Insider – February /March

April 19, 2012 Game and Parks Insider Patricia.Engelhard No Comments

Douglas Named Director by Game and Parks

James N. Douglas was hired as Game and Parks new director on March 16, 2012.

Douglas, currently the deputy director, succeeds Rex Amack, who is retiring in April following 45 years at Game and Parks, the last 24 as director.

“It is a privilege to be selected to serve as the director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission,” Douglas said. “The wise stewardship of Nebraska’s fish, wildlife and parkland resources touches the lives of all Nebraskans in very positive ways.

“We will focus on listening to our citizens and providing the highest quality services and opportunities,” he said.

Said Ron Stave of Waterloo, commission chairman: “He has got a lot of experience, great ideas, and a great understanding of wildlife and the park system.”

Other finalists among the 17 applicants for the position were Mark Brohman, executive director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Roger Kuhn, Game and Parks parks division administrator. The finalists interviewed for the job March 8, and then each met with commissioners on March 16.

Douglas, 61, has been deputy director since December 2010 after serving as wildlife division administrator since 1994. He joined the agency in 1974 as a staffer in the fisheries division.

Douglas, a native of Illinois, has a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology from the University of Montana and a Master of Arts in management from Bellevue University.

In the only other item of business March 16, commissioners adopted staff recommendations for boundaries for four-zone duck hunting in 2012. A four-zone format will allow more diversity in season dates across the state than the current three-zone format. However, closed periods within seasons, commonly known as splits, no longer can be used. The four-zone format will be used through at least the 2015-16 hunting season. New Duck Zones Map

Commissioner Lynn Berggren addresses State Ducks Unlimited Convention

Story by Aaron Hershberger

On Sat. March 17, Lynn Berggren addressed committee members of the Nebraska Chapters of Ducks Unlimited (DU) in Grand Island during the annual State Convention’s morning meeting.

Berggren, an avid waterfowl hunter and conservationist, spoke about the power of the partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission & Ducks Unlimited. Berggren summarized the completed & ongoing projects and recapped revenues from the $5 State Watefowl Stamp and how those funds are being applied. Berggren also recounted the travel log of his trip north-of-the-border with other Commissioners and NGPC Staff to observe the nesting grounds and flyways of the many ducks that migrate through Nebraska.

During the awards luncheon Commissioner Berggren presented an award to the Burt/Washington County Chapter for their efforts in youth mentoring. In its 75^th anniversary year, Ducks Unlimited is taking a renewed interest in creating more waterfowl hunters. In Nebraska DU is partnering with the NGPC in an extended mentoring effort being called the Great Nebraska Duck Hunt. In the summer & fall of 2011 several chapters helped pilot the program including the Burt/Washington County Chapter of DU which was instrumental in creating the program.

For more information on the Great Nebraska Duck Hunt contact Aaron Hershberger at 402-471-6144 or via email at aaron.hershberger@nebraska.gov

7^th Annual Nebraska Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament held in Lincoln

Story by Aaron Hershberger

View Photo Gallery | View Results on NGPC NASP page

With more than 400 archers from 19 schools, the largest archery event in Nebraska proved to be one of the most exciting. The 7^th Annual Nebraska – National Archery in the Schools – State Tournament was held at the Lancaster Events Center on Sat. March 24. The Individual State Record Score was broken three times during the day and a new top-mark created for High School Team Score.

In the very first line of archers Alisha Sheets, of Lincoln North Star High School, broke the individual state record score by 3 points – scoring a 281. In the next group Dawes Middle School (Lincoln) archer Kasey Dunaski shot a 282 creating a new record. In the third and final grouping Kora Shedenhelm of Mater Dei Academy (Omaha) topped the new mark by carding a final score of 284. The end results are an all-time top 5 that includes one male archer, at 5^th Place.

The Tournament is the culminating event in Nebraska for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), an in-school curriculum based program. Currently over 170-schools across the state take part in NASP with 21,000-22,000 students participating. Nationally, more than two million students are part of NASP each school year and the program has taken hold in Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The Nebraska NASP State Tournament is made possible by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska State Archery Association, Lincoln Prairie Bowmen Archery Club, Golden Arrow Archery Club of Omaha, Saunders Archery and several volunteers.

The young archers competed for awards and trophies as part of school teams and individuals including two – $600 Tom Saunders Scholarships awarded to the top senior female and male archer.

Also taking place was the Saunders SACO Duel. This friendly action-archery game of knock-out between the schools provided even more excitement with a $300 cash bonus to the top two schools for archery equipment.

Watch Wildlife on Facebook!

Story by Kristal Stoner

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recently launched a Nebraska Watchable Wildlife Facebook page. This facebook page will engage our public in an activity that is increasing nationally in popularity. In 2006, nearly half a million folks watched wildlife in Nebraska, spending an average of $268.00, or about 142 million dollars.

The Nebraska Watchable Wildlife page will help educate the public on appropriate ways to watch wildlife without disturbing habitat and species, and it will encourage the public to seek new ways to engage in nature by finding creatures they may not have previously recognized or encountered, and by keeping “experienced watchers” in the know as migrations move through. We have experienced staff, wildlife biologists and individuals across the state that are highly skilled and specialize in birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles and insects providing updates, posts and information on the page. They are available to answer any questions you might have about Nebraska Wildlife.

