The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions — a promise to do good on acts of self-improvement — has been around for thousands of years on both the eastern and western hemispheres.
While many individuals vow to eat better, exercise more, stop smoking and build up their finances, it is far easier to make and fulfill New Year’s resolutions for an activity of which you are passionate, like hunting in Nebraska.
So, here are five suggested hunting-oriented New Year’s resolutions to make that are attainable and guaranteed to give you satisfaction in 2017!
(1) Introduce some new to the lifestyle of hunting. There is such enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment when veteran hunters share their wealth of knowledge and experiences with someone new. Taking a new hunter to the field is not only a rewarding venture, but it can also help a seasoned hunter learn new things. Having to break down aspects of the hunt that seem second nature can force the longtime hunter to refocus on the simple things that may have been overlooked or are missing.
For example, most hunters are familiar with that time in the field when it’s quiet and nothing seems to be moving. That quietness is a unique experience, an awe-inspiring experience, that first-time hunters seem to relish as they are encompassed by the wonders of the environment. From animal tracks to tree identification, new hunters tend to ask many questions. And, when the rural landscape comes alive with wildlife movement as sunrise nears, to a new hunter, a fox squirrel can sound like an elephant running through the woods, and even something as small as a nuthatch moving head-first down a hardwood tree nearby will get the blood pumping in the veins of a first-time hunter.
For longtime hunters, they should not limit their hunting invitations to just family or friends either. Take a co-worker or a neighbor. As with trying anything new, people who have never been hunting are sometimes not sure if they will like it, and may not take the time to find out unless invited by someone they know and trust. A person may only need an invitation from an avid hunter to spark their interest!
Remember, mentoring provides an opportunity to give back to the hunting culture and thereby conserve the hunting legacy for future generations.
(2) Try spring wild turkey hunting in Nebraska. Anyone who has ever spent a gorgeous morning with their back leaning against the base of a hardwood tree, or sitting in a camouflaged blind, using a call and decoys to lure in a wild gobbling tom turkey to within shooting range — as he struts almost the entire way — can attest to the addiction of this lifestyle.
Nebraska offers some of the best turkey hunting opportunities in the entire country. Turkeys can be found in all 93 counties in an array of habitats. The state also has several different sub species, including the highly sought-after Merriam’s bird. Nebraska also offers statewide, affordable and easy-to-acquire-and-carry permits, plus long seasons, good public access and reduced-price permits for youth.
Interestingly, Nebraska ranks 48th in the nation among states for the amount of woodland acres it has, which is associated with wild turkeys, but is in the top 15 states in the country when it comes to the overall harvest number of wild turkeys!
(3) Thank and show appreciation to the landowners. As each hunting season comes to a close and the experiences become memories, it is time for hunters to express gratitude to private landowners who generously helped to make these experiences and memories possible. Don’t forget that access to private land is a privilege provided to us through the generosity of the landowner. There are a number of ways hunters can thank landowners.
In many cases hunters may offer a service or assistance with farm or ranch chores, if needed. Help a farmer or rancher fix fence, put up hay, separate cattle, work on buildings, split firewood, etc. A few dozen ears of sweet corn, fruit basket, box of beef steaks or even a one-year subscription to NEBRASKAland magazine are friendly gestures that many rural Nebraska landowners like.
Hunters should also consider offering to share some of their wild game meat. If a landowner is not interested in receiving wild game like venison, donate some or all of it to a worthwhile program in their name such as Hunters Helping the Hungry.
Always include a note of thanks with the gesture of appreciation.
(4) Volunteer to become a certified firearm or bowhunter education instructor. Volunteer instructors are the key to having successful outdoor education programs and furthering the lifestyle of hunting. Becoming a volunteer hunter or bowhunter education instructor is a great way to help save lives, prevent injuries, foster personal responsibility, create an understanding of wildlife management, meet people in the community, and positively influence the attitudes and actions of other resource users.
Certification as a volunteer hunter or bowhunter education instructor in Nebraska instructor is considered to be an honor and a privilege. Both as a group and as individuals, instructors represent a proud and honorable tradition of volunteer citizen involvement in providing community service, especially for youth.
Additionally, volunteering in these programs is a nice way to meet and connect with people who also enjoy hunting.
(5) Host a wild game dinner. As a hunter, wow friends, family and neighbors with a fun wild game dinner. Prepare healthy and delicious recipes for a variety of the wild game animals and birds that you or others have harvested. They’ll love the fact that free-ranging wild game meat is low in calories, cholesterol and fat, as well as free of antibiotics, steroids and hormones, and its origin can be sourced.
Delight your guests by providing tasty samples of venison, pheasant, quail, goose, duck or wild turkey. Whether the culinary style is basic or elaborate, the wild game dishes are sure to be conversation pieces and crowd pleasers.
More importantly, the guests will receive a positive message about the benefits of hunting.
Have a happy and successful 2017!
The post Five New Year’s Resolutions for Nebraska Hunters appeared first on NEBRASKALand Magazine.
