Sandhills
Habitat: Shallow lakes and marshes. Deeper portions
of lakes can be greater than eight foot in depth, likely with
emergent vegetation on edges. Bottoms of some lakes/marshes
may be solid, others are very soft and mucky.
When to hunt: October and early November.
Primary species encountered: Dabbling and diving ducks,
Canada geese.
Mallard drakes and hens return to the Platte River near Lexington
after feeding.
A drake northern shoveler feeds on a lake near Elm Creek.
Equipment needed: Small boat or canoe
recommended.
Public hunting areas: Few. Valentine and Crescent
Lake National Wildlife refuges, several wildlife
management areas.
Comments: The Sandhills of north-central Nebraska
offers a unique hunting experience. A combination
waterfowl/prairie grouse hunt is possible. The landscape
is relatively undeveloped with few roads and offers a
more laid-back hunt with low hunting pressure. However,
low hunting pressure can actually be a disadvantage as
waterfowl will fly to the next lake and not be disturbed.
The vast majority of lakes are privately owned and access
may make it difficult to scout for waterfowl. The large
ranches may make locating landowners difficult.
NEBRASKAland Magazine • Waterfowl Hunting Nebraska
PHOTO
BY
DOUG
STEINKE
PHOTO
BY
LUKE
KATHOL
