In The Outdoors

Youths make most of Free Fishing Day

Despite the severe heat that enveloped the Las Vegas area Saturday, hundreds of anglers made their way to the valley’s urban ponds to take advantage of Nevada’s Free Fishing Day. And why not? That is the one day each year when anyone can fish in the Silver State without having to first procure a fishing license.

Leftover big-game tags widely available

If you miss your first shot at a monster buck or a large bull elk, having a second chance to make that shot is a good thing. Likewise, if you were unsuccessful in Nevada’s big-game tag draw, a second chance can be good thing, especially for those willing to try something or someplace new.

Successful hunts begin with planning

Preliminary results of Nevada’s 2013 big game tag draw have been available online since Friday, and final results will be available in another couple of weeks. Unfortunately, while some of my friends are celebrating the draw results with tags for critters such as bighorn sheep, deer, elk or antelope, things in the Nielsen household are little more subdued.

Always check weather for outdoor ventures

Trusting completely in a weather forecast can be an iffy proposition. Anyone who has spent considerable time outdoors knows weather conditions can and do change unexpectedly and rapidly, so failing to double-check the weather forecast before leaving on an outdoor adventure is a foolish misstep at best. Failing to plan for the possibilities is another.

Some destined to follow call of the wild

You know the years are going by when you look at your youngest son and realize for the first time that he can no longer be referred to as “The Wild Man.” Such is now the case with my youngest son, Hyrum, almost 17, whose outdoor adventures — and sometimes misadventures — have often become the subject matter for this column during his growing up years.

High-tech help not needed to catch trophy-worthy stripers near Willow Beach

Most outdoorsmen and women spend their time, and often their money, trying to outthink or outmaneuver their game of choice. Recognizing this tendency, the outdoor industry spends its time and money trying to outthink and outmaneuver outdoorsmen and women. The results of their efforts can be seen in stores, catalogs and wherever we stash our outdoor gear.

Spinner baits perfect for spring bass

Larry Brinker has been fishing for Lake Mead’s largemouth bass most of his life, but unlike those anglers who tend to hold their hard-earned knowledge close to their vests, Brinker is one of those rare souls who doesn’t mind opening his tackle box of learning for the next guy.
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Be alert - rattlesnakes enjoy pleasant spring weather in the desert, too

One early summer evening, my friend Ron and I decided to shoot our muzzleloading rifles in the remnants of an old gravel pit located in the desert near my home. At the time, such activity was still legal in that area, and we wanted to take advantage of the somewhat cooler temperatures that come with the setting sun. What we didn’t count on was running into someone else who wanted to take advantage of the cooler temperatures as well.

Opinions sought for development on Lake Mohave

Changes are on tap for Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Landing, two of the three developed areas at Lake Mohave. Then again, they might not be, and the decision as to whether changes will take place could depend on your opinion along with those of all the other recreationists who are willing to share their thoughts about what happens at these popular destinations.

Be sure to inspect camping gear before heading out

Spring officially has arrived, and that means it is time to blow the dust off your camping gear and head outside. Daytime temperatures are nice, and, depending on how far north you travel or how high in altitude you climb, the nights still are cool enough to enjoy the warmth of a glowing campfire and the taste of toasted marshmallows.

Bills take shots at youths' rights

Some things one never forgets, like those special birthday gifts that keep on giving long after the cake and ice cream are gone and the celebration is over. For me, one of those gifts is the Marlin Model 60, a semi-automatic rifle my father gave me the day I turned 12.

As ice melts, trout fishing flourishes

Ice covering the reservoirs at the Kirch Wildlife Management Area has thawed and refrozen two or three times, but with temperatures now holding on the warm side, one probably can be safe in saying that ice-out officially has arrived and with it some of the year’s best trout fishing.

Now is time to secure right to hunt, fish, trap

Last week, I wrote of the surprises that sometimes come out of the Nevada Legislature when it’s in session, and it didn’t take long to find one. On Monday, one of those surprises emerged on the floor of the State Senate with the introduction of Senate Joint Resolution No. 7, a surprise that could have far-reaching ramifications for the sportsmen and sportswomen of the Silver State.

B.Mag rifle handles .17 caliber ammo

Centerfire performance in a rimfire package." Is that even possible? Bill Dermody, marketing manager for Savage Arms, thinks so and used those very words to describe his company's newest rimfire rifle during its unveiling at the Shooting, Hunting...

XDs gun line offers new options

Hats off to the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club for a terrific job of hosting the 2013 edition of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show media day, an event at which writers can get a firsthand look at some of the new firearms, ammunition and...

'Fishy' call rarely sung during this trip

"Here fishy, fishy, fishy." That is the woeful call of a frustrated angler. Though some will use it at inappropriate times, such as when the fish are actually biting, the phrase "Here fishy, fishy, fishy" is generally reserved for those days when...