NEBRASKAland

VOL 55 / NO. 1 / JANUARY 1977 Published monthly by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Sixty cents per copy. Subscription rates $5 for one year, $9 for two years. Send subscription orders to NEBRASKAland, Box 30370, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503. commission Chairman: Arthur D. Brown, Omaha Douglas-Sarpy District, (402) 553-9625 Vice Chairman: Kenneth W. Zimmerman, Loup City North-Central District, (308) 745-1694 2nd Vice Chairman: Don O. Bridge, Norfolk Northeast District, (402) 371-1473 William G. Lindeken, Chadron Northwest District, (308) 432-3755 Gerald R. (Bud) Campbell, Ravenna South-Central District, (308) 452-3800 H. B. "Tod" Kuntzelman, North Platte Southwest District, (308) 532-2982 Richard W. Nisley, Roca Southeast District, (402) 782-6850 Director: Eugene T. Mahoney Assistant Director: William J. Bailey, Jr. Assistant Director: Dale R. Bree staff Editor: Lowell Johnson Editorial Assistants: Jon Farrar, Ken Bouc, Bill McClurg Contributing Editors: Bob Grier, Faye Musil, Tim Hergenrader, Roland Hoffman, Bill Janssen, Butch Isom, Ben Schole Art Director: Michele Angle Farrar Illustration: Duane Westerholt Advertising: Cliff Griffin Circulation: Juanita Stefkovich Copyright Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 1977. All rights reserved. Postmaster: if undeliverable, send notice by form 3579 to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Box 30370, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503. Second class postage paid at Lincoln, Nebraska Contents FEATURES A LADY'S LOGIC VENISON POTPOURRI THE HARDER THE WATER, THE BIGGER THEY FALL 6 8 12 BOOZE AT THE BEANERY 18 CLASSROOM WITH GUNS RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SNAKE 20 22 SHADES OF WINTER 28 MEASURING THE MISSOURI 34 ADVENTURES WITH WHISKERS A Vole's Eye View 36 NOTES ON NEBRASKA FAUNA/Red Fox 50 DEPARTMENTS Speak Up 4 Trading Post 49 COVER: Branched Oak Lake near Lincoln has its appeal during winter as ice fishermen will attest. Northern pike are a major attraction although other species such as walleye, bass and crappie also cause a flurry of activity. This rugged sport is drawing a growing number of followers. OPPOSITE: Also at Branched Oak is this rare visitor to the state—a snowy owl. In winter two years ago, apparently during a food shortage in the arctic, several snowy owls stayed for a month before departing again for the north. Like most owls, they are protected by law. Photos by Jon Farrar.

Speak Up

Hurray for Habitat!

Sir / I have just read the special section in your October issue regarding the new wildlife habitat plan. I believe con gratulations are in order to the people re sponsible for conceiving this plan and also to the people of Nebraska who support the idea. Nebraska is "taking the bull by the horns" and I wish them much success. It is only by such programs that wildlife will have a future to be enjoyed by every one. I would like to point out that again, it is the hunter who will bear the cost of the plan and willingly pay for the privilege to continue to enjoy his sport.

It is sad to note that the necessity of this plan is brought about by poor agricultural practices. Perhaps the lessons of the dust bowl days have been forgotten and will have to be learned again.

Again, hearty congratulations and much success.

Warren Hackbarth Lansing, Mich.

I think the reasons for habitat decline are much more involved and far-reaching than poor agricultural practices, as it seems everything has conspired to persecute wild life in the past few generations. We hope this and other steps can be made to start reversing this deplorable situation. (Editor)

Snake Hunter

Sir / After reading the article, The Viper's Den (August 1976 NEBRASKAland) I thought I would tell you that here in Texas, we who have lived in the country know what the near miss of a rattler is like. We lived in diamondback country a few miles east of Wichita Falls and have had our share of rattler trouble. In this area we have annual snake hunts, but our equipment is not guns—it is usually a 4-foot long stick with a metal hook on the end. We catch them rather than shoot them. However, these hunts are in February, March and April when the snakes are just coming out of the dens and not moving very fast. After that the hunters (farmers, ranchers and fishermen) all keep a shot gun handy. You might send this info to Mr. Ead and his neighbors that we use gas oline in pressurized sprayers to get the snakes out of the dens. It will bring them out if it is not too cold. However, it may harm some of the nonpoisonous snakes. They usually come out in a hurry, so be ready.

I would like to commend you and your staff for the fine articles in your publication. I always look forward to my next is sue.

Tom Caldwell Henrietta, Tex. Lake Visitors

Sir / Well, as the Labor Day weekend ended, so did the busy season for "Lake Colorado" (some know it as Lake McConaughy). Now possibly the Nebraska people will have a chance to use the lake for which they pay taxes to keep clean and maintain.

These inconsiderate nonresidents in vade this beautiful recreation area with much disrespect and carelessness in their minds. They bother fishermen, they throw out garbage, they drive without concern for others, and in general think they own the lake.

I think it would be a good idea to make these "aliens" pay for the use of this Ne braska lake. Just as a suggestion, how about charging $10 a day per family, with the money going toward lake maintenance?

Kendall Guenin North Platte, Nebr. Ducks Aplenty

Sir / Thought you might be interested in this photo taken in 1923 of Frank Lienhart (now about 85 years of age and living in Pender) on the left, and Art Nygren of Bristow. The ducks were shot on Sunfish Lake, south of Chambers, and there are 100 ducks here, with a limit of 50 each at that time.

Louis Adams Lyman, Nebr. Yucky Hunters

Sir / Enclosed is a photo I took after pheasant season last year. The garbage was thrown over the fence into my field by some "Friendly" hunters. I enjoy hunting myself and am happy to let others on my property and into my fields if they ask to hunt and are responsible. However, I question whether in mixing alcohol with guns makes responsible hunters! I also wonder how these same hunters would like someone throwing garbage onto their yards. If some hunters wonder why farm ers and landowners are unhappy with them, this photo clearly shows one reason why.

Thank you for letting me "Speak Up"; I do enjoy NEBRASKAland very much.

Walter Biermann Wisner, Nebr.

Thank you for speaking up. Slob hunters or slob citizens are an unfortunate blot on society, and we must ail continue to seek ways to change them into decent folks. Hunters—keep nagging your companions to shape up whenever afield, as we are all mirrored by each others conduct. (Editor)

Wouldn't Change

Sir / Thank you for the wonderful maga zine. I enjoy it all. What a beautiful January issue. I shall treasure that book. The beautiful pictures are really Nebraska. I wouldn't change my home state for any other. I enjoy fishing very much—at the age of 74. When someone says "Let's go fishing," I'm ready.

Mrs. Clara Nellis Omaha, Nebraska

I'm glad you enjoy the magazine, and hope you get as many opportunities to go fishing as you certainly deserve. Nice to have you as a reader. (Editor)

Pleased

Sir / We were pleased with the article "Your Wildlife Lands-The Southwest" in the August issue.

The restoration of the face of the dam at Hayes Center Lake is truly an example of cooperation between many people and groups. The Middle Republican NRD (Natural Resources District) was very satisfied with the outcome of this project. We would like for people to know of our $500 contribution to the Hayes Center Community Club to help defray expenses for fuel and other essentials in placement of the repair materials.

Wayne Heathers, Manager Middle Republican NRD. Curtis, Nebraska

Ah, for the good old days. I guess if some of us were ever going to down that many ducks, that old car would just about have to be completely full of shells to start with, plus some in the pockets. Thanks for the photo. (Editor)

NEBRASKAland Magazine invites all readers to submit their comments, sugges tions, and gripes to Speak Up. Each month the magazine will publish as many letters as space permits. Pictures are welcome. NEBRASKAland reserves the right to edit and condense letters. - Editor.

In high school? Ready for an adventure? We have one. NEBRASKA OUTDOOR ENCOUNTER Educational Outdoor expeditions for: Wildlife Study Conservation Education Outdoor Recreation Personal Growth Write for applications Nebraska Outdoor Encounter P.O. Box 805 Chadron, Nebraska 69337

A LADY'S LOGIC

Hunting is not a man's world, as preceptive women find the same relaxation and thrills. And, love and knowledge of nature are also gained

by Dick Turpin, Hunter Safety Coordinator

AS COORDINATOR OF Nebraska's Hunter Safety program, I have had the opportunity to travel much of our state. And in those travels I have met many very serious and dedicated outdoorsmen who are concerned with the future of the out-of-doors. Problems such as dwindling habitat, anti-hunting sentiment, and water pollution are just some of the issues that always seem to come up in the conver sation.

Ordinarily this type of individual (the died-in-the-wool outdoorsman) is a man, but occasionally I have met women who can carry their own weight in a discussion on the out doors. Although I can recall times when I have been completely unable to understand a female point of view on many topics, I will have to admit that in the case of this particular lady, I could not agree more with her logical approach to the problems of wildlife.

She is a woman with conviction and purpose, and a person who is definitely not afraid to get involved with the issues. She is an avid hunter, a member of the Lincoln chapter of the Izaak Walton League, and serves on their legislative committee. She is also a certified instructor of the Nebraska Hunter Safety Program, which was the reason for my meeting her.