We are encouraging Nebraskans to share their wildlife watching experiences, photos and questions and become a part of a growing group of wildlife enthusiasts in this facebook community. Please drop by and leave a post or two so we know what you think of the new site.

Nebraska Youth Conservation Program Begins in June

Learn more about the program on the NGPC web site - A new program to teach life skills and introduce natural resources to at-risk young people across Nebraska will begin in June, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. In the Nebraska Youth Conservation Program, youth ages 16-20 years will be selected to complete work on projects within the park and wildlife management areas. They will be provided with outdoor educational opportunities to enhance their experience. The program, which will run from June 25 through Aug. 3, was created with the passage of LB 549 in 2011, identifying Game and Parks as the agency to administer the program. The bill was introduced by state Sen. Brenda Council of Omaha.

The program is partnering with the Nebraska Department of Labor to recruit participants and crew leaders. Those interested should apply at http://neworks.nebraska.gov. The application deadline is Friday, April 27. Participants and crew leaders will be employed by Game and Parks. Eligible participants must be unemployed Nebraska residents and meet specific criteria set for at-risk youth. Information on the web site helps interested youth determine their eligibility. There will be 16 crews across Nebraska, each having 10 youth and two crew leaders. There will be six crews from Omaha, two from Lincoln and one each from Norfolk, Grand Island, Lexington, McCook, North Platte, Valentine, Ogallala and Scottsbluff. Each crew will have a facility maintenance leader teaching the youth the skills to complete the projects, as well as a counselor. Work projects will include building picnic shelters, vault toilets and playgrounds. They also will work on campground electrical projects, shoreline restoration, fishing access, repairs to docks, painting, landscaping, fencing, trash removal, trail development and maintenance, and aquatic habitat.

Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park Draws Birdwatchers and Wildlife Enthusiasts

Story by Jennifer Wolfe

Ponca State Park hosted its first annual Marsh Madness on March 10-11, 17-18, & 23-24. This event was designed to bring people out to the park so that they could witness the spring migration of waterfowl. Two waterfowl viewing blinds were placed along a flooded marsh surrounded by corn fields.

Over the three weekends, several species of waterfowl were spotted. With the help of the trained eyes of our guides from the local Audubon society, park guests were able to learn key characteristics of identification when the ducks came flying in from overhead. Looking at the shape of the bill and head, wing beat, and where the legs were positioned on the body, our visitors were soon able to identify the ducks as dabblers or divers.

With unseasonably warm weather, the main migration came through early, but there were still many waterfowl to be seen. Some of the species spotted were: shovelors, pintails, Scaup, Green Wing & Blue Wing Teal, Wigeons, Mallards, Canada Geese, Ring-neck and Bufflehead just to name a few. Additional species included the Pied-billed Grebe and Yellowlegs shorebird.

Several juvenile bald eagles appeared in the sky gliding overhead. When things quieted down at the blind the group headed down to the riverfront to observe more bald eagles nesting and lighting on the sandbars.

The park had reservations for the blinds for all three weekends. There were three blind sessions per weekend. A sunrise and sunset session on Saturday and a sunrise only session for Sunday. Bird discovery packs were supplied for children so that they had their own binoculars and bird books for the weekend. Overall the park was host to 64 birding guests over the duration of the three weekends.

Jay Woltemath releasing an Osprey from Raptor Recovery at Pawnee. After we released the bird, two more Ospreys showed up to join the one that was released.

Osprey Release and Nesting Platforms Bring Hopes of Helping Osprey Numbers Soar

By Dina Barta

For the last couple of years, the public and Game and Parks staff have been noticing more Ospreys at Pawnee and Branched Oak. This last summer, they observed them as late as the end of June. All indications pointed to the fact that the Ospreys were wanting to stick around. More and more people began calling wanting to know what kind of bird they were seeing. Fishermen approached Game and Parks staff to tell them about the “hawk that hit the water” beside their boat. The birds have definitely been generating interest and raising people’s curiosity to learn more about them.

We looked into the idea of putting up platforms and discussed it with Joel Jorgensen. He agreed Game and Parks could put out the welcome mat. We looked into a variety of different plans and I approached Jay Woltemath about building them. Woltemath enthusiastically agreed to build the platforms and recruited Tommy Hicks, Jim Wurm, Kirk Hansen, Chuck Lesiak, Eric Fowler and Travis Koepf to help.

This spring, we erected the nesting platforms at Pawnee SRA and Branched Oak SRA. The platforms were inexpensive to build; materials were only around $100 a platform. After researching several plans for platforms Game and Parks staff found that most plans called for them to be 15 ft above the ground. Staff from wildlife, parks, and myself spent a few hours putting together two platforms. Both are placed in areas that are not easily accessed by boat or foot traffic. One on the west end of Pawnee, and the other on the west end of Branched Oak. Both are visible to the public from a distance.

We have not been able to find a nesting pair in SE Nebraska yet. They nest in other parts of the state though. Hopefully we will attract a pair of Ospreys to nest. So, if you see these strange looking contraptions at either Pawnee or Branched Oak lakes…..now you will know what they are. Hopefully it will provide some great wildlife viewing opportunities. Please remember to keep your distance from the nests so as not to disrupt the Osprey or cause them alarm. Game and Parks staff will be on the lookout, hoping for a pair to adopt one of the platforms as their new nesting site.

