Outdoor notes: Packer wins 55th Cornhusker Trap Shoot
Kahne Packer of Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H capped off a huge day by winning a shoot-off to capture the Cornhusker Cup at the 55th Cornhusker Trap Shoot on Saturday in Doniphan, Nebraska.
Packer hit 72 of 75 handicap targets Saturday, tying Landen Nowak of North Platte for a two-day total of 146, before taking the shoot-off.
Packer’s score gave him first place at 24-25 yards and contributed to the Wilber 5 Clovers’ overall 4-H and handicap 4-H team championships. His teammates are Kaden Togstad, Cooper Hayek, Kohen Burda and Collin Kohout.
Allie Hiatt of Louisville 4-H won the ladies’ overall title with a 138. The Norris One team of George Lee, Zach Hennecke, Britton Petersen, Logan Schneider and J. Mason Sobotka won the top high school team and the Bennington Lady Badgers’ Katie Musel, Hailey Wynn, Emma Huntley, Lillian Huntley and Katelyn Dossett earned top ladies team.
Results from Saturday’s senior high competition are:
Overall
Top 20 Individuals – 1. Kahne Packer, Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H, 146 of 150 (won shoot-off); 2. Landen Nowak, North Platte, 146; 3. George Lee, Norris, 145; 4. Nathanael Taylor, Lincoln Southwest, 143; 5. Bodie Kumm, PVCB 4-H, 143; 6. Clay Maloley, Phelps/Gosper, 142; 7. Charlie Morgan, Gretna East, 142; 8. Wyatt Debrie, Gibbon, 142; 9. Carter Lytle, Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H, 142; 10. Kohen Burda, Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H, 142; 11. Luke Wurtele, Nebraska City, 141; 12. Gavin Kuck, Norris, 141; 13. Jeff Hollister, Doniphan-Trumbull, 141; 14. Camden Packett, Waverly, 141; 15. Hudson Decker, Aurora, 141; 16. Wyatt Widman, homeschool, 141; 17. Owen McVay, Omaha Concordia, 141; 18. Grant Ankersen, Logan View, 141; 19. Jace Snook, Fairbury, 140; 20. Samuel Dieken, Waverly, 140
Top Three Ladies – 1. Allie Hiatt, Louisville 4-H, 138 of 150; 2. Isabelle Roth, Southside 4-H, 135 (won shoot-off); 3. Violet Casady, Cougar 4-H, 122
Top Three 4-H Teams – 1. Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H 1 (Kahne Packer, Kaden Togstad, Cooper Hayek, Kohen Burda, Collin Kohout), 695 of 750; 2. Blue River 4-1 Navy, 671; 3. Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H 2, 668
Top High School Teams – 1. Norris One (George Lee, Zach Hennecke, Britton Petersen, Logan Schneider, J. Mason Sobotka), 690 of 750; 2. Creighton Prep Blue, 673; 3. Lincoln Southwest Silver, 672; 4. Waverly Black, 669; 5. Creighton Prep White, 666; 6. Logan View Blue, 664
Top Three Ladies Teams – 1. Bennington Lady Badgers (Katie Musel, Hailey Wynn, Emma Huntley, Lillian Huntley, Katelyn Dossett), 624 of 750; 2. Norris, 622; 3. Sutton 2, 620
Handicap
Top Three Ladies – 1. Madalyn Pedersen, Lutheran High Northeast, 69 of 75; 2. Haylee Glazebrook, Papillion-La Vista, 69; 3. Lucy Mohr, Papillion-La Vista, 68
Top Three Individuals – 1. Nathanael Taylor, Lincoln Southwest, 72 of 75; 2. Carden Packett, Waverly, 72; 3. Landen Nowak, North Platte, 72
Top Three 4-H Teams – 1. Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H 1 (Kahne Packer, Kaden Togstad, Cooper Hayek, Kohen Burda, Collin Kohout), 342 of 375; 2. Oak Creek 4-H 1, 335; 3. Louisville 4-H Gold, 333
Top Three Ladies Teams – 1. Bennington Lady Badgers (Katie Musel, Hailey Wynn, Emma Huntley, Lillian Huntley, Katelyn Dossett), 310 of 375; 2. Norris, 308; 3. Omaha Marian Blue, 302
Top Six High School Teams – 1. Beatrice 1 (Wyatt Happle, Ryan Rempel, Isaac Enns, Isaac Bruna, Hudsen Tiemann), 341 of 375; 2. Lincoln Southwest Silver, 335; 3. Norris Two, 333; 4. Papillion La Vista Monarch 1, 333; 5. Norris One, 331; 6. Gibbon 1, 330
Yardage Winners