Her name is Pat Jerrison. Born on May 22 in upper Michigan, in a year to which she will not admit, Pat has always been an avid outdoors-woman. Her birthplace would probably explain her interest in hunting, as a hunt in that area is very traditional. She recalls as a youngster visiting relatives in rural areas, and as sure as the hunting season was on, so was the hunt. The lore of hunting was deeply instilled as a child, and so was the respect for fire arms. Pat can recall her father scolding when the neighborhood gang played cops and robbers and a toy firearm would be pointed toward a playmate. So, even before her hunting experiences, she had learned some of the basics of respecting, and safely handling, firearms.

The Jerrisons, who are now residents of Nebraska, were originally in troduced to the state as a result of Pat's husband being stationed at the Lincoln Air Base. Pat admits that their first impressions of the state were not all that great and that their plans were to retire from the military and move to Washington state. However, when the Lincoln base closed, new orders came down and they were transferred to Delaware.

It wasn't until after they had lived in Delaware for some time that she recalled remarks such as "fishing was pretty good back in Nebraska"; "hunting was fantastic back in Ne braska" or "Lincoln is a heck of a nice family town". And so, as their military retirement drew nearer. Nebraska looked better and better. So, in the final analysis, Washington state lost out and Nebraska became the Jerrisons' state of residence.

My first contact with Pat was a phone call from her requesting infor mation about becoming a certified Hunter Saftey instructor. Her reasons for wanting to becme involved were all very logical. First was her knowledge of firearms. She very contritely expounded on various types of firearms, different actions and ammuni tions, and many examples of safe storage of arms in the home. Home firearm safety was of great importance to her, probably because most women are exposed to guns only in the home, and her logic here was that of a woman.

Secondly was intimidation. Her rea sons for wanting to be a safety instructor were that many girls would not be come involved in hunter safety because they would be embarassed to attend student classes that were madeup mosly of boys. Her intentions were very clear. After she had completely familiarized herself with the hunter safety material, she would conduct classes especially for women-young and old.

Thirdly, she explained her philosophy on the influence of a "mom". If the woman of the house has a fear of or no knowledge of firearms, it will surely carry over in her children. Even if the father is a hunter or recreation shooter, the mother's influence often will prevail.

I found Pat's comments on the roll played by females, in formulating a child's attitude toward firearms very interesting, but I was even more impressed when she elaborated on the anti-hunt movement and how she viewed it.

"Housewives" she said, "are for the most part the family shoppers. Every week or so, mom goes to the grocery store and buys for the family table. At the meat counter, she will check the weekly specials and make her choice. Pork chops, rolled roast, leg of lamb or maybe a special buy on whole chick ens, will catch her eye. Whatever her choice, you can rest assured it will be the decision of a smart, thrifty shop per. The American housewife has earned this distinction.

"But, the manager of the meat counter is no fool either. In order to encourage the buyer, he will cleverly arrange and decorate the meat counter. I'm sure we have all seen some of the very attractive displays used in the meat market. Hamburger smoothly heaped in nice white styrofoam tubs garnished with crisp-look ing, even artificial, greenery, or chops neatly staggered across a small hill of crushed ice and a cute plastic pig placed at the bottom of the mound of ice with the price per pound written across its ribs."

She went on to say that, because our ways of life have become so con venient, we have disassociated our selves from the basic unpleasantness that has to take place if we are to eat meat: the kill. The stories we hear about urban children believing that eggs and milk come from cartons on the store shelf are not altogether false. And, if it is simpler for the youngsters to accept the carton concept without questioning beyond the market's cooler, one can see how easy it has been and will continue to be, to elimi nate from the mind the necessary steps that (continued on page 42)

NEBRASKAland Photo by Dick Turpin

Potpourri of Venison

HERE'S REALLY nothing to it. Wild game cooking is just as easy as any other kind. If you can follow a recipe, you, too, can create some gourmet delights from that venison that keeps getting shoved aside in the freezer.

Venison that has been properly cared for in the field and on its way to the freezer can provide some of the tastiest eating anyone could ask for. Of course, there are a few tricks that can enhance your efforts, just as there are for any "old favorite" recipe for any type of meat.

The characteristic "gamey" flavor is concentrated in the fat, so carefully trim fat from all cuts before cooking. This will reduce the so-called gamey taste that many people find objectionable. Venison is a rather dry meat and can be improved by adding suet, bacon strips or butter when roasting, broiling or frying.

The best way to add fat, though, is to "lard" the meat with fat salt pork, particularly for roasts. Larding can be done quite easily. Simply cut the salt pork in long, quarter-inch strips and freeze. Pierce the roast with a long, thin knife or skewer, and push the frozen or chilled pork into the incisions. In addition, larding pork can be wrapped around the meat and fastened with string, but this should be done in combination with the first method, not alone.

Many old-time game cooks advocate soaking the meat overnight in a solution of salt and vinegar or marinating it in French dressing or other marinade for 10 to 12 hours. That's strictly optional, though, since other veteran game chefs absolutely refuse to soak or marinate their meat. They prefer to retain the natural flavor, which is delightful and can be developed or masked with a highly seasoned sauce.

Originally, the term venison referred to the meat of any animal or bird of the chase, but today it means only the meat of antlered animals. Most of the venison eaten in this country is deer. It is lean meat with a dark color that has a tendency to drip either fresh or thawed. Roasts from young animals can be cooked like comparable beef roasts. Chops and steaks from young animals can be sauteed or broiled. Tougher cuts and the roasts, steaks and chops from older animals should be tenderized before cooking, or they should be braised, made into stew, or used in ground meat. However, few cuts will be extremely tough.

You will have to make your own choice on the doneness of your meat. It is strictly a matter of taste. So-called authorities disagree, recommending the entire gamut from rare to well-done. Bear in mind, though, that tenderness declines with doneness, when cooking any meat. Therefore, well-done meat will be less tender than rare or medium rare.

The following recipes come from a variety of sources, including: "NRA Centennial Cookbook", Remington's "Wild Game Cookbook", "Crockery Game Cooking" by Joan Cone, "A Guide to Game Cookery" by the U.S. Brewers Association, and "Care and Cooking of Game Meats" by the University of Nebraska Extension Service. Sources are indicated on each recipe.

  Potpourri of Venison

2 teaspoons nutmeg 3 teaspoons allspice 3 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon cloves 3 teaspoons salt 2 oranges 8 cups cider or grape juice.

Chop or grind venison and suet. Mix with chopped apples, cur- rants, raisins and citron. Add sugar, spices, juice of 2 oranges, finely chopped rind of one orange and the cider or grape juice. Simmer 30 minutes. Pack hot into jars. Seal and process pints and quarts at 10 pounds pressure for 20 minutes. Makes enough for 10 to 12 nine-inch pies. (u. of n. Ext.serv.)

HAWAIIAN VENISON

1 lb. venison steak 1 teaspoon salt Va cup flour 2 to 3 green peppers Va cup butter Vi cup pineapple chunks Vi cup boiling water Va cup carrot slices (optional)

Cut steaks into 1-inch cubes, cover with flour, and brown in hot fat. Add water and salt. Simmer until tender. Clean peppers, cut into 1-inch squares and boil 10 minutes and drain. Cook carrots until tender. Add pineapple chunks, pepper squares and carrots to browned meat. Pour Hawaiian Sauce (below) over meat mixture and simmer 5 minutes. Serve over Chinese noodles or cooked rice. Serves 4 to 6.

HAWAIIAN SAUCE

21/2 teaspoons cornstarch cup sugar 1/2 cup pineapple juice 21/2 teaspoons soysauce 1/2 cup vinegar Combine ingredients and cook until sauce thickens. (Remington)

BOHEMIAN PICKLED VENISON WITH CREAM GRAVY

2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon allspice 1 pound casings 4 pounds venison 1 pound beef 2 pounds lean pork 1 large onion 1/2 peck potatoes

Grind all the meat and the onion. Then wash, peel, and grind the potatoes. Mix together and add salt and pepper and all spice. Mix thoroughly. Use a sausage stuffer and do not stuff the casings too full. After stuffing, tie the ends of the sausages with string. Submerge in large kettle of cold water and bring to a boil. Boil about 1 hour at 325°F. Prick each sausage with a fork after the first 10 minutes of boiling. Sausages can be served hot or cold, or may be stored in a cold place for use at a later time. Sausage flavor is at its best when fried in skillet until cas ings are golden brown. (Remington)

VENISON SCALLOPINI

The meat of the deer is readily adaptable to recipes typically used for veal, like this Italian classic. Serve with buttered vermicelli and a tossed salad.

