearney. Write for reservations: Holiday Inn, Box H, Kearney, Nebraska 68847 KOHLER COMMERCIAL HUNTING

[image]

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 in October $10. Each person in November Reservations accepted with payment in advance. Money refunded if notified at least three days in advance. KOHLER COMMERCIAL HUNTING, TEKAMAH, NEBRASKA, 68061 - Phone 374-2747 For Boating Fun and Fishing, Come To.

[image]

NORTH SHORE LODGE on Lake McConaughy-everything close to the water CABINS - CAFE - BEER - ICE - TACKLE - FISHING LICENSE TRAILER PARKING BY YEAR - OVERNIGHT CAMPING - CAR & BOAT GAS - BOAT LAUNCHING SERVICE - FLOATING MARINA 12 miles N.E. Ogallala, Nebr. Jet. Hwy. 61 & 92 then west to Gate 5 All Inquiries Welcome WRITE TO: Box 16, Lemoyne, Nebr. 69146 or Call Lon Martin - Mgr. 355-2222 UNTERS - Send $3.95 for GUN-GUAR 52" Long Gun Storage Case For LONGTIME RUST send $1.00 for LINR-GARD for positive Rust protection in YOUR GUNCASE. Two for $1.80ppd. — CHECK YOUR GUNS -ORDER NOW — IDEAL Hunting-Fishing Cabin or Home Site 80 acres at Lake Whitney, general area of Ft. Robinson. Good income from CAP Program. Profitable investment. Contact owner, 117 Melody Lane, Alda, Nebraska 68810 (308) 384-0292 64

It was still early in the day, well before 9 a.m. Stan began figuring out an itinerary for showing the deer to friends in the area. And, he wanted to get the buck weighed, which should probably be first on the agenda. Taking it to a scale, he logged it in at 281 pounds, dressed. But, the massive rack attracted the most attention.

There were 6 points on one side and 11 on the other. It was far from being a typical whitetail rack. The main beam on the left side appeared to have been injured early in the growing stages, which had made the beam grow up rather than out and around like a basket. It was bulky, about two inches thick at the base.

Since the rack was so distinctive, it wasn't long before several area residents claimed to have seen it during the summer and fall. Stan, however, had never seen it before, and thought it was sheer good luck for it to have been the first buck he saw that season.

Stan has lived in southeast Nebraska all his life, but it was 1970 before he took to the deer trail. He recalls that not many years ago deer were virtually absent from the state.

"If anyone spotted a deer a few years ago, you could be sure a story would appear in the newspaper the next issue," he says.

Then there came a gradual but noticeable increase. Each year, reports of deer became more numerous, and eventually they were tallied as herds rather than as individual animals. Although Stan had hunted most other game species since he was a boy, it had never occurred to him that he should hunt deer.

As manager of the Hopper Brothers Rock Quarry southeast of Burchard and a friend of most of the people in the area, Stan often found himself in the midst of hunters. Hearing all the stories of deer hunting, he became increasingly interested. Finally, he could resist no longer and applied for a license.

According to unofficial records of the Game and Parks Commission, the heaviest whitetail buck taken in the state was 287 pounds, field dressed. That makes Stan's deer the second heaviest. After the necessary time lapse, he had the head measured. It scored 182-2/8, which puts it in the top 20 non-typical whitetail racks in the state. But, the official scorer speculated that if the left side had been formed about the same as the right, the rack would have ranked among the top 10 or 12 sets of whitetail antlers in the nation.

"I suppose it is somewhat disappointing that the score was not higher, but the rack is more distinctive as it is, and it looks mighty impressive hanging on the wall with all that bone sticking out. I'm really happy with it," Stan confesses.

And so he should be. Taking such a trophy during the second year of deer hunting, plus a 200-pound-plus buck the first year, shows a happy combination of luck and know-how. It just doesn't seem probable that he can top his record this season. But who knows? THE END