Just In: Holmes Lake in Lincoln has also reported seeing two Osprey frequenting the skies over their lake area.

Snowy Owl Invasion Provides Opportunity to Learn More Up Close and Hands On

Story and Photos by Dina Barta – Game and Parks Conservation Officer

Photo Gallery | I have always been interested in birds of prey. They fascinate me. So, I started helping Raptor Recovery when they needed extra help. Often that means I am cutting up mice and feeding baby owls.

When we received the email from Joel Jorgensen regarding the Snowy Owl invasion, I was excited to think I might see one. I had not seen one in the wild for nearly 30 years. I had no idea how many I would get to see. I also did not understand the consequences of this invasion.

It was shortly after the email from Joel, I was driving the interstate west of York when I spotted something on a fence post. I did a double take and realized it was a Snowy Owl. I took two exits to get back and the owl was still there. I pulled over and took some photos, realizing that most people were driving by, not even realizing what they were passing.

Shortly after that, Snowy Owls were being seen and picked up all ove the state. People were walking up to them and picking them up without a struggle. The owls were starving to death. They were arriving from the north where their favorite food (the lemming) was in short supply. The Snowy Owls were inexperienced at hunting this far south. They did not recognize food sources. They did not understand humans and they especially had no experience with vehicles. Many were hit on roads.

The Snowy Owls began arriving at Raptor Recovery Nebraska. Sixteen in all. Four had been hit by cars and had broken wings. The others were severely emaciated. They looked healthy with all those feathers, but beneath the feathers, they were literally skin and bones.

District 5 Conservation Officers traveled to Raptor Recovery. Betsy Finch and Janet Stander taught a number of the Conservation Officers about proper handling of starving or injured birds of prey. While there the officers were able to view the owls in their pen. I was able to help bandage one of the birds. I learned a lesson about holding the bird too close!

Of the ones brought to Raptor Recovery, only four survived. Of those, only two could be released. The other two will not be able to fly again and are going to education centers in other locations in the U.S.. They will be well cared for during their lifetimes.

The two that were able to be released were put into a flight pen to exercise their wings. Once they became strong, they were transferred to a raptor recovery center in Minnesota. They had to be driven there, because Snowy Owls are not migratory. They would not be able to find their way home. While they are in Minnesota, they will be allowed to hunt live mice just to demonstrate they can fend for themselves. Once they are able to hunt, they will be released near the Canadian border.

While I enjoyed seeing these incredibly beautiful birds, I truely hope there is a population explosion within the lemming community this year. GO LEMMINGS!

| Read a Lincoln Journal Star Article on the Snowy Owls |

One of last years Take Pride in America Teams

Branched Oak SRA – Come out and “Take Pride In America Day” – Sat. May 5

Tom Morrison-Supt. Branched Oak State Recreation Area

NGPC Take Pride in America Day web page |

For years now volunteers have taken pride in America by working at Branched Oak State Recreation Area. Workers have painted building, repaired and painted picnic tables, pruned and trimmed trees, picked up cans, bottles and trash, etc. This has been a very successful program over the years and a lot of work has been accomplished by volunteers.

This summer Branched Oak has a major project to tackle on Take Pride Day. There is a mile long hike, bike, & horse trail that needs to be cleared. This will be an all day project and it won’t be easy. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, chain saws if they have one, pruning sheers, axis, and power trimmers. There are a lot of small trees that need to be cut, picked up and removed.

The day will start at 9 a.m. and will end late in the afternoon. This will not be just a walk through the park project. There are many small trees that will need to be cut out, and overhanging branches that need to be cut back. If you are willing to contribute by putting in a good days work to help our parks you are encouraged to sign up. Please call the office at 783-3400.

If we get rained out on May 5, an alternative date of May 12, the next Saturday, will be scheduled.

Lunch is provided.

New View of Peregrines

Game and Parks has been providing a public view of the Peregrine Falcon family life on the 18th Floor of the Capitol for over six years. However, until this year the webcams did not provide a good view inside the nestbox. This year, the existing camera was replaced and a new camera was placed adjacent to the nestbox. The new webcam provides a clear and crisp view inside the nestbox. The webcams have also been incorporated into a blog that will offer a higher level of interaction with Peregrine watchers. The Capitol Peregrine project is a partnership between NGPC and the Office of the Capitol Commission (OCC). Funding for the project came from the Wildlife Conservation Fund.
http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/blogs/category/nongame-bird-blog/

River Antlerless Deer Permit Part of Big Game Changes

A change in strategy has the state’s antlerless white-tailed deer harvest focused on river corridors. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners adopted big game regulation amendments at their meeting in Lincoln on March 9.

New in 2012 is the River Antlerless permit, which allows 126 days of hunting along 11,300 square miles of river corridors. The permit is not valid on federal or state public land. This $11 permit replaces the October Antlerless permit and has a bag limit of two antlerless white-tailed deer. The new permit is valid for archery Sept. 15-Dec. 31, muzzleloader Dec. 1-31 and firearm Oct. 1-10, Nov. 10-18 and Dec. 26-Jan.18, 2013.

The River Antlerless Unit includes most of the state’s major rivers and allows hunting within 3 miles of the banks on designated stretches of rivers.