18-19 Yards – 1. Keaton Kopecky, Malcolm 4-H, 71 of 75; 2. Aiden Floyd, Lincoln Southeast, 71; 3. Colin Wessel, Malcolm 4-H, 71; 4. Kyle Yong, Papillion-La Vista, 70; 5. Colby Brozak, Papillion-La Vista, 69; 6. Samuel Manning, Lincoln North Star, 68; 7. Zoey Seiler, Minden, 67; 8. Connor Crist, Malcolm 4-H, 67; 9. Morgan Madsen, Amherst, 67; 10. Hunter Wilson, Grand Island Northwest, 67
20-21 Yards – 1. Will Nichols, PVCB 4-H, 70 of 75; 2. Jaime Suarez-Delgado, Creighton Prep, 70; 3. Wyatt Rosander, Greeley County, 70; 4. Callen Wennigoff, Fillmore County 4-H, 69; 5. Evan Keller, Blue River 4-H, 69; 6. Matt Doris, Ogallala, 69; 7. John Rosenthal, Papillion-La Vista, 69; 8. Hudsen Tiemann, Beatrice, 69; 9. Chase Brei, Aurora, 69; 10. Isaac Bruna, Beatrice, 69
22-23 Yards – 1. Wyatt Suchy, Oak Creek 4-H, 71 of 75; 2. Jace Snook, Fairbury, 71; 3. Jaxon Ferris, Lincoln Southwest, 71; 4. Jack Koenig, Fairbury, 71; 5. Chez Vigil, Louisville 4-H, 70; 6. Maxwell Volpp, Logan View, 70; 7. Makin Girmus, Fillmore County 4-H, 70; 8. Cooper Tomasek, 4-H Shooters, 70; 9. Drake Deger, Norris, 70; 10. Blake Cerny, Blue River 4-H, 70.
24-25 Yards – 1. Kahne Packer, Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H, 72 of 75; 2. Bodie Kumm, PVCB 4-H, 72; 3. Wyatt Debrie, Gibbon, 71; 4. Clay Maloley, Phelps/Gosper, 71; 5. Charlie Morgan, Gretna East, 70; 6. Hudson Decker, Aurora, 70; 7. George Lee, Norris, 70; 8. Jon Morgan, Gretna East, 69; 9. Nate Feldman, Creighton Prep, 69; 10. Kaden Togstad, Wilber 5 Clovers 4-H, 69
Jim Carlisle Memorial Second Generation Individual (traveling trophy) – Landen Nowak, North Platte
Campfire ban in portions of Nebraska extended through May 20
Nebraska Game and Parks is extending the temporary ban on campfires at Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas in central and western Nebraska through May 20.
This is in alignment with the executive order issued May 9, a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risks. The burn ban affects areas west of a line that runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92; then west to U.S. Highway 281 and south to the Kansas border.
“Public safety is a top priority, and out of an abundance of caution, we will continue enforcing the temporary campfire ban in the restricted zone laid out by the executive order,” said Jeff Fields, parks division administrator at Game and Parks. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, as we know campfires are an integral part of the camping experience. We eagerly look forward to more precipitation and safer conditions.”
Camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel are permitted at all state parks, even those in the burn ban area, as they reduce the likelihood of ash or hot charcoal being discarded before they are extinguished. Learn more about permitted devices at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
State parks in eastern Nebraska are permitted, subject to local fire authorities, to have campfires and other sources of open fire, such as wood-fueled firepits, wood-burning stoves and charcoal grills. These parks include:
- Alexandria State Recreation Area
- Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
- Blue River SRA
- Bluestem SRA
- Branched Oak SRA
- Conestoga Lake SRA
- Danish Alps SRA
- Dead Timber SRA
- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
- Fort Atkinson SHP
- Fremont Lakes SRA
- Louisville SRA
- Indian Cave SP
- Memphis Lake SRA
- Mormon Island SRA
- Olive Creek SRA
- Pawnee Lake SRA
- Pelican Point SRA
- Platte River SP
- Ponca SP
- Riverview SRA
- Rock Creek Station SRA and SHP
- Rockford Lake SRA
- Schramm Park SRA
- Stagecoach Lake SRA
- Summit Lake SRA
- Two Rivers SRA
- Verdon SRA
- Wagon Train SRA
Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and all visitors should practice fire safety:
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the site.
