Guys, I just got access to a bunch of land outside of Clearwater, Nebraska. I have never been to the area, much less hunted there.Coming from the southeast, I was just looking for some tips on clothes, any special gear, timing my trips,and any tips anyone feels like giving out about the area. I want to plan to hunt spring turkeys, and deer during early November, which I'm guessing would be the best time to go if I can only make one fall trip? Would be nice to talk to someone from the area, and possibly get together for some hunts. Thanks in advance.
Well sounds like you got some nice land to hunt in your future. While you're waiting for someone to come along, I would suggest Googling the normal weather ranges for the time you want to go and that would give you an idea where to start. Then when it got closer I would look at long-term forecast to Define it more
Hey Michael - I live just south of Clearwater about 30 miles. I used to live in the small town of Orchard 10 miles north of Clearwater. Is your ground private? There is quite a bit of public access near and north of Clearwater. Is it along the river or in the bluffs north?
Generally speaking, there are quite a few birds around this area, but can be hit or miss depending upon where you get permission. The deer numbers have really bounced back from the EHD in 2012. I am seeing lots of deer this year.
Spring turkey usually starts around March 25 for archery and then youth shotgun right after that. I personally like hunting as soon as the weather allows - that can vary quite a bit year to year. Last year we set up our blind in snowdrifts opening weekend, but the turkeys were on a very predictable pattern. If you prefer calling you may have to wait, again depending upon weather. Season goes through May so it is pretty long. Birds seem to get a little shy to the call later in the season. Again weather can be crazy - from a blizzard to summer like just depending upon the year.
If I had to pick one week to hunt mature deer it would be from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5. Luckily I don't have to pick one week! :) Our season opens early (Sept. 1) and deer are usually still in velvet and somewhat on a pattern that allows for mature bucks on their feet during shooting hours. I have had good luck this time of year also. If you like cold and snow December can be fun. That is when I shoot all my does for the year and I really enjoy this late season time too.
If you have specific questions or need me to help you out somehow, shoot me a PM.
Mitch
Thanks for the replies.
Mitch, it is all private, although I have seen there is quite a bit of public in the area. Most of the property is west of Clearwater. Supposedly there is usually plenty of deer and turkeys. The land owners only hunt pheasant. I will surely send you som private messages with questions. This will be my first time hunting anywhere west of the Mississippi except for ducks in LA. Thanks again.
I have a small piece of property about 30 miles north of you near Verdigre. I have found that the turkeys can still be in the big flocks when archery turkey opens which makes it hit or miss. If you have private to hunt I would wait until it warms up a little bit and they disperse more (mid April). While you hunt turkey this spring you can do some deer scouting and maybe even set up a stand or two. I would guess you are going to be happy with your opportunity. The week before gun season this fall had temps around 10 degrees for lows and I have hunted in below zero that week as well. Typically it is lows around 30 highs around 50.