“Harvest is focused on areas where white-tailed deer populations are highest and avoids most upland areas where populations are low,” said Kit Hams, Game and Parks big game program manager.

Another major change this year is the removal of Earn-a-Buck rules in eastern firearm units. “The Missouri, Wahoo, Elkhorn, Blue Southeast and Blue Northwest units have had a decline in deer herds and landowner complaints,” Hams said. “It is time to revert to liberal use of antlerless tags to control the herd.”

Game and Parks’ deer management goal is to provide quality hunting and viewing opportunities within the limits of the deer resource, while maintaining deer populations at a level acceptable to most landowners.

Other major big game regulation changes will be listed in the Big Game Guide – available in May on the NGPC web site.

Tony Barada

Lake Wanahoo Pike Study Conducted – Anglers Reminded of New Pike Regulation

Story – Jordan Katt -Fisheries Biologist

A northern pike tagging study was recently conducted at the newly constructed Lake Wanahoo near Wahoo, NE.

The goal of the project was to estimate the population size and to tag as many pike as possible. During the two weeks of sampling, staff members from Fisheries, Law Enforcement, Wildlife, Parks and Information & Education divisions sampled 849 northern pike and tagged 718 of those sampled. The estimated population size of northern pike in Lake Wanahoo is around 2,100 pike. The majority of the pike sampled were between 19-24 inches long, but some pike up to 31 inches were found, which is pretty incredible considering these fish were stocked as 2 inch long fingerlings in 2010.

Anglers are reminded that a special catch-and-release regulation on northern pike will be in place at Lake Wanahoo when then state recreation area opens and legal fishing begins April 28. Signs posted at access points will notify anglers that all northern pike caught at the lake must be released.

“A new reservoir such as Wanahoo will be capable of offering some pike fishing opportunities for at least a few years, and a catch-and-release regulation will extend the opportunity and allow pike to attain larger sizes,” said Don Gabelhouse, fisheries division administrator.

This special regulation cannot be found in the 2011-2012 Nebraska Fishing Guide as the booklet was printed before the Wanahoo pike fishery was developed.

“Anglers should attempt to land any pike hooked at Wanahoo as quickly as possible, keep them in the water and handle them as little as possible, and release them as soon as possible,” Gabelhouse said.

Anglers are encouraged to report any catches of tagged pike to ngpc.fishtags@nebraska.gov or to 402-471-7647 (both of these are found on the tag as well) and to leave the tag in the fish. When reporting a tagged fish, please include the tag number, date the fish was caught and the length of the fish (leave contact information as well if you would like to be notified of the history of the fish you caught).

If you would like more information about the project, please contact Jordan Katt through the e-mail ngpc.fishtags@nebraska.gov or phone to 402-471-7647.

Game and Parks agreed in January to manage the SRA owned by the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District (NRD). On March 8, the NRD voted on a date to open the area. A grand opening is expected some time in May.

The 1,777-acre property that includes a 662-acre reservoir is located north of Wahoo in Saunders County. The area will offer camping, fishing, hiking, boating, hunting, wildlife viewing and park facilities.

Read an Omaha World Herald Article on Lake Wanahoo

Over 300 people showed up for the trout stocking at Holmes Lake

Trout Stocking Kicks off Family Fishing Events

Scheduled Family Fishing Events |

Family fishing events have been a very popular event for Game and Parks over the years. For the past several years, rainbow trout have been stocked in March into small lakes and ponds across the state where they do not survive year-round. These “put and take” fishing opportunities have become a popular way to cure cabin fever and get the kids out fishing early in the year.

This year’s trout stockings were particularly well-received considering the warm temperatures of mid-March. Our hatchery trucks were met by many more anxious anglers than normal at the 19 water bodies where trout were stocked. At Holmes Lake, over 300 people were present, including about 30 relatives of Richard Hogue. Mr. Hogue, who passed away last December at age 91, really enjoyed fishing for trout at Holmes Lake. His celebration memorial service was held on the morning of March 16; we delayed our trout stocking to later in the day so his relatives (those holding balloons with messages written to Richard) could be present as the fish were released into the lake. The Hogue family donated $1,000 to the Commission in Richard’s memory for trout stocking.

Great Park Pursuit – Make Plans Now to Make Your Impressions

Nebraska Recreation and Park Association along with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission began a partnership in 2008 to develop the Great Park Pursuit (GPP). The goal of the Great Park Pursuit is to help promote active lifestyles while increasing awareness of the nature rich outdoor recreation opportunities throughout Nebraska. Nature impressions are located at 20 Great Park Pursuit sites throughout Nebraska. The challenge is to visit as many of the selected park areas as you wish between May 1 and September 17, 2012. The program and registration are FREE. Participants only need to pay for postage when submitting impressions and entry into some park areas. For more information visit the GPP website www.negpp.org. The site contains pages for registration, participant login to track team progress, program information, locations, FAQ, and links.

Revised Natural Legacy Project Now Available

The public may obtain a copy of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project, second edition. The Project is the state’s wildlife action plan, and many people use it to guide successful conservation that benefits wildlife, habitat and Nebraskans.

Significant changes since the 2005 first addition include updated at-risk species lists, Biologically Unique Landscape boundary adjustments, inclusion of newly identified threats and strategies for wildlife.