NEBRASKAland

OUTDOOR NEBRASKAland of the Air

SUNDAY KHAS Hastings (1230) 6:45 a.m. KMMJ Grand Island (750) 7:00 a.m. KBRL McCook (1300) 8:15 a.m. KRFS Superior (1600) 9:45 a.m. KXXX Colby, Kan. (790) 10:15 a.m. KLMS Lincoln (1480) 10:15 a.m. KRGI Grand Island (1430) 10:33 a.m. KODY North Platte (1240) 10:45 a.m. KOTD Plattsmouth (100) 12 Noon KCOW Alliance (1400) 12:15 p.m. KFOR Lincoln (1240) 12:45 p.m. KCNI Broken Bow (1280) 1:15 p.m. KAMI Cozad (1580) 2:45 p.m. KAWL York (1370) 3:30 p.m. KUVR Holdrege (1380) 4:45 p.m. KGFW Kearney (1340) 5:45 p.m. KMA Shenandoah, la. (960) 7:15 p.m. KNEB Scottsbluff (960) 9:05 p.m. 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) 5:30 p.m. KBRB Ainsworth (1400) 6:00 p.m. SATURDAY KJSK Columbus (900) 6:00 a.m. KICS Hastings (1550) 6:15 a.m. KEYR Scottsbluff (690) 7:45 a.m. KICX McCook (1360) 8:30 a.m. KRNY Kearney (1460) 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. KNLY Ord (1060) 4:45 p.m. KKAN Phillipsburg, Kan. (1490) 5:15 p.m. KOLT Scottsbluff (1320) 5:40 p.m. KMNS Sioux City, la. (620) 6:10 p.m. KRVN Lexinaton (880) 9:15 p.m. KJSK-FM Columbus (101.1) 9:45 p.m. DIVISION CHIEFS C. Phillip Agee, Bureau Chief, Wildlife Services Harold K. Edwards, Resource Services Glen R. Foster, Fish Production Carl E. Gettmann, Law Enforcement Jack Hanna, Budget and Fiscal Ken Johnson, Game Earl R. Kendle, Research Lloyd Sfeen, Personnel Jack D. Strain, Parks Lyle K. Tanderup, Engineering Bob Thomas, Fish Management Delvirt Whiteley, Federal Aid CONSERVATION OFFICERS Ainsworth—Max Showalter, 387-1960 A'bion—Robert Kelly, 395-2538 Alliance—Richard Furley, 762-2024 Alma—William F. Bonsai!, 928-2313 Arapahoe—Don Schaepler, 962-7818 Auburn—James Newcome, 274-3644 Bassett—Leonard Spoerlng, 684-3645 Bassett—Bruce Wlebe, 684-4867 Benlcelman— H. Lee Bowers, 423-2893 Bridgeport—Joe Ulrich, 262-0541 Broken Bow—Gene Jeffries, 872-5953 Columbus—Lyman Wilkinson, 564-4375 Crawford—Cecil Avey, 665-2517 Creighton—Gary R. Ralston, 358-3411 Crofton—John Schuckman, 388-4421 David City—Lester H. Johnson, 367-4037 Fairbury—Larry Bauman, 729-3734 Fremont—Andy Nielsen, 721-2482 Geneva—Kenneth L. Adkisson, 759 4241 Gering—Jim McCole, 436-2686 Grand Island—Fred Salak, 384-0582 Hastings— Norbert Kampsntder, 462-8953 Hay Sprinqs—Marvin E. Kampbell, 638-5262 Hershey—Gail Woodside, 368-5896 Lexington—Loren A. Noecker 324-3466 Lincoln—Dayton Shultis, 435-1240 Lincoln—Leroy Orvis, 488-1663 Lincoln—William O. Anderson, 432-9013 Milford—Dale Bruha, 761-4531 Norfolk—Marion Shafer, 371-2031 Norfolk—Robert Downing, 371-2675 North Platte—Dwight Allbery, 532-2753 Ogallala—Parker Erlckson, 284-2992 Omaha—Dick Wilson, 334-1234 Omaha—Roger A. Guenther, 333-3368 O'Neill—Roger W. Hurdle, 336-3988 Ord—Gerald Woodgate, 728-5060 Oshkosh—Donald D. Hunt, 772-3697 Plattsmouth—Larry D. Elston, 296-3562 Ponca—Richard D. Turpin, 755-2612 Rlverdale—Bill Earnest, 893-2571 Sidney—Raymond Frandsen, 254-4438 Staple ton—John D. Henderson, 636-2430 Syracuse—Mick Gray, 269-3351 Tekamah—Richard Elston, 374-1698 Valentine—Elvin Zimmerman. 376-3674 65

Outdoor Elsewhere

Old Sow's Tale. Even the tall tales of Texans are bigger than others. A hunter from the southern part of the state was charged by a javilina one day. He was so flustered, he dropped his gun and jumped into a barrel for safety. The sow circled the barrel until the Texan reached through the bunghole, grabbed her tail, pulled it in, and tied it in a knot. Then he jumped out, leaving the barrel hanging on the animal. A year later he returned to the same area only to find the same javilina with the barrel tied to her tail. This time, however, a litter of six piglets followed her, and each of her offspring had a neat little knot sitting on its rump. — Texas Bird Brain. That might be the best way to describe the designer of a certain light-beam burglar alarm for which a city council in England paid $1,820 to have installed in its city hall. The local bobbies went crazy answering false alarms during the first week it was in operation. Finally, it was discovered that a sparrow in the building was flying through the beam, thus setting it off each time. It took another $1,470 to have the system bird-proofed.—England Free Ride. A Maine fisherman is going to talk about one of his recent catches for a long time. He was out in a 14-foot skiff off Bailey Island when he caught an 8V2-foot, 570-pound tuna. As a result, the fish towed him around for 35 minutes until a large sport-fishing boat came by and the captain harpooned it for him. How about that for another tall tale?-Maine NEBRASKAland