LINCOLN, Neb. – The inaugural Nebraska Upland Slam gave more than 200 hunters a reason to take advantage of Nebraska’s top-notch mixed-bag hunting opportunities.
The Nebraska Upland Slam, a partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska chapter of Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, challenged hunters to harvest all four of Nebraska’s primary upland gamebird species, including ring-necked pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chickens and northern bobwhites.
In all, 140 hunters – ranging in age from 13 to 75 years – completed the Slam, including 121 from Nebraska. The remaining Slams were completed by hunters from nine states.
In the Slam’s first season, 267 hunters harvested at least one species, with a total of 801 submissions recorded. Just over half of the submissions were harvested on public land, and many of those who participated in the Slam harvested at least one species they had never harvested before.
“Nebraska is truly the mixed-bag capital of the region, and the Upland Slam gives hunters another reason to experience the incredible upland bird opportunities that our state has to offer,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas.
The Slam helped families create hunting memories and solidified their hunting traditions. One family had three generations of hunters finish the Slam, and several parent-child combinations also succeeded in the challenge.
“These are great examples of a legacy of passion for upland bird hunting being passed down to multiple generations,” said John Laux, Game and Parks’ upland habitat and access program manager.
Hunters who completed the Slam received an official certificate and pin and were entered into a drawing to win prizes. Grand prize winner Ken Loth of Omaha drew a Browning 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun, Roy Niemoth of Grand Island won a Pheasants Forever print, and Tyler Douglass of Grand Island won 65-gallon Yeti cooler.
The challenge began Sept. 1 with the opener for sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie-chicken. Pheasant and quail became available when their seasons opened Oct. 27. Seasons for all of the Slam species closed Jan. 31.
Upland hunters looking for a new challenge are urged to participate in the Nebraska Upland Slam, which continues when the 2019 seasons open this fall.
Visit OutdoorNebraska.org/UplandSlam for more information, official rules and entry details.
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LINCOLN, Neb. – Prepare for the upcoming hunting season by attending one of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Learn to Hunt Spring Turkey workshops.
The events are designed for individuals with limited experience and are ideal for those wanting to expand into turkey hunting. Topics will include strategies, equipment, biology and much more to increase a hunter’s confidence and success.
The workshop schedule is:
March 2 – Holdrege, YMCA of the Prairie, 1415 Broadway St., 1-3 p.m.
March 26 – Lincoln, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St., 6-8:30 p.m.
March 28 – Louisville, Platte River State Park, 14421 346th St., 6-8:30 p.m.
March 28 – Hastings, Lincoln Park Fire Station, 1145 S. Hastings Ave., 6:30-8:30 p.m.
In addition, a turkey calling clinic will be held April 9 at the Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln from 6-8:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own calls as instructors will help them get the most turkey out of their calls and discuss the strategies in using them.
Space is limited. Register at OutdoorNebraska.com/Workshops. A registration fee may apply.
LINCOLN, Neb. – Women are invited to spend an afternoon sampling wine, cheese and venison at the Vineyards and Venison event March 3 at Ashland.
This event for ages 21 and above is at Cellar 426 Wines and Vines, 1402 Dennis Dean Road, from 2 to 4 p.m. The cost is $25.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman and the National Wild Turkey Federation Women in the Outdoors are hosting the event, which also teaches participants how to make charcuterie boards. Register at nwtf.org/events.
Contact Micaela Rahe at mrahe@nwtf.net or 402-471-2517 for more information.