Visit NebraskaNaturalLegacy.org, then click on State Wildlife Action Plan to view or download the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Contact Melissa Panella at melissa.panella@nebraska.gov to obtain a hard copy.

The Wildlife Education staff has been working on several Nebraska Natural Legacy Project education projects over the past several months. A series of biodiversity posters is currently being developed. Each of the seven posters will highlight a different group - birds, fish, mammals, reptiles & amphibians, insects, plants, and threatened & endangered(T&E) species. Additionally, the NEBRASKAland pull-outs highlighting T&E species that were created in the early 1990′s are being completely re-done and expanded to include more species. Finally, a series of T&E species education trunks are being created for use around the state.

Game and Parks in the NEWS

Nebraska Public Radio piece on Open Fields and Waters and the challenge facing the sport of hunting today

(NET Radio) – Walk into the Hayes’ home in Lincoln and you’ll see a snapshot of the challenge facing the sport of hunting.

Ty and Aaron Hayes are teenage brothers, but their similarities end there.

Ty’s bedroom looks like a taxidermy shop, with his numerous hunting “trophies” mounted on the walls. He is a freshman wildlife ecology major at Peru State College and hopes to turn his passion for the outdoors into a career. He hunts whenever he gets a chance, big game or small, proficient with any gun or bow. Listen to the entire interview below:

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/netradio/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1908181

The Luck of the Irish -and a Good Pair of Running Shoes

Leprachaun Chase - Lincoln Journal Star Article – It was the third annual Leprechaun Chase, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed 10K race with a twist.

Female participants, or “lasses,” were given a head start on the men, or “lads,” in Saturday’s Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital-sponsored race, which took place at the Strategic Air and Space Museum. The format proved difficult for the men, who already were battling the consequences of their eccentric outfit selections. But not everyone set out to be the event’s best-dressed. Some had come to compete. The event featured 2,000 participants from 11 different states, and some had trained for months. Runners traversed the grounds of Mahoney State Park, passing oak forests, lakes, boulders, manicured gardens and bagpipers before returning to the museum for the Green Beer After Party. Photo Gallery of the Event

Outdoor Professionals Talk About the Media with UNL Students- NewsNetNebraska

Nebraska wildlife took a step inside on March 14th. Greg Wagner and Daryl Bauer spoke to University of Nebraska-Lincoln students about the importance of interacting with news media and the public. The UNL Wildlife Club hosted the event. Wagner is public information officer for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Bauer works with Fisheries and Outreach.

The message to students is that everyone, even outdoorsmen, will someday have to work with news reporters and/or members of the community.

“To convey important natural resources information, whether it’s a pheasant or a trout, you have to be able to effectively communicate,” Wagner said.

INVASIVE SPECIES REPORTING HAS NEW TOOL

EDDMapS – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System

Invasive Species Mapping Made Easy!

Real time tracking of invasive species occurrences
Local and national distribution maps
Electronic early detection reporting tools
Library of identification and management information

Overview

EDDMapS is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species distribution. It is fast, easy to use and doesn’t require Geographic Information Systems experience. Launched in 2005 by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia, it was originally designed as a tool for state Exotic Pest Plant Councils to develop more complete distribution data of invasive species.

EDDMapS goal is to maximize the effectiveness and accessibility of the immense numbers of invasive species observations recorded each year. As of March 2012, EDDMapS has over 1.6 million records.

EDDMapS combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observations to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists, and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world.

Why do we care?

The biological pollution caused by invasive species is extremely challenging, because even if we never import another non-native species, the ones already invading our native ecosystems will continue to grow and spread. We must actively seek solutions to control or eradicate the species which are problems already or have the potential to become problems.

How does it work?

EDDMapS documents the presence of invasive species. A simple, interactive Web interface engages participants to submit their observations or view results through interactive queries into the EDDMapS database. EDDMapS encourages users to participate by providing Internet tools that maintain their personal records and enable them to visualize data with interactive maps.

Users simply enter information from their observations into the standardized on-line data form, which allows specific information about the infestation and images to be added. Data entered is immediately loaded to the Website, allowing real time tracking of species. Being able to see the current data of a species as it moves into a new area helps to facilitate Early Detection and Rapid Response programs (EDRR). EDRR programs help stop or control an invasive species before it becomes an unmanageable problem.

All data is reviewed by state verifiers to ensure all data is accurate. The data is made freely available to scientists, researchers, land managers, land owners, educators, conservationists, ecologists, farmers, foresters, state and national parks.

Click here to Register and Report Now!

Legistlative Update:

Gov. Dave Heineman earlier this month signed LB 391 into law, giving the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission a more powerful tool to help control and prevent the spread of invasive species in the state.

According to Dave Tunink, Game and Parks fisheries division assistant administrator, the legislation introduced by state Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala prohibits the possession, import, export, purchase, sale or transport of aquatic invasive species. It also allows Game and Parks to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing the inspection, decontamination, and treatment of watercraft capable of containing or transporting aquatic invasive species.

Rules and regulations are being drafted and will be available for public review later this year, including a listing of aquatic invasive species. The bill outlines penalties for boaters who refuse to submit to a boat inspection by an authorized inspector or refuses to allow watercraft decontamination. This summer, the Nebraska Invasive Species Project and Game and Parks will have authorized inspectors providing information at reservoirs across the state.