1/2 lbs. venison round steak, cut into serving pieces about Vi inch thick 1/2cup flour 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 egg, slightly beaten venison roast salt lineups vinegar 3 cups water 1 large onion, sliced 6 whole cloves 10 black peppercorns 1 bay leaf lemon rind 1/2 cups sour cream 1 teaspoon fiour 1 egg yolk, beaten 1/3cup light cream 1/2 G fine cracker crumbs 1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese 1/4cup snipped parsley 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 C. pineapple juice

Heat oven to 375°. Pound venison pieces Va inch thick with edge of saucer or meat pounder. Stir together flour, salt and pepper. Dip venison in flour mixture until well coated. Stir to gether egg and cream. Mix cracker crumbs, cheese and parsley. Dip venison into egg mixture; roll in crumb mixture. In large skillet heat butter and garlic until golden. Brown meat on both sides. Place browned meat in square baking dish, 8x8x2 inches; pour wine over top and cover. Bake 45 to 60 minutes, or until meat is tender. 4 to 6 servings. (NRA)

MISSOURI VENISON STEW

10 whole allspice

Trim venison roast and dust with salt. Combine vinegar, 2 cups water, onion, and spices, cover and boil together 15 minutes. Then let cool and pour over venison roast. Let marinate 2 to 3 days, turning once or twice each day. When ready to bake, place in baking pan, add about Vi of the marinade, remaining cup of water, and a piece of lemon rind. Bake in 325°F oven 25 to 30 minutes per pound. When about half done, baste with 1/2 cup sour cream. Turn over once while baking and baste fre quently. When done, remove roast. Add remaining cup sour cream to the liquid. Thicken with flour and beaten egg yolk. Strain sauce and serve with potatoes or dumplings. (Remington)

3 to 4 pounds venison flour 3 tablespoons bacon fat 11/2cups hot water 1 cup red wine 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 large onion, sliced 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon coarse pepper 3 carrots, scraped and quartered 1 teaspoon mixed dry thyme, 3 potatoes, peeled and marjoram, basil quartered

Remove sinews and bones from venison, cut meat into bite size pieces, and roll in flour. Brown in hot bacon fat in deep kettle. Add hot water, wine, herbs, onions, and salt and pepper. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 2 hours. Add carrots and potatoes. Cover and simmer 1 hour, adding more hot water if needed. When meat is tender and vegetables

done, serve hot. Serves 6. (Remington)

BIG GAME ROUND STEAK IN GRAVY

This recipe is especially well-suited to any steak from an older tougher animal, but can also be used with excellent results in cooking any big-game steak which you do not want to eat rare or medium-rare.

2 to 21/2 lbs. venison round steak Half of 1/2rounce package of onion soup mix 1 101/2-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup

Cut steak into 5 or 6 serving pieces and place in slow-cooking pot. Add other ingredients. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. (Cone)

WILD GAME RAGOUT

3 pounds venison 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 large onions, chopped 5 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 pound bacon, chopped 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 can tomato soup, undiluted 11/2 quarts water 2 teaspoons bourbon 1/2 cup beer 1 tablespoon salt 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced

Cut meat into cubes about 1/2 inches square. Heat olive oil in electric skillet and add meat, onions, garlic and bacon. Cook until all is richly browned, stirring frequently. Add all other in gredients except mushrooms; cover and simmer for 50 minutes. Add mushrooms and simmer 10 minutes more. Serve over rice. Serves 8.

You do not need to marinate game before using: in fact, it is better if you do not This dish reheats well and can be prepared a day ahead. (Remington)

SWEDISH MEATBALLS

Vi tsp. each: ginger and allspice 1/2 cup cream 1/4 cup milk 2 lbs. ground game meat 1 pound ground pork 3 tablespoons cornstarch 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon each: pepper and onion salt

Grind meat together and then combine dry ingredients; mix well. Add cream and milk; form mixture into small balls. Brown meatballs; remove from pan. Thicken gravy; return meatballs to gravy in pan. Simmer for 45 minutes. (nra)

VENISON SHORT RIBS

3 pounds venison short ribs 1 tablespoon salt 1 quart water 1 teaspoon paprika 1 large onion, chopped

Soak venison ribs in salt water solution for several hours or overnight. Wash the ribs after soaking and parboil for 30 minutes. Place in frying pan. Mix the last seven ingredients to gether, pour over ribs, and bake in 375° oven about 1 hour, or until meat is tender and browned. (nra)

1/2 cup catsup 1/4 cup vinegar 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons chili powder 3 tablespoons bacon drippings

BIG GAME MEATLOAF

1 pound ground venison Vi lb. sausage 1 egg, beaten Va cup milk I 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 small onion, chopped or 1 teaspoon instant minced onion 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 cup ketchup 2 slices bread, crumbled

Mix egg, milk, salt and bread crumbs, allow to soften. Thor oughly combine with ground venison, sausage, onion, and chopped celery. Shape into loaf and place in slow-cooking pot with ketchup. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours. (Cone)

MARINATED VENISON

3 pounds venison (shoulder, 10 peppercorns neck, breast) 2 medium onions, sliced 1 carrot, sliced 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon salt 5 juniper berries, crushed 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 bay leaf juice of 1 lemon 116-ounce bottle or can beer 1/2cup salad oil

Remove bones and tough tendons from meat; cut in 1/2 inch pieces. Combine remaining ingredients in a large earthenware bowl. Add meat and let stand in refrigerator 1 to 2 days, turning meat several times. Place meat and marinade in a large kettle. Bring slowly to boil. Cover and cook over low heat 1/2 to 2 hours, or until meat is tender. Remove meat and strain the liquid, forcing vegetables through the strainer. If desired, thicken liquid with flour mixed with a little water. Serve meat with sauce, buttered onions and carrots, parsley-buttered potatoes. Makes 6 Servings. (Brewers)

SWEET-SOUR VENISON

Venison steaks or roast 1/2 cups brown sugar 6 tablespoons oil 2 teaspoons mustard 1/2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons vinegar Brown meat in oil, place in dutch oven or covered roaster. Combine remaining ingredients to make sauce. Layer steak with sauce. If roasting meat, use sauce to cover roast and to baste frequently while cooking. Bake in 400° oven 20 minutes per pound. (Nra)

(Continued on page 46)

THE HARDER THE WATER, THE BIGGER THEY FALL

by Bill McCluis Photos by Jon Farrar

ICE FISHING is fast becoming one of the more popular winter sports in Nebraska. While most hard-water addicts stick to the smaller panfish, however, a growing number of them are baiting up to tackle the heavyweights in lakes and reservoirs.

Walleye and northern pike are two game fish that grow to trophy proportions in Nebraska and can be caught readily through the ice. To a lesser degree, bass are also caught and can provide worth while winter action.

Finding the fish after freeze-up, though, is often a problem, and the novice ice angler is faced with many of the same problems he encounters when fishing any lake for the first time. One of the common mistakes that ice fishermen make is to go out onto the ice and begin drilling holes indiscriminately, with only an optimistic hope of finding fish. Would-be ice anglers often try this, get skunked and head home. This is a mistake. Under that layer of ice is the same structure that exists in summer, and a knowledgeable summer fisherman would no more fish in barren water than in his bathtub. The secret is fishing the areas where the fish hang out. Where is this? Check the areas where others are fishing. If they are catching wall eyes or northerns, then you might well be in the right spot. If not, don't be afraid to experiment.

For walleye, try the same spots where you find them in the spring and fall. Fish off points, starting fairly close to shore and working to deeper water. Other good areas are near sharp drop-offs, such as those associated with o d creek beds. Generally, during daylight hours, look for walleye in deep water. Early and late in the day and after dark, they move into the shallows to feed. Best times to catch wall eye are usually near dusk, after dark and on cloudy days.

Most anglers who fish for walleye either use tip-ups or jig the long, narrow, spoon-type lures. Many prefer relatively light line, about 6 to 10-pound test, for both jigging and tip-ups. Others use heavy braided nylon line and steel leaders when

  fishing for walleye, especially when north erns also may be caught.

The best bait for walleye is either a large shiner or a small bluegill, 3 to 4 inches long, hooked through the tail with a No. 2 to No. 4 hook. Use one or two fairly large split shot, attached about 6 to 12 inches above the hook. Walleyes tend to stay near the bottom, so most anglers fish within a foot above. If you aren't catching fish, though, vary the depth of your bait or lure before pulling up stakes and moving.

Best jigging lures are silver Rapala jigging minnows, Kastmasters, silver Swedish pimples and silver and red bomber slabs. Most serious anglers use a regular worm fishing rod and reel when jigging for wall eye. For line, 8-pound monofilament is plenty strong in most cases, and the use of a snap swivel is recommended to keep the line from twisting.

When jigging with this outfit, raise the rod tip sharply about 5 feet in a sweeping motion. Then drop the rod tip so the lure flutters back to the bottom, and repeat. Some anglers vary this by twitching the lure between jigs. Generally, the walleye will hit the lure as it drops to the bottom or just when the lure is first lifted. Some anglers like to jig a hole for only a few minutes and then move to another if they haven't had any luck, moving around until they find fish.

For northerns, fish in man-made lakes near old creek beds, roadways or other places where a drop-off exists, especially if it is close to an underwater weedbed or brushpile. Most northerns are caught in fairly shallow water; on tip-ups, general ly from 3 to 12 feet deep. If you don't know the structure of the bottom, try put ting your tip-ups in a straight line, several feet apart and perpendicular to where you think the creekbed should be. Another way is to put them out in a circular pattern so that chances are better that one or more of your baits is located in the right place. The maximum number of tip-ups allowed is 15 in Nebraska (and only 2 in some locations) and many anglers feel their chances of catching a big pike are in creased by setting as many as they can handle.

