OutdoorNebraska

Waterfowl Hunting Nebraska was printed in the October 2014 issue of NEBRASKAland Magazine, published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Additional copies of this publication can be requested by contacting the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503 Any program that receives federal funding from the National Park Service, or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, national origin, age, disability or political affiliation. Any person who believes he or she has been dis- criminated against in any program, activity, facility, or service, should contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, NE 402-471-0641, the Equal Opportunity Commission, Lincoln, NE 402-471-2024, TTY/TDD 402-471-4693; United States Fish Wildlife Service, Civil Rights Coordinator, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203; Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Code 0008, Washington, D.C. 20240-0001. Steve O'Hare of Raymond picks up goose decoys after an afternoon hunt on a farm pond near Lincoln. Watershed Lakes and Ponds Habitat: Open water, shallow fringes. When to hunt: October-December. Primary species encountered: Dabbling and diving ducks, Canada geese, snow and Ross's geese during light geese conservation order. Equipment needed: Boat to hunt from, access areas and retrieve downed waterfowl is recommended. Longer decoy cord may be necessary given deeper water. Public hunting areas: Fairly abundant, most are located as part of Salt Valley lakes and through local Natural Resource Districts in eastern Nebraska. Comments: Most lakes and ponds are privately-owned. Waterfowl abundance can vary seasonally and annually depending on food resources and other factors (e.g., disturbance). Boat blind may be best option to use for hunting the bigger lakes. If not public land, pressure usually light and a small boat or canoe may be necessary to retrieve downed waterfowl. Other Opportunities Habitat: Shallow marshes, agricultural fields. When to hunt: October-April (light goose conservation order) Primary species encountered: Mallards, Canada geese, snow and Ross's geese. Equipment needed: Layout blinds, field decoys. Public hunting areas: Very few. Comments: Other opportunities exist on other wetland complexes in Nebraska, such as the Todd Valley wetlands in eastern Nebraska or the various creeks. In addition to wetlands, field hunting for mallards and Canada geese during fall and winter can be found. Scouting is the key to find fields. Pursuing snow geese during the light goose conservation order will likely be done from fields. Fields will be privately-owned, so landowner permission is necessary. Field hunting is probably underutilized in Nebraska, and can provide some excellent hunting opportunity. ■ Waterfowl Hunting Nebraska is written by Dr. Mark Vrtiska, the waterfowl program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Originally from Beatrice, Vrtiska has worked for the Commission since 1999. PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER NEBRASKAland Magazine • Waterfowl Hunting Nebraska

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