Karie Decker, Nebraska Invasive Species Project coordinator, said the new law also created the Nebraska Invasive Species Council, which will serve as an advisory council for state invasive species policy. It also will coordinate invasive species management and research across the state for the prevention and detection of invasive plant and animal species.

To view information about the legislation, visit:

http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=12091.

Personnel

Please join me in welcoming Linda George to the Wildlife Division. She is filling our vacant Secretary II position most recently held by Becky Knapp.

Please join me in congratulating Angie Hammitt on her new position as Staff Assistant at ET Mahoney State Park. Many of you already know Angie, as she has worked at the park for a number of years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that we’re lucky to have.

Please join me in welcoming Shaun Dunn to his new position in Federal Aid. Shaun has been with NGPC in the wildlife division for the past few years.

The open Federal Aid Administrator’s position once held by Mr. Tim Montgomery, has been filled with Mr. Craig Wacker of Lincoln.

Craig comes to us from the Department of Natural Resources where he worked on grants for that agency. He will be working with the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and a number of other duties as assigned.

We are pleased to announce Lindsey Chizinski has been selected to fill the Fish and Wildlife Biologist position located at the AkSarBen Aquarium. Lindsey will assume her new position at the Aquarium on Monday, April 9.

Please welcome Svetlana Tchourbanova to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Permit Section. She is filling the vacant Accounting Clerk I Position.

Micah Ellstrom has been selected to fill the Fish and Wildlife Biologist II position in Alliance. Micah brings several years of experience as well as a strong dedication and passion for wildlife. His skills and abilities will be a valuable asset to the Northwest District.

MARCH 2012 SERVICE AWARDS

5 YEARS

Lucas Negus, Wildlife, 3-1-12

Nicolas Fryda, Wildlife, 3-1-12

Michelle Steffl, Wildlife, 3-1-12

10 YEARS

Michael Carrick, Parks, 3-25-12

Velda Hochstein, Parks, 3-19-12

25 YEARS

Andrew Glidden, Fisheries, 3-3-12

30 YEARS

Randy Pomplun, Law Enforcement, 3-15-12

Thomas Zimmer, Law Enforcement, 3-22-12

35 YEARS

Paula Heidtbrink, Federal Aid, 3-1-12

April Outdoor Calendar

The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in April:

April 1-30 – Application period for archery paddlefish permits

April 1 – Platte River Art Show, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP), Ashland, 402-944-2523

April 1 – Light Goose Conservation Order ends in Zone 2

April 6 – Final day of Conservation Reserve Program general sign-up period

April 7 – Youth shotgun season opens for spring turkey hunting

April 7 – Families on Target archery program, Air Park Recreation Center, Lincoln, 402-441-7876

April 8 – Easter Buffet, Mahoney Grille, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-944-2523

April 14 – Wildcat Weekend: Earth Day Celebration, Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering, 308-436-3777

April 14 – Families on Target archery program, Air Park Recreation Center, Lincoln, 402-441-7876

April 14 – Shotgun season opens for spring turkey hunting

April 15 – Light Goose Conservation Order ends in zones 1 and 3

April 16 – Application period begins for multi-species Super Tag lottery permit

April 17 – Growing Up Wild: Exploring Nature with Young Children, Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District, Omaha, 402-471-5581

April 18-19 – Outdoor Discovery Program school days, Platte River SP

April 21 – Indian Cave Outdoor Adventure, Indian Cave SP, Shubert, 402-883-2575

April 21 – First Shots rifles and handguns seminar, Platte River SP, Louisville, 402-471-5547

April 21 – Families on Target archery program, Air Park Recreation Center, Lincoln, 402-441-7876

April 21 – Go Fishing Omaha Fishing Clinic, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 402-681-6265

April 21 – Project and Aquatic Wild workshop, Platte River SP, Louisville, 402-471-5581

April 26-28 – Missouri River Educational Lecture Series, Ponca SP, 402-755-2284

April 27 – Arbor Day, all Game and Parks offices closed

April 28 – Families on Target archery program, Air Park Recreation Center, Lincoln, 402-441-7876

April 28 – Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area opens to the public

Contact Game and Parks at 402-471-0641 for more information.�

A Fish-Handling Review

April 18, 2012 Barbs and Backlashes Daryl.Bauer 4 Comments

With the imminent opening of the new Lake Wanahoo and the required release of all northern pike that will be caught there, this is a good time to review fish handling procedures, especially fish handling procedures for large toothy fish! Requiring the release of all pike caught from Wanahoo will do no good unless those fish are released with the best possible chance of survival.

First of all, be prepared. There are enough northern pike in Wanahoo that a person will have a chance of encountering one whether they are fishing specifically for them or not. I am not suggesting that every panfish angler use leaders because they might catch a pike–if they do that they likely will not catch any panfish. But, if you are fishing for any of the larger game fish, whether you are intentionally fishing for pike or not, you better be prepared. Once Wanahoo opens, I would tell you that if you are fishing for bass, walleye or of course pike, you should be using a leader of some type. Anglers owe it to themselves and to the pike to do everything possible to land pike that are hooked so those hooks can be properly removed. It is not the pike’s fault if they cut off a bait or lure because the angler was not prepared. Anglers should do everything they can to ensure pike do not swim away with hooks stuck in their jaws, and I would hope every angler would have more respect for the fish, for the resource, than that.