In the natural lakes in northern and western Nebraska, anglers use tip-ups

  with large minnows in lakes where live bait is legal. On the Valentine and Crescent Lake refuges, live or dead minnows are illegal for use. Anglers there prefer to fish their pike tip-ups baited with beef steak cut in chunks, frozen smelt, or even chunks of jackrabbit.

Best places to fish for northerns in such lakes are near underwater brushpiles, weedbeds and cattails in water from 4 to 6 feet deep. Anglers in these lakes will generally catch fish from 1 to 5 feet below the surface.

Some enterprising anglers who fish the lakes where live minnows are prohibited have developed tip-ups that move in the wind, thus giving action to the bait. One type is available commercially which uses the principle of the windmill to raise and lower the bait. Another type involves a thin piece of flat spring stee , weighted so the slightest breeze causes it to move up and down. These also work well when live bait is not too lively, and can often make the difference when fish are choosy.

For gear, pike anglers use fairly heavy line, from 10 to 20-pound and up. Many prefer braided line, simply because it han dles better in the cold, is more visible, and doesn't backlash quite as easily when a fish takes line from the tip-up reel.

To the end of the line, attach a wire or heavy nylon leader. Add several heavy split shot to the leader and tie on a fairly large hook. A 1/0 or 2/0 single or treble hook is probably the best. Bait should be either a 4 to 6-inch chub or bluegill, hooked through the tail, back or lips. Some anglers clip a small portion of the tail fin if the bait is too lively and sets off their tip-up flags. In general, the best bait depth is from 6 to 12 inches above the bottom, but often pike are caught near the surface, from 1 to 4 feet below the ice.

When a northern hits a minnow, it will generally run with it crosswise in its mouth. Usually it's best to wait until they stop, swallow the bait and make another run before setting the hook.

In playing a northern, be prepared to give line if (Continued on Page 44)

When times were tough and alcohol forbidden, people found their pleasures, and profits, where they could

BOOZE at the BEANERY

by Faye Musil

JUST A FEW miles north of the Republican Valley State Wayside Area is the bootleg tree—or at least it was still there a couple of years ago.

What's a bootleg tree? Well, according to Cousin Orpha of Red Cloud, the whole story began during and be cause of the Prohibition Era. Like many other Americans, the rather in dependent residents of Webster County at the time refused to let the government legislate their consciences.

Nebraska had its share of "bootleg gers" and "moonshine stills," and of course, that meant "revenuers." For those too young to remember the terms, a bootlegger was a maker or seller of moonshine, which was illegal alcoholic beverages, produced by a home distillery or "still". Every story must have a hero, and the revenuer was it. He was the government agent who tried to stop the manufacture, transportation and sale of illegal alcohol.

Now, when one listens to stories of the Prohibition Era, it's sometimes difficult to determine who is really the hero without a sympathetic narrator to point out the characters' significance. In the case of the before-mentioned bootleg tree, for example, the actual villain escaped capture.

It seems that the revenuer was hot on the trail, and the moonshiner had to abandon the still. To escape the revenuer, he climbed the tree and hid in its foliage until the revenuer gave 18 NEBRASKAland up and went home.

Ma and Pa Ellison of Red Cloud may or may not have been connected with the bootleg tree, but it is certain fact that they had some connection with some moonshine still some where. The fact that' they were found guilty of selling moonshine confirms that fact.

It seems that Ma and Pa ran the Beanery just south of Red Cloud. The Beanery seems innocent enough. It was a grocery store and a restaurant, with living quarters in the back. In fact, according to Gus Fuller and Glen Mountford, it was the hangout for lo cal kids.

According to Gus, Ma and Joe were supplied by a bootlegger somewhere between Red Cloud and Guide Rock, perhaps the infamous individual who created the bootleg tree.

"He came once a week," Gus said.

"There was a crowd every night," Gus reminisced. "They sold sand wiches and pie, and Joe would slip a guy a pint when he bought pie."

He said the routine was pretty simple. The guy would buy his pie and saunter back to the kitchen to chat. Then Joe would slip him the booze. Gus didn't know of any parties at the Beanery, though some locals recalled hearing of a back room where drinking parties were held. Gus remem bered hearing of no drinking on the premises at all.

People who remember them seem to agree that Pa, or joe, was raw boned, but rather thin. His hair, during Prohibition times, was greyish, and he wore a mustache.

It's a bit more difficult to get a description of Ma or Delia.

According to one old timer, she was rather plump but nice looking with dark hair. A second fellow who knew Ma and Joe wouldn't describe her as nice-looking. He remembered her as being dark, and very small-not at all plump either. He thought Ma and Joe must have been in their forties or older during the time in question.

Still a third source described Ma as a dry, shrivelled-up old lady-at least 60 during the 20's.

However they looked, Ma and Joe led a colorful life-for the quiet little community of Red Cloud-although memories may give them credit for more color than they deserve.

According to present speculation among Red Cloud residents, Ma and joe's best customers were their worst enemies. It seems that the wives of the "regulars" would get perturbed with their habitual imbibing, especially when they left chores unattended at home.

When patience ran out, the irate wife would call the county sheriff and report that Ma and Joe were running their business again. A "raid" would follow, Ma and Joe would end up be fore the county judge, they would be given a fine, which they would refuse to pay, and they'd sit their sentence out in the county jail. Present rumor has it that school children would often be treated to an opportunity to peer through the bars of the county jail at Ma and Joe in their rocking chairs. According to memory, Ma even took her canary along with her.

Court records don't entirely support that, however. True, Joe did have his run-ins with the law. On one of those occasions, he was involved in a civil suit. The court found for the plaintiff, awarding $135 in damages.

It seems that Nelson Trambly damaged his car when he ran head-on into Joe's vehicle on the Red Cloud-lnavale road—probably today's Highway 136. Extenuating circumstances include the fact that Joe's car was parked on the westbound side of the road, facing east, with the lights off. The time of the accident was close to midnight. Joe was in the vehicle, but was apparently unhurt.

Public remembrance places Ma and Pa in jail on and off throughout the Prohibition Era. Court records, how ever, show only one occasion when Ma went to court at all. The charge was possession for sale of illegal alcohol. She and Joe were both found guilty and fined. There is no record of whether or not they chose to sit it out in jail.

Evidence which prompted issuance of a search warrant included such things as the presence of intoxicated people in the near vicinity of the Beanery, and the fact that known drinkers of alcohol were known to frequent the place. The search turned up 65 pints of home brew.

Other records show Joe being fined for second and third-offense public intoxication. Again, there is no record of whether or not Joe chose to pay his fine or go to jail. On the third offense, Joe claimed immunity apparently of fered during that time to informants.

In this case the information gleaned did not lead to a raid. It seems that Joe had become intoxicated on vanilla extract purchased from the Seal grocery store in Riverton.

Though Joe revealed the source of the intoxicating beverage, the case was continued. But there seems to be no record of final disposition.

After a lapse of about two years, Joe reappears with an apparently clean slate to build up first, second, and third offenses all over again. Did he "get religion" for a time, then back slide? No one seems to know the explanation for Joe's disappearance from court records. Perhaps part of the court records disappeared.

Do other records exist which would more fully support rumor? Or are Ma and Pa being unfairly judged—in detail if not in attitude? There is probably no way to know for sure.

Over the years, Ma and Joe did leave a clearer-than-usual trail in the court records. In addition to public in toxication, and sale of "Prohibition" alcohol, they added a couple of counts of selling alcohol without a license, after Prohibition was repealed.

"John Law" finally found something less comfortable than their accommodations in the county jail. In response to one run-in on selling liquor without a license, the law padlocked the Beanery. Ma and Joe sold out presumably to pay their fine—and because the store couldn't support them with a padlock on the door.

Later, however, they must have bought it back, because memories and court records place them there several years later.

According to Red Cloud's "informed sources", Ma and Joe just finally moved away. No one seems to know the occasion for the move, but they supposedly moved to Oregon. Perhaps the move was unfortunate for Red Cloud. The town certainly lost a share of local color.

Sport shooting in Nebraska high schools is growing rapidly, and hundreds of teenagers are already enjoying competition and fun on the range. At right are 1976 shoot officials and class winners, but all participants gain

CLASSROOM WITH GUNS

by Roland Hoffmann

ALTHOUGH MUCH of the Game and Parks Commission's operations are necessarily based upon factors of the past and present, it is also realized that young people are among the greatest resources of the state, and that youth education is a valuable tool in managing the land, its wildlife, and enhancing the relationship between them and the people for the future.

One segment of the Commission is particularly charged with the responsibility of designing and initiating education programs that will benefit wildlife resources as well as the people of the state. That is the Information and Education Division.

Toward that end, several excellent programs have evolved, with printed curriculum, lesson plans and visual aids available in environmental education, boating safety, hunter safety and sport shooting. Sport shooting was orobably met at the same time by the most resistance and the best reception of any program offered by the Game and Parks Commission.

At the start, the Commission's goal was to establish sport shooting as a regular athletic activity in the more than 300 high schools across the state. It would be in the form of trap shoot ing and small-bore rifle marksmanship, and would include seasonal competitive events as major high school sports.

The idea of such competition fascinated shooters and students, but caution flags and red tape appeared early from educators and administrators when the Commission plan was unveiled at a meeting in Grand Island in September 1974.