Find additional fire safety tips at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Boat safe this summer
Boat season is heating up, and National Safe Boating Week, set for May 17-23, is a great time to remind boaters: Safety isn’t optional.
By following these safety tips, Nebraskans can help reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure safe and enjoyable days on the water, all summer long.
Wear a life jacket
No matter what activity you have planned on the water, wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Accidents can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.
In Nebraska, children under age 13, those using personal watercraft and those being towed on skis or similar device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Life jackets also are required for all paddleboard users, no matter their age.
Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity and fits properly.
New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know, so if you are relying on life jackets of old, consider treating yourself to a new one this year to avoid becoming a statistic.
Drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities in 2023, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, and 87% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
Know state boating laws
Anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska must be at least 14 years of age. Make sure you’ve registered your boat and, if a nonresident, purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species stamp at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Learn more about Nebraska’s boating regulations at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search “Go boating.”
Take a boater safety course
Though it’s only a legal requirement for those born after Dec. 31, 1985, consider completing the Nebraska boating safety course to learn the top things you need to know about navigating Nebraska waters, what to do in an emergency and more. Find an in-person or online class at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for “boater education.”
Make sure you’re prepared
Before you launch, ensure your boat or kayak is in good running condition and all essential equipment is present, including a life jacket for every person on board. Life jackets, throw cushions, fire extinguishers and bailing devices are required on most boats. An engine-cut-off device or switch also is a good idea.
Paddlers of kayaks or canoes also should physically inspect their planned take-out point to make sure it is accessible.
Tell someone your plans
Before leaving home, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Consider carrying a cellphone in a waterproof pouch, as well, in case an emergency occurs.
Watch the weather
Storms can pop up quickly in Nebraska. Check the weather in advance and monitor it during the day, if necessary.
Don’t drink while you boat
Nearly one-fifth of all recreational boating fatalities occur when someone is Boating Under the Influence, a criminal violation enforced in Nebraska. Always designate a sober driver.
Be wary of surroundings
Pay attention to other boats, personal watercraft, swimmers, stumps and other hazards.
Speeds in excess of 5 mph are prohibited if within 30 yards of any other vessel, swimming area or dock. If paddling a kayak or canoe, be aware of possible debris below the surface or under bridges.
Avoid hypothermia
Even though temperatures are rising, the water still can be cold. Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold weather or water. Take caution to prevent hypothermia.
National Safe Boating Week serves as the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible. Learn more at SafeBoatingCampaign.com.
Walleye Challenge heating up, still time to join
One angler logged a 30-inch walleye. Another one 7.9 inches.
Both submitted their catches to the Midwest Walleye Challenge, a community science-style fishing tournament aimed at collecting walleye data for biologists across the Midwest.
The challenge kicked off April 1 but runs through June 29, so anglers still have time to sign up for a chance to win more than $5,000 in prizes. The prize structure is designed to encourage reporting any walleye catch — or lack thereof — so fisheries data collected is representative.
All data collected helps Nebraska Game and Parks learn more about walleye fisheries across the state. In the process, Nebraska anglers also see how their walleye fisheries compare to others in the Midwest.
Thus far, 420 walleye have been caught at 44 water bodies in Nebraska. The average catch is 16.2 inches long, but about 30 walleye were 25-inches or more.
To participate, anglers pay the $25 entry fee, then record their walleye catches in the mobile app MyCatch. Anglers must photograph their catches on a measuring device using the app. Once the fish is reviewed and meets rule requirements, it appears on a live leaderboard. Bi-weekly and grand prizes are drawn.
For more information or to sign up, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “Midwest Walleye Challenge.”