Fortunately, there are lots of leader options nowadays. A person can tie on a 20-pound test fluorocarbon leader and have a good chance of landing any pike that might be hooked without having a bulky leader that might inhibit the action of baits being fished or be visible to the fish. Likewise, there are a variety of titanium leaders on the market that are very flexible and are very good leaders ( http://www.cabelas.com/wire-leaders.shtml ). A person could also use TyGer ( http://www.tygerleader.com/ )or Surflon Micro Supreme ( http://www.americanfishingwire.com/smsupreme.asp ) wire leaders that can be tied with your favorite fishing knots. The TyGer and Surflon Micro Supreme wire leaders can be spliced right onto your fishing line, and they are very flexible and nearly invisible.

Years ago I would have told you that landing nets were hard on fish and if you wanted to release a fish you should try to land it without a landing net. I do not believe that is the case anymore. I have become a huge fan of rubber mesh landing nets or at least knotless mesh that is rubber-coated or treated. There are a variety of nets made by a variety of manufacturers specifically for fish that are to be released, http://www.beckmannet.com/ , http://www.frabill.com/store/landing-nets.html , http://www.stowmaster.net/default.asp . Landing nets are simply the quickest way to land a fish and control it. The best way to use a landing net for fish that are going to be released would be to land the fish and then leave the fish in the net and the net in the water while hooks are removed and the camera is readied for a picture. Handling of fish can be reduced to as little as possible with the proper use of a good landing net.

When landing a pike, absolutely DO NOT pull the fish onto shore or allow them to flop around on the bottom of the boat. Letting fish flop on the bottom of a boat or on the ground, grass, gravel, etc. is not good for the fish. Fish are “slimy” because they have a mucous coating, and that mucus helps protect fish from infections and it aids in the healing of any injuries to the skin. When you let a fish flop on the bottom of a boat or on the ground or handle them with dry hands, you remove some of that mucus coat and that can expose the fish to bacterial or fungal infections after it is released. As I have stated, leaving the fish in a landing net, net in the water, is probably the best way to handle fish, but what can you do if you have to take a fish out of the water and lay them down? Actually European carp anglers have developed some great techniques and products for handling fish. Some of the trophy carp they catch in Europe are literally caught, handled and released again and again over a period of years, so they must be doing something right. They have developed a variety of mats, cradles, slings and “corrals” where the fish can be held or placed (for example, look here,http://www.harrissportsmail.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=2221 ). All of those products are designed to keep fish from flopping around on the ground or bottom of a boat. You might not want to fire off an overseas rush order for one of those mats or slings, but you could adapt something you already have or can easily get. For example, a rubber mat can be used as a fish handling mat (make sure to get it wet before placing a fish on it), or how about a soft-mesh laundry bag that you can buy at Wal-Mart?

A big white bass laying on my wetted, mesh laundry bag.

Way back in the day, holding a pike by its eye sockets was considered to be a good way to handle pike. Unless you are sure you are harvesting a pike, and at Wanahoo no harvest is allowed, NEVER, ever stick your fingers into a pike’s eye sockets!!!! You do not have to be a pointy-headed fisheries biologist to know why that is a bad idea. Pike can be gripped behind the head, but anytime you lift or hold a pike use both hands to support the fish in a horizontal position. If a person is careful, fingers can be slipped inside the gill covers, but one must be especially careful of the gills–make sure your hands and fingers do not contact gills or gill arches! Do not support a fish’s entire weight by the gill cover! Again, support the fish horizontally! Fish are made for life in the water. Their skeletal structure is not designed to support their weight out of the water. For that reason, you have to be careful while handling fish, and you want to keep them in a horizontal position as much as possible, support their weight with both hands, especially large fish like northern pike.

This poster comes from the Texas "Share a Lunker" program, but its message about holding fish horizontally applies to all fish.

Every angler needs to have some tools for handling fish and removing hooks. Those tools should be at the ready, at hand, at all times; you do not want to have to rummage around to find them when you need them. There are a variety of pliers, hemostats, forceps, hook-out tools and hook removers that are very handy for removing hooks. I cannot give you examples of them all. I use a pair of extra-long, needle-nose pliers that is on my person at all times while I am on the water. If I am fishing for panfish or trout, the forceps are on me at all times. Lanyards or “zingers” are good ideas for those tools so they do not get dropped in the water. An angler also should have some type of side cutters, hook cutters or bolt cutters too. At times it will be easier to cut hooks to remove them, and if you ever end up with a hook in your or your buddy’s flesh, you probably will want some type of hook cutters really bad!

I also like to wear a pair of gloves especially when handling large fish, toothy fish, and fish that have gill covers that can cut your hands.

Again there are a variety of fish handling gloves on the market; pick the ones you like. I know some folks that use a pair of leather gloves, I have some neoprenes myself. Whatever the gloves, make sure they are wet before handling the fish. The gloves can protect you from injury and they can protect the fish from injury by allowing you to control the fish while handling it.

Here is what can happen when you do not wear the gloves while handling big toothies like a muskie. I have additional scars from previous encounters with a pike (if you want, I can show you those scars sometime--Ha).