Loup City Game and Parks Commissioner Ken Zimmerman, a long time trap shooter himself, originated the meeting. He has also been behind the move to get the Commission in volved in promoting the shooting sports, including hunting, among young people. He felt that many young people simply do not get the opportunity to use and understand the recreational value of firearms. He believes that once a person knows and understands, he is not only better prepared to enjoy sport shooting, but will also be less easily swayed by antigun propaganda.

To be involved in the program were the school systems, local sportsman's clubs, and the Commission. Invitations thus went out, including the above and representatives of the firearm in dustry, the National Rifle Association, the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, and the press.

The Isaac Walton clubhouse in Grand Island filled to capacity with in vitees and guests. Interest was apparent, but so was skepticism.

Educators stressed that anything in volving student competition between schools would involve the Nebraska School Activities Association, which must endorse any such program. Also, warned the educators, school boards were feeling a budgetary pinch and enactment of any new program would be strongly scrutinized. Also, what about the danger of personal injury when firearms were used in competition? Some feared that guns and schools would not mix, or that insurance would be outrageous.

After much deliberation, a starting plan was devised, and a sport shooting committee formed. The Commission promised to provide coordination, printed materials, money, and long term commitment.

A course outline in trap shooting and small-bore rifle marksmanship was developed, and a "facts pack" sent to every superintendent of schools in the state, plus gun clubs and seivice groups.

A recent decision by the School Activities Association was given by Jim Riley, executive secretary. Riley said the association did not have the authority to rule on school club activities such as rodeo, bowling and competitive shooting. Therefore, sanctioning is not now needed. Guidelines used in the past will, however, be continued.

The formulating committee drew several conclusions and made recommendations, which included that today's schools don't offer much in the way of activity that students can continue throughout their lives. Regular sports like football and basketball are generally left behind with graduation, whereas sport shooting can be easily continued by the individual. Shooting can also be done by men and women equally, and in fact girls become better shots sooner, and in the last world shooting championship, women fired higher scores.

While most sports demand great speed, size or strength for success, shooting is a true competitive sporting experience for many young people who might not otherwise be able to participate.

There are other benefits, including development of self discipline, concentration, coordination and others, and shooting is an exceptionally safe sport. Years of sanctioned and registered shooting have proven this, with never an injury recorded in the sport's history; something that can't be said of football or many other such events.

When rather sizable financial hurdles were encountered with the new program, help was quick to come from the commercial area.

Participating schools were offered excellent discounts on equipment by Pacific Reloaders of Grand Island, Remington Arms and Winchester Western,, followed by Bear Reloaders. Remington, through a new program in its youth department headed by Dave Chamberlin of Kansas City, offered guns on consignment. They could be used for a year, and then either pur chased at a greatly reduced cost, or returned to the company. This, of course, allowed schools to give the program a try before jumping in.

Pacific and Bear provided reloading equipment and components at cost, which can make a tremendous differ ence in cost over a year. Winchester gives a large discount on a direct sales program, plus providing traps at reduced cost for schools planning on building shooting facilities, plus an initial offer of 2,000 cases to each school.

The package was thus complete and ready for review by high school administrators. A meeting was set up be tween the Game and Parks Commission and Dave Wells of Norfolk.

In 1970 Wells had initiated the Cornhusker Trap Shoot as a dual college meet, and two years later added high school competition. Since the partnership was formed, size of the Cornhusker Invitational Trapshoot has doubled in size. Currently the sport shooting program is carried in more than 50 Nebraska schools, and if the barometer holds true, the Cornhusker will host over 100 teams in 1977.

Details of the shooting program are handled through the district offices of the Game and Parks Commission in Lincoln, North Platte, Alliance, Bassett and Norfolk. Personnel of the Information and Education Division call on schools, explain the program, arrange terms with local gun clubs and offer any other assistance possible. Reception has been more than good.

Sport shooting is well on its way to the goal of 300 schools, and hundreds of students have already enjoyed nonaggressive competition. As interest grows and facilities develop, it is certain that Nebraska shooters will continue to gain national and international fame in the shooting sports.

An unusual canoe excursion for sixteen Nebraskans produces a treasure of memories and desire to return

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SNAKE

Text and photos by Jack Curran

It was more of an adventurous outing than an attempt to challenge a rugged environment or an encounter for survival. And, while the Snake River has a history of dealing with canoeists in a rather harsh way, the canoes suf fered the only injuries during this particular journey. By mountain standards, this may not have been the trip to end all trips, but, for the 16 members of then State Senator Gene Mahoney's crew, the nostalgic recollections of the four days in the remote Snake River Valley would be treasured moments few Nebraskans have ever experienced. Only an occasional cattleman or canoeist ever visits the stretch of the Snake above Merritt Reservoir. In some spots, the nearest road is 20 to 25 miles away.

This trip started south of Merriman, just 10 miles east of the spring-fed stream's origin, and ended at Gail Falls on the Gail Ranch just west of the Nenzel National Forest. The voyage covered 35 land miles and approximately 3 times that taking the river's course. What makes the trip unusual is the river itself. The Snake is unlike any other river in Nebraska. And, if a river can be accorded a personality, the Snake's is definitely split into many moods that can change around almost any bend. It can be vicious, rapid or tranquil. It is most assuredly influenced by sand, large rocks and fallen trees. To live on a river for several days is the best way to learn to understand it. Not everyone on the trip would come away with the same feel ing for the Snake or have the same mental pictures to be filed for future enjoyment.

But, like all other outings or personal ad ventures, all we have now, four years later, are our own recollections and treasured moments captured on film by a NEBRASKAland camera. And, maybe sharing our trip with you is really a memorial to Joe Bosiljevac. He did a lot for the sport of canoeing and he made our Snake River trip even more memorable.

22 NEBRASKAland 23   24 NEBRASKAland JANUARY 1977 25   26

Shades of Winter

Photographs by Don Pitcher

Contrasts are commonplace and beauty somewhat harsh, but there is a magic about the cold season and its patterns

28 29   31  

MEASURING THE MISSOURI

Photos and text by Larry Hesse, Research Biologist

Channelization has hurt the "Mighty Mo", but it is far from a biological desert. Extensive sampling done during the special thermal study resulted in many fish and many species. However, present and planned nuclear plants will have an increasing impact as heated water is returned to river, changing its character

TYPICAL WATER resource projects associated with the Missouri River, such as flood control, navigation control, irrigation and power generation, are known to have effects on the environment. The effects are usually dem onstrated in the adjusted diversity of aquatic life (ie., fisheries, water quality, terrestrial communities and often, recreation). As the accompanying aerial photographs of the Missouri River show, physical flow is often drastically altered. The channelized Missouri River does, however, support fish life. Research done throughout the 1960's and 1970's by Nebraska, South Dakota and Missouri biologists has detailed existing fish stocks.

The Missouri River Bank Stabiliza tion and Navigation Project was implemented in 1912 and is continuing at this time. Severe reductions in habitat resulted from the channel main tenance program, and both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems were effected. The changes in the plant and animal communities involved will probably never be fully assessed, as adequate life history studies were not required until 1969.

At a 1970 meeting of concerned state and federal agencies, a proposal was drawn to evaluate the newest threat to the aquatic environs of the Missouri River—nuclear power stations. There are presently two of these electrical generating stations in Ne braska. Omaha Public Power District owns and operates the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station on the banks of the Missouri 19 miles northwest of Omaha. Nebraska Public Power District owns and operates the Cooper Nuclear Station in Nemaha County two miles from Brownville. Both stations use Missouri River water for cooling purposes.

Fort Calhoun generates 481 megawatts of electricity and uses 365,000 gallons per minute (gpm) of water to carry excess heat from the nuclear reactor and rejects it into the Missouri River. Cooper generates 801 megawatts of electricity and uses 651,000 gpm cooling water. Both stations, by law, can increase the temperature of the cooling water a maximum of 10° C (18° F).

A study was designed with 11 state and federal agencies participating in the overall design, and 7 of these agencies participating in field collection activities, with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission acting as the study coordinator. The primary objective of the Game and Parks Commission was the evaluation of the effects of the power stations on the adult fishery of the Missouri River.

The significance of this "thermal study" lies in the demonstration of what stands to be lost in the Missouri River. In the Des Moines Sunday Register, July 1971, an official of the Nebraska Public Power District said that the Missouri River south of Omaha was "a biological desert, devoid of fish life and, as such, cannot be harmed by any heated water from a nuclear power generating plant."

The Missouri has been damaged by channelization, but the current poten tial of the river should not be under estimated. This river is far from a "desert"; however, the remaining resource can be damaged by unwise future management.

Sampling by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission personnel was done between April 1 and November 30 of 1971,1974 and 1975. Crews averaged 3 days in the field per week and collected over 60,000 fish of 44 species.

Fish were collected on a regularly scheduled basis by boat-mounted electrofishing gear, by hoopnet, basket trap, seine and telephone generator. Fish were fin clipped or tagged, weighed, measured, identified, and scale or spine samples were removed before they were released. The study was duplicated in two phases: 1971 was the pre-operational phase, and 1974-75 was the post-operational phase. Information on species present, relative numbers of species type, spatial and temporal distribution, age and growth, food habits, and movement patterns were compared before and after plant operation.

