Horse Trails, Fishing Featured in the May NEBRASKAland

[Bumpus]

NGPC news release, 4/23/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. – If you like riding horses, catching fish, watching wildlife, or are interested in a variety of other outdoor subjects, you’ll enjoy the May issue of NEBRASKAland Magazine.

The lead story in this issue, “Spring with the Foxes” by freelance contributor Mark Dietz, provides an intimate look at a family of red foxes, including six healthy, energetic kits (young) as they learn the skills necessary for survival.

In Regional Editor Eric Fowler’s article “Mussels of the Missouri,” he describes a 2006 survey of the Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and Ponca State Park that revealed a clearer picture of freshwater unionid mussel populations (most people mistakenly call them clams) that will help guide ongoing habitat restoration efforts on that part of the river.

Regional Editor Rocky Hoffmann reveals (some of) the secrets of a pair of North Platte retirees who probably know more about the I-80 Lakes in their area than other anglers because they fish them often and have learned exactly how to catch the fish that inhabit those waters. In “Fishin’ With Gib,” Larry Sable and Gilbert (Gib) Larsen talk about the equipment and techniques they use to consistently put fish in the boat.

Have you noticed more tree swallows in your area than the past few years? In a short article entitled “Tree Swallows,” Senior Editor Jon Farrar explains how the birds have made a remarkable comeback in recent years after a combination of environmental factors had resulted in their declining populations in Nebraska and across the continent.

Giddyup! Eric Fowler takes readers along on trail rides typical of those offered at seven state parks across Nebraska. The state parks always offer adventure and scenic beauty, especially way back away from the roads and cabins, and there’s no better way to enjoy those areas than on horseback. Have you heard that the perfect way to relieve stress is to look at the world from between the ears of a horse?

Bass fishermen, take heed. “At First Pike,” tells how lifelong largemouth fisherman Kevin McMillan visited Nebraska in pursuit of some bass fishing action, saw the error of his ways, and became redeemed at the altar of the northern pike. McMillan was impressed by Nebraska’s bass fishing, but also went home with a new appreciation for the size and power of the northern pike that inhabit Clear Lake at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. NEBRASKAland Associate Editor Jeff Kurrus tells us why.

In “Lake McConaughy’s Fishery – Going with the Flow,” Regional Editor Bob Grier tells readers why despite low water problems, Lake McConaughy still provides anglers with some of the best fishing opportunities anywhere.

There are also articles about Elwood Reservoir; the Yellow Floating Heart, a beautiful but noxious aquatic weed found in Benson Lagoon in north Omaha; how outdoors enthusiasts can protect themselves from the potential dangers of skin cancer, which may become the result of prolonged exposure to the sun; changes in deer hunting regulations aimed at increasing the doe harvest; a summary of outdoor news across the state, and the usual letters to editor from NEBRASKAland readers.

NEBRASKAland Magazine is published 10 times per year by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and is available at Commission offices and newsstands across the state or by subscription from the Commission. Subscription rates are one year – $18; two years – $33; and three years – $44. Subscribe by calling 1-800-NEB-LAND (632-5263) or online at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - NEBRASKAland Magazine.