Lastly, let me mention one other tool that I consider invaluable for removing hooks. That would be a good set of jaw-spreaders. Again there are several jaw-spreaders on the market, but I believe one of the best I have seen recently would be the ones made by Tryant ( http://www.muskyshop.com/modules/cart/products.php/nav_id/28/page/1/id/2704/name/TyrantTackleJawSpreaders ). You should also keep a lanyard on your jaw-spreaders to keep them from slipping into the water or worse yet to prevent a fish from flopping into the water with the jaw spreaders still in its mouth.

Eastern Nebraska anglers have been given an unique opportunity to catch some northern pike close to home with the creation of Lake Wanahoo. How long pike survive in Wanahoo will depend largely on water quality and habitat conditions in the coming years. For now, the health and quality of that fishery will rest largely in the hands of anglers–with careful catch & release there will be some pike, and big pike, available for anglers to catch for the next few years at least. But, if that resource and those fish are abused, well, there will be a lot less fish and a lot less big fish available for all of us. Land them as quickly as possible, handle them as little as possible, and get them back in the water as soon as possible!

Peregrine in your backyard? Not so fast, my friend!

April 18, 2012 Nongame Bird Blog Joel.Jorgensen 2 Comments

Our Capitol Peregrine Falcons are quite popular and Peregrines in general are an iconic species. So much so that folks start seeing them in all sort of places. I receive calls every so often, but more frequently this time of year, from individuals claiming to see a Peregrine Falcon in their backyard. Before I get to my point I will just mention that it is great when people see and observe new things in nature. However, the new thing may not be a familiar species in an atypical habitat. Rather, it may be an unfamiliar species in its typical habitat. What people are almost certainly seeing when the see a raptor in their backyard that appears somewhat similar to a Peregrine is a Cooper’s Hawk.

Cooper’s Hawks are a type of hawk called accipiters and this species is both similar to and different than a Peregrine Falcon. The similar—Cooper’s Hawks and Peregrines appear superficially alike and are about the same size. Adults of both species have dark bluish upperparts and pale underparts. Both species also feed primarily on birds and both are found in Nebraska. The different—Cooper’s Hawks are ambush hunters that are built for maneuverability in habitats with lots of obstacles, such woodlands. Peregrine Falcons are built for speed in open environs. The Cooper’s Hawk has rounded wings and a long tail that helps them maneuver. Peregrines have pointed wings and a relatively short tail, again, less for maneuverability and more for speed. If birds were aircrafts a Cooper’s Hawk would be an Apache Helicopter, while a Peregrine Falcon would be a F-15 fighter jet.

Peregrine Falcons are not expected in the open woods of suburbia or cruising all that close to the ground. I say expected because in the bird world anything is always possible. Birds have wings and they will occasionally use them and they don’t often check with bird nerds to see what they can and cannot do. However, Peregrines are very much aerial hunters that enjoy staying up in the stratosphere (a bit of an exaggeration) and when they do come close to earth it is usually in open areas when they are chasing prey such as shorebirds. Most people know that Peregrines will prey on Rock Pigeons (the common urban pigeon), but did you know there are still plenty of Rock Pigeons hanging out around the lower levels Capitol? That is because the Peregrines aren’t comfortable operating that close to the ground. Speed can give you a heck of an advantage, but can be a problem when there are trees and buildings to collide into.

Cooper’s Hawks have increasingly adapted to suburban environments and have increased overall in Nebraska over the past few decades. And why not? Humans put out bird food and baths that attracts lots of small birds predictably to the same spot. An ideal opportunity for an ambush! However, Cooper’s Hawks do a pretty good job of going unobserved. Part of being an ambush hunter is surprise.

One final note, there is also another species of accipiter very similar in appearance to the Cooper’s Hawks that can be found in suburbia during winter and spring and fall migration; the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Not sure which species you’ve been seeing? visit these sites for identification information:

http://www.nebraskabirdlibrary.org/index.php/falconiformes/accipitridae/coopers-hawk.html

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/accipiterIDtable.htm

Thanks to Jo Stutheit and Jan Johnson for the use of their photos!

Field Notes – The Prairie Biologist

April 17, 2012 Afield and Afloat chris.helzer No Comments

A field notebook is an essential tool of a land manager. Read why here:

http://prairieecologist.com/2012/04/17/the-value-of-field-notebooks/

WHY I THOROUGHLY ENJOY SPRING WILD TURKEY HUNTING

April 16, 2012 In The Wild Greg.Wagner No Comments

Here’s a quick pictorial essay of why I thoroughly enjoy spring wild turkey hunting in Nebraska (despite the wrath of Mother Nature and her re-positioning my staked-down blind yesterday with gale-force winds here in eastern Nebraska).

To me, spring wild turkey hunting in Nebraska means so many things. It is my excuse to slow-down, look around and experience the ‘greening’ of the forest. Spring wild turkey hunting offers a real opportunity to take time to smell the flowers and blossoms of nature. Spring wild turkey hunting gives a glimpse of insect life fluttering about in the woods. Of course, spring wild turkey hunting provides the chance to match wits with a love-struck, but wary gobbler and maybe, just maybe, bring him home for the dinner table. Thoroughly enjoy your turkey hunt and the pics! Take time to smell the flowers, you’ll be glad you did!

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