The most abundant fishes in the river appear to be: carp, river carp sucker, gizzard shad, freshwater drum, goldeye, shorthead redhorse, blue sucker, shortnose gar, bluegill, small mouth buffalo, and black bullhead. Channel catfish were also readily available with over 6,000 captured in 1974 and 1975. Flathead catfish are also commonly found associated with the perpendicular wing dikes and along the outer bend trail dikes. During the winter, fish of many species move into the holes above and below wing dikes. Estimates are that as much as 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of fish per dike exist in this habitat during winter.

Adult fishes can become physiologically trapped in the plume or heated segment of the river flow, and serious changes in body chemistry can result from subsequent temperature changes in the plume. A more in sidious danger lies in the entrapment of larval (nonmotile) fish. These just hatched organisms cannot swim away from a potentially dangerous environment. Since they flow with the current, many are killed as they pass through the cooling condensors of a power station. The significance of utilizing one third to half of the Missouri's flow is readily evident.

There will be a continuing need for electrical energy as the population of the United States increases. Large rivers will probably carry the burden of effluents from generating systems whether fossil fuel or nuclear; as such, base line data on Missouri River fishes is essential in proper site location to minimize environmental disturbance. At the present time, there are 12 power plants operating on the Missouri River with 5 more additions or new plants planned. They will generate 11,222 megawatts and will require approximately 10 billion gallons (12,000-15,000 cubic feet per second) of cooling water each day. The average flow of the Missouri River at Omaha is 35,000 cfs-more than one third of this volume will therefore travel through the cooling systems of power-generating stations.

We have gathered a wealth of information on the fish life of the Missouri River; information on length-frequency, length-weight, condition, growth, age structure, mortality rates, sex ratios and maturity, food habits, and movement. This information is vital if a change in any of these factors is to be demonstrated and understood.

The natural resources of many regions are in jeopardy. Often, informa tion useful in averting a problem comes too late or is too small in scope to be useful as a tool in evaluating changes that are evident only over a long period of time. The data being gathered by the agencies involved with the "thermal study" is late; it may also be too little (indications are that for some purposes of evaluation it is too little). We do have a sound baseline, though, from which future judgments affecting the Missouri River can be made.

A VOLE'S-EYE VIEW

Adventures with Whiskers the Prairie Vole

Leapin' lizards! I know just how that grass hopper feels, eyeball-to-eyeball with a hungry six-lined racerunner. I remember one time I found myself in a similar predicament. I was visiting some friends up in that part of the state you humans call the Pine Ridge. We were out early in the day foraging for seeds. I was pull ing myself up over a sandstone ledge and before I knew it, I was staring down the yawning mouth of the biggest bobcat in the world. The hair on my neck stood up so straight it must have looked like I was wearing a fur collar. Lucky for me he was dozing in the sun and didn't even see me.

Which brings me to the point I wanted to make—the world looks a lot different when you're

 

only an inch and a half off the ground. The other night I was looking through my scrapbook and came across some photos of things I've seen during years of wandering over Nebraska. It occurred to me that most humans never take time to look close at the natural world. It's really quite an amazing place; full of interesting creatures and plants. It's too cold for me to give you a first-hand tour of my miniature world but I'll take you on a photographic safari, right out of the pages of my scrapbook. Put on your jungle helmet and lace up your boots; here we go!

One of the first things you'll notice down here in the grass is that the plants are close together. That's why we have trails; to make walking a little easier. The next thing that will catch your eye is all the little creatures that live here. There are thousands of kinds of insects. Snakes, toads and lizards hunt the insects and often each other. A lot of prairie birds build their nests right down in the grass. And, of course, there are all kinds of little mammals like myself.

Now here is an interesting photo I took one spring down by Falls City on the Missouri River. It's what entomologists, those are humans who study insects, call a spider nursery. Only a few types of hunting spiders have nurseries. The mother ties a bundle of eggs to a cluster of grass and encloses it in a network of web. She stays close by until the hundreds of young spiders hatch out.

The picture that looks like a dandelion is really goatsbeard. It has a yellow flower like a dandelion, that turns into a fluffy head of parachute-like seeds. The other picture is of a land snail. You'll find them under logs and rocks in eastern Nebraska. Follow my tracks to the next page, and I'll show you more.

 

Well, maybe 111 have to take back what I said earlier about humans never taking the time to look close at the natural world. This picture of a morel mushroom reminded me of all the people tramping through the woods each spring. Imagine, people hunting for their food just ike us voles. Early May is a good time for mushrooms

That mean-looking insect is a praying mantis. They hide in plants. If a smaller insect happens by, they reach out and grab it with their long front legs. They're pretty ferocious. Mantises are among the few insects that can turn their heads to look around.

My last photograph is something that most people never see. It's a grass flower. Grass flowers are not very showy and don't last very long. You really have to get down on your hands and knees to find one.

I have a lot more photos I could show you but I'm running out of space. I'll be on vacation next month and won't see you until March. Like I Dromised in October, Uncle Thaddeus will be nere to tell you about predator-prey relationships. I think that means who eats who in the animal world. See you again in March.

The great terrain robbery! United States soil resources are the envy of the world, but we must care more. 64 percent of our cropland needs better care to prevent erosion. 67 percent of our pastures should have additional con- servation. 62 percent of our private forests are poorly managed. 16 million acres now in crops should be in grass. Ecology for tomorrow's sake

A LADY'S LOGIC

(Continued from page 6)

precede the meat-counter display.

"Now then," Pat said, "the same house wife who does all the shopping is most of ten not a hunter and might even frown on hunting. I suppose the reason for this situation is whenever anyone mentions hunt ing, the first thing that comes to mind is the actual killing of the animal. Then come the automatic associations of T.V. and movie animal characters that have been given human identities. Add to these the fact that many of her childrens' stuffed toys are cuddly little copies of wild animals, and Mom's mind cannot handle the idea of hunting. If the woman of the house has a negative outlook toward hunting, you can bet your boots her children will too.

"Oh shoot", Pat said, using one of her favorite expressions. "I'm a housewife but I'm also a hunter and I don't apologize for the latter. I pay my license fees. I obey the law and I respect the landowner. I have faith in the professional people who make up our fish and game departments. They have done an excellent job of regulating the harvest of our wildlife populations. Their job isn't a whole lot different from that of a stockman who raises animals for market each year. He has to sell off this yearly crop to avoid an overcrowding of his land or facilities. He maintains a breed ing population which his land can comfortably hold. Scientific research has set certain biological standards that apply, in the same manner, to our wildlife populations.

"The hunting seasons merely allow the harvest of that excess each year to avoid overpopulating.

The fat steer winds up in the meat counter because he is the result of an over production and the profit-maker necessary to operate. The deer I'll take next fall is no different. He is the excess that Mother Nature provides, and I'll gladly pay my license fee to assure that our conservation man agement programs continue."

Last fall I had the privilege of hunting with Pat. She invited me to accompany her on a squirrel hunt, and I'll have to admit that I had some reservations about hunting with a woman. I wondered if she would be a capable outdoors person, and if she would be a safe firearms handler. But, it didn't take long, once we got the hunt under way, for Pat to put my mind at ease. She is a very capable, safety conscious person and a darn good hunter.

I asked her what she particularly liked about squirrel hunting, which opened the door to a multitide of reasons. First, she said, the time of the year is ideal. The weather and the fall color can be beautiful. And, you don't have to fight insects. But, the game itself is a challenge. "When they put the word 'fox' in the red squirrel's name, she said, "they were right because he sure is a sly little rascal. Plus, he's darn good eating.

"I feed several in my yard and I've got ten them to the point where they'll take food out of my hand, but they are still very elusive. I've had some people ask how I can feed the little buggers and then turn around and hunt them. I don't have any trouble with that. It's no different than scattering feed for a flock of young chick ens that will end up on the dinner table fried to a golden brown.

"I've talked to other hunters and read articles that tell how they prefer walking through the timber to bag their squirrels. I prefer to sit quietly," Pat said. "I've always had the best luck finding a good vantage point where I can see the good den trees, and sitting motionless. I'm convinced it is

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more important to sit still than it is to wear camouflage clothing."

She also pointed out several signs of activity that would indicate the bushytails had been using the immediate area. There was no doubt in my mind that afternoon that Pat Jerrison knew about the out-of-doors.

As we were walking back to the car, our conversation wandered and I can recall a couple of interesting views that were certainly female. She mentioned that she didn't have any trouble being crowded out of her hunting spots. "Whenever a man who is out hunting gets close enough to see that I'm a woman/' said Pat, "he gives me plenty of room. I guess men figure a woman with a firearm is much too dangerous to be around. By the way one of the handicaps of being a woman who hunts is finding hunting clothing that fits. Practically all hunting garments are made with the man in mind."

While she had the subject of clothing on her mind she devulged a confidence that put me in stitches. I think what tickled me most was the fact that her concern was typically female. She said, "You know, there is one thing that really bothers me when I'm out here hunting, and that is the possibility of having an accident. If I should take a fall or get hurt and have to be taken to the hospital, when they check the damages they're going to find out I have on long underwear."

At this point we both broke into laugh ter, and then she looked at me and said, "they look so masculine, you know. I've tried to find a pair that had roses or daisies on them, but I've had no luck.

"I guess it really doesn't matter though," she said as we continued loading hunting gear into the car. "Longies or not, I'm go ing to keep on hunting."

THE BIGGER THEY ARE THE HARDER THEY FALL

(Continued from page 17)

necessary as big pike are strong fighters, even in cold water. When the fish is tired, draw it to the hole slowly and again be ready to give line if the fish makes a final surge. At this point, most serious pike fish ermen use a gaff to land the fish, especially if it's a big one. The most preferred method is to draw the fish up until its head is directly under the opening, care fully ease the gaff under its snout, and in one movement, pull up sharply, driving the gaff home into the fleshy underside of the mouth. At the same time, pull the fish up and out of the hole.

Other anglers simply ease the fish to the opening and in one quick movement, pull the fish up and out of the hole with the line. Yet another method is to start the fish up through the hole, grasp it by the tough eye sockets and lift it out.

In landing the fish, a lot depends on the strength of gear and size of the fish. To avoid injury to undersized fish, don't gaff small northerns. If the fish is played out properly, 20-pound test is plenty strong for most fish caught in Nebraska waters.

Largemouth bass are fish that also provide good winter sport, contrary to what some anglers say—that they won't bite during the winter months. Most bass are usually taken on either teardrop jigs baited with waxworms, or on tip-ups baited with minnows; the standard bluegill and north ern pike rigs. In fact, most bass caught through the ice are taken by anglers who are after other fish.

Successful anglers generally fish for bass in brushy areas in water less than 8 feet deep. The best lure seems to be a small sil ver spoon about VA inches long, such as the Swedish pimple, while the best tip-up rig is probably a shiner minnow from 2 to 3 inches long. The teardrop jigs, tipped with a waxworm or minnow, are also hard to beat for jigging.

Fairly light tackle, from 6 to 10-pound line and light tip-ups, should be used for bass, as they are quick to detect a phony setup. Tip-up reels should be free-reeling and the bass should be allowed to take out line as with northerns, before setting the hook.

These are just some of the general guidelines that should help someone unfamiliar with winter angling for these spe cies of fish. However, fish don't always cooperate. Probably the best advice for a first-timer is to fish as the locals do. Ice fishermen are a clannish bunch but they are usually quick to offer help to a begin ner. So this winter, give hard-water angling a try; the big ones are out there.

WE ALL NEED CLEAN WATER National wildlife week . march 20-26 1977 JOIN AND SUPPORT THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION AND STATE AFFILIATES   A New Year's Resolution This year make a New Year's resolution to help keep NE- BRASKAIand beautiful. It's up to you to keep our state recreation areas and the en- tire state clean and litter free for our visiting neighbors or fellow Nebraskans. Keep NEBRASKAland Beautiful

POTPOURRI OF VENISON

(Continued from page 11) BURGUNDY-ROASTED VENISON

6- to 7-pound leg of venison (if lower part of leg is used, remove shank bone) 2 cups burgundy 1 cup beef bouillon 1 medium onion, sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 bay leaf 3 juniper berries (optional) 1 teaspoon salt 6 slices salt pork

Place meat in large bowl. Cover with marinade made from the wine, bouillon, onion, garlic, bay leaf, juniper berries, and salt. Put in refrigerator for 24 hours. Remove meat; either tie or skewer in compact shape. Strain marinade and reserve. Place meat on rack in shallow pan. Arrange slices of salt pork over top. Roast, uncovered, in 450°F. oven 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325°F. and roast 15 to 18 minutes per pound, to an internal temperature of 140°F. for very rare, 150°F. for medium well done. Baste meat occa- sionally with reserved marinade. Strain drippings, discard fat, and serve drippings over sliced roast. Serves 8 to 10. (Remington)

VENISON SAUERBRATEN

The secret of sauerbraten is the spicy vinegar marinade that tenderizes the venison. 3 to 31/2-pound venison chuck roast

2 onions, sliced 2 bay leaves 12 peppercorns 6 whole cloves 2 teaspoons salt VA cup red wine vinegar 1 cup boiling water 2 tablespoons shortening 12 gingersnaps, crushed 2 teaspoons sugar

Place roast in an earthenware bowl or glass baking dish with onions, bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, salt, vinegar and boiling water. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; marinate 3 days or longer in refrigerator, turning meat twice a day with 2 wooden spoons. (Never pierce meat with a fork.) Drain meat, reserving marinade; brown meat on all sides in hot shortening in heavy skillet. Add marinade mixture; cover skillet; simmer slowly 3 to 3Vi hours, or until meat is tender. Remove meat and onions from skillet and keep warm. Strain and measure liquid in skillet; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Stir gingersnaps and sugar into liquid. Cover and simmer gently 3 minutes. Serve meat and onions on a platter; accompany with gingersnap gravy. 6 servings. (nra)

SWISS VENISON STEAK

Swiss steaks are especially delicious when prepared this way: Cut your venison steaks into four or five-inch strips, 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Then pound them down to about half the thickness, salt and pepper them and place them in a large frying pan or on a grill. Just brown them, then place them in pan, herringbone style, and cover them with sauce prepared in this way.

Chop onions, celery, green pepper, garlic, carrots and parsley into small pieces. Braise all these except the parsley, until they have a transparent appearance, then add a cup of tomato juice and a cup of water. Simmer for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Pour over the steaks and bake. When about done, add wine or lemon juice. (nra)

VENISON SHORT RIBS

3 pounds venison short ribs 1 tablespoon salt 1 quart water 1 teaspoon paprika 1 large onion, chopped 1/2 cup catsup 1/2 cup vinegar 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons chili powder 3 tablespoons bacon drippings

Soak venison ribs in salt-water solution for several hours or overnight. Wash the ribs after soaking and parboil about 30 minutes in pressure cooker at 10 pounds pressure. Remove from pressure cooker and place in frying pan. Mix the last 7 ingredients to- gether, pour over ribs, and bake in 375°F. oven about 1 hour, or until meat is tender and browned. Serves 4 to 6. (Remington)

BIG GAME CHILI

1 pound lean ground venison or other big game meat 1 small onion, chopped or 2 teaspoons instant minced onion 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon Worcester- shire sauce 1 bay leaf 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce 1 3-pound 3-ounce can kidney beans, drained

Place ground meat in a skillet and brown lightly. Pour off excess fat. Combine meat with all other ingredients in your slow-cooking pot. Cover and cook on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. (Cone)

VENISON-STUFFED CABBAGE LEAVES

2 pounds ground venison 5 tablespoons chopped onion 3 tablespoons butter 2 cups cooked rice 1 tablespoon chopped dill OR 1/2 teaspoon dill salt pepper to taste salt 12 cabbage leaves 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

Brown venison and onion in butter. Mix in 46 NEBRASKAland rice, chopped dill or dill salt, and pepper to taste. (If dill salt is used, use regular salt sparingly, if necessary. If dill or dill salt is not handy, simply use regular salt.) Place 12 large cabbage leaves in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and dry on paper toweling. Place the meat mixture in the center of each leaf, fold leaf over, and secure with toothpicks. Place filled leaves in greased baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over leaves and bake in 325°F. oven about 45 minutes. Serves 6. (Remington)

MEATBALLS IN BURGUNDY SAUCE

1 pound ground meat 1 pound ground pork 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 cup milk 1 clove of garlic 3 cups crumbled stale bread 2 eggs beaten 1 small onion, minced 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper Small piece of suet

Mix all ingredients together except the suet. Shape into 1/2 inch balls. Brown in suet.

Sauce

1/2 cup gravy from meatballs 1/2 tablespoons flour 1/2 cup water 1 beef bouillon cube 1 cup burgundy

Combine gravy and flour; add water, bouillon cube and burgundy., Add meat balls. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Sprinkle bread crumbs with melted butter; toss lightly. Top peppers with buttered crumbs. Bake 30 minutes or until peppers are tender and topping is browned, (nra)

ROAST LEG OF VENISON

1 (4 lb.) leg of venison 6 thin slices salt pork 2 cups Taylor N.Y. State Rhine Wine 6 peppercorns 2 bay leaves 2 carrots, scraped and sliced 2 onions, peeled and sliced 1/2 teaspoon thyme Salt 1/2 cup light cream

Trim excess fat from venison. Cut gashes in meat and lard with slivers of salt pork. Place in deep dish; add wine, seasonings and vegetables. Let stand in cold spot or refrigerator 1 to 2 days, turning meat sev

"Plenty of time. Well eat after he catches that big one-right now he's just getting into the boat."

Make a few comparisons of just what $21 will buy . . . 10 hours at the movies (maybe) 1 night on the town (maybe) 2 tickets to dinner theater 28 lines of bowling 10 trips around the golf course 5 boxes of shotgun shells 1 medium-range rod and reel 2 tanks of gas Yes, Indeed! A Nebraska hunting and fishing permit is actually a very prudent purchase. JANUARY 1977 47   ... an outdoor tip from your Big [I] agent Nebraska's most common wild canine is the coyote, whose name came from the Aztec "coyotl". He has few natural enemies except man, and is an efficient hunter capable of surviving most con- trol measures. In search for their main food—rabbits, mice and gophers—coyotes may range an area of 25 or 30 miles diameter. ...this message brought to you by the INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF NEBRASKA NEED A DISTANT NUMBER? You can still dial direct and save. Just dial your DDD access number, the area code for the location, plus the Universal Directory Assistance Number, 555-1212. THE LINCOLN TELEPHONE CO. Browning Our EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT PLAN on all BROWNING products will save you up to 20%. This includes guns, ammunition, archery, cloth- ing, boots, tents, gun cases, rifle scopes and fish- ing equipment. Inquire ... it will save you $$$. Big discounts on other sporting goods. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Weekdays and Saturdays- 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday - 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ^ Phone: (402) 643-3303 »P.O. Box 243 - Seward, Nebraska 68434. POLLUTION IS A DIRTY WORD! STUHR MUSEUM of the Prairie Pioneer U.S. 281-34 Junction Grand Island, Nebraska 68801 Winter Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. through Sat. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun. Guided and School Tours. Information and group rates available upon request Henry Fonda Filmstrip Tour—Collections —Exhibits

eral times. Preheat oven to 300°. Remove meat from marinade; drain and dry; place meat in open roasting pan. Strain mari- nade and reserve. Pat vegetables dry; place around roast. Roast meat, uncovered, '1 hour; raise temperature to 450°; bake 15 minutes longer. Remove meat to heated platter; keep hot. Strain pan juices into marinade; skim any fat; simmer until about 3/4 of liquid remains. Add cream, season to taste; reheat; do not boil. Serve sauce hot with the meat. Makes about 4 servings. (NRA)

HUNTER'S VENISON PIE

1/2 to 2 pounds venison roast 1 tablespoon butter 3 diced onions 1 clove garlic, minced 1 can tomatoes 1 tablespoon paprika pinch cayenne (optional) 1 bay leaf dash of thyme 1 cup beer 2 to 3 carrots, sliced 1 cup frozen OR canned peas

Cut meat in 1-inch squares, removing fat and sinew. Heat butter in skillet and brown meat quickly to retain juices. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes, and other seasonings, then the beer. Cover and cook slowly until meat is tender, about 1 to 2 hours. Add carrots and peas when meat is almost tender. (If dish is to be served as a stew, without a Biscuit Topping [below], 4 potatoes which have been peeled and quartered, may be added with the carrots and peas.) Remove from heat and pour into baking dish. Drop Biscuit Topping batter from spoon and bake in 425°F. oven 25 minutes, or until topping is nicely browned. Serves 4.

Biscuit Topping

1 cup flour 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup milk 3 tablespoons melted shortening 1 egg, slightly beaten

Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in mixing bowl. Add milk, shortening, and egg, and stir until Smooth. (Remington)

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 LIVE-CATCH ALL-PURPOSE TRAPS FREE CATALOG Low as $4.95 Traps without injury squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, mink, fox, rac- coons, stray animals, pests, etc. Sizes for every need. Also traps for snakes, sparrows, pigeons, crabs, turtles, quail, etc. Save on our low factory prices. Send no money. Free catalog and trapping secrets. MUSTANG MFG. CO., Dept. N-34, Box 10880, Houston, Tex. 77018 J'S OTTER CREEK MARINA NORTH SIDE LAKE McCONAUGHY HWY. 92-OPEN YEAR AROUND ALL MODERN MOTEL CAFE BAIT TACKLE GAS BOAT RENTALS HUNTING & FISHING LICENSES CHRYSLER BOATS MOTORS SALES SERVICE ON & OFF SALE BEER PHONE LEMOYNE 308-355-2341 P.O. LEWELLEN, NEBR. 69147 JAY & JULIE PETERSON Case for HABITAT CONSISTS OF: Cover, Food, Water, and Living Space, which are pro- vided by Sunlight, Soil, Rain- fall, and Plants. NATURE did a fine job of providing HABITAT until man began needing room for "improvements," such as Homes, Factories, Highways, Cities, Golf Courses, Airports, Pastures, and Crop Fields. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Join forces with your buddies or act on your own, but do it now. The cover you save today will be more important than what you build next year. Unless the cry is raised to stop it, thousands of acres of cover, road- sides for example, will be burned, sprayed, or mowed this year. Much of this destruction serves no real purpose. You can also help a farmer return some land to permanent cover. You can speak up in favor of pro- grams to retire unneeded agri- cultural land, like the soil bank program. Provide Habitat... Places Where Wildlife Lives Join the ACRES FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM For suggestions on how to take action, Write to.- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission P.O. Box 30370 2200 North 33rd Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68503

NOTES ON NEBRASKA FAUNA... RED FOX

by Dan Rochford Art by Neal Anderson

AS YOUNGSTERS, most of us were impressed and delighted when anyone would take us aside and read us the story of Peter Cottontail. Reddy Fox has nearly driven Peter Rabbit to his wit's end after 70+ years of narrow escapes into the briar patch. For most of us, this was our first contact with the red fox.

The red fox is known scientifically as Vulpes fulva. He is a member of the family Canidae, which is the same family as the family poodle or that favorite hunting dog. Some of his close cousins in the wild are the coyote and the gray wolf.

OK Reddy is a small fellow, weigh ing 8 to 12 pounds and usually 36 to 40 inches in total length. His bushy tail is white-tipped and legs and feet are coal black. The rest of his body is normally reddish-yellow, being darker on his back and with a white belly. The male is usually larger than the female or vixen. Occasionally, mutation will occur naturally, these being the cross fox and the silver fox. The cross fox gets his name from dark hairs which cross his shoulders and run down his back. The silver fox is black with white tipped hairs.

Red foxes are found in most of the major river drainages in Nebraska. Open hillsides associated with patches of wooded timber and brush are preferred by the red fox. They prefer soils which are porous, probably because it digs easily and has good drainage. The eastern portion of the state having more red fox than the western regions. The population appears to be expanding to the west at a slow rate. States to the east and north of Nebraska have high fox populations.

The mating season for OI' Reddy is normally January and February. At this time of year, you will usually see two sets of tracks in the snow. Several burrows may be cleaned and readied for housekeeping before one is selected. A favorite site seems to be an old bad ger hole, minus the badger. If suitable burrows are not available, the pair may use an old culvert or drain tile. Hollow logs also serve as denning sites.

The pups are born after a 51-day gestation period. The normal litter size is 5 pups. They will be born between March and mid May, and both parents will assist in raising the young. Eyes of 50 the young pups will open about two weeks after birth. At about four weeks of age, the pups will emerge from the den site. A couple of weeks later and they will join the parents and begin to learn how to hunt for themselves. Throughout the summer they will remain together as a family group, then in early fall the young will disperse and fend for themselves.

The red fox has a varied diet. During the winter his meals will consist almost entirely of meat-mice, rabbits, an occasional pheasant, and road killed animals of all types. Dead animals from the farm which are discarded on the back forty will not go undetected by Brer Fox. He is an opportunist and will eat what is most readily available.

Spring will find him eating mice, grasshoppers, beetles, snakes, fish, gophers, squirrels or almost anything he can find. As fruits and berries ripen during the summer his list of edible delights increases. Occasionally his taste for chicken, duck, or other farm yard animals proves to be his down fall. A fox in the hen house will raise the ire of any farmer's wife. At this point, war is usually declared on old red. In the past, some states have of fered bounties on the red fox in hopes of controlling his numbers. This proved to be ineffective and the bounty systems have largely been dropped.

The red fox's diet is the source of most controversy. Like the wolf and coyote he is primarily a meat eater, but during the summer and fall eats quite a variety of fruits and insects. He has been accused of destroying game populations but studies have shown this to be incorrect. Some hunters think every bird red gets is one the hunter would have gotten. The fox is another hunter that is utilizing some of the natural surplus. Studies have shown many birds are lost to natural causes—disease, storm, starvation, even automobiles. The red fox will utilize these losses as readily as he will fresh meat. It is possible that many a fox has been accused of killing game animals which he found dead from other causes. He will take game animals when they are easy to catch, but as mentioned earlier, he is an oppor tunist taking what is most convenient.

In the past several years, hunting pressure has increased on the fox and his cousin the coyote. The demand for long-haired furs has increased and fur prices are up. But, many hunters are learning what it means to be outfoxed. The red fox is a shy, cunning animal. He normally prefers to hunt in the late evening and early morning. When alarmed, he relies on speed and any available burrow to escape. During the day he prefers a sunny spot in the open for napping. This allows him ample time to see his enemies and escape.

The fox can be hunted year around in Nebraska, and may be hunted state wide except for areas closed by fed eral, state or municipal law.

This shy bundle of curiosity, despite his faults, belongs among the wildlife found in Nebraska. He has developed a reputation for cleverness and cunning. With these traits, he should have no trouble maintaining himself in Nebraskaland.

Original art of the red fox was done by Neal Anderson, and is for sale. He also will do other paintings on a commission basis. He can be contacted through NEBRASKA land, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503.

Watch it! Thursday night on ETV Outdoor Nebraska ..A weekly outdoor report from me Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on the status of recreation and natural resources in the state. P.M. ON THE NEBRASKA EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION NETWORK