Chadron Go, Do!

Go, Do! Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle Spring 2014 Published by The Chadron Record

Page 2 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

From the Editor: Northwest Nebraska offers unique opportunities to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. When spring and summer arrive, our residents and visitors are blessed with the chance to view a multitude of wildlife, take to the trail by bike or foot, or find motorized trails to enjoy from atop an ATV. Whether it’s taking advantage of spring hunting seasons, photographing the scenery, boating or fishing, there is never a lack of outdoor recreation to enjoy. This guide provides a snapshot of the opportunities out there to enjoy - at city parks and pools for a couple of hours or a more extenisive hike or bike ride on one of the many trails in the state parks or national lands.

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Go, Do!

Use two wheels to explore the Pine Ridge GEORGE LEDBETTER More than two decades after a national biking magazine reportedly called Nebraska’s Pine Ridge one of the “best kept secrets” of mountain biking terrain in the United States, the area’s potential for attracting fans of a sport that has made places like Moab, Utah, famous remains untapped.

But that doesn’t keep a handful of local riders from enjoying the rewards of exploring the region’s diverse and rugged landscape and experiencing its natural beauty on two wheels.

And more than a decade of biking in and around Chadron and Dawes County has allowed my wife, Elizabeth, and me, to discover another secret treasure for those who prize unusual outdoor experiences-riding bicycles on the many miles of unpaved county roads in the area.

Although not ‘technical’ or challenging enough for hardcore mountain bikers, and too rough for the narrow, high pressure

tires of ‘road bikes,’ we have found the dusty, sparsely traveled back roads around the region offer an easy and inexpensive way for cyclists of all ability levels to gain a different perspective on the scale and beauty of northwestern Nebraska.

National notice for the mountain biking potential in the Pine Ridge came in the mid-1990s, according to Herb Peterson, who operated his Ship Shape Bike and Barber Shop on Main Street for 20-plus years. Back then, two writers (and riders) from an organization called Bike America stopped and rode in the area on an assignment to rate mountain biking spots across the country, he said.

“They didn’t rate it (the Pine Ridge), but they said it was one of the best kept secrets in the U.S.,” Peterson said.

Attempting to capitalize on the publicity, Peterson said he and his sons helped make a movie about biking the area, and brought in a nationally-known mountain biker, but the effort failed to get much local support

for further developing the trail network.

Peterson said he also helped map the area’s biking trails using GPS technology, and took out groups of riders to show them what the area has to offer. “We had people from all over hell,” he said.

Though it hasn’t brought in huge numbers of riders, more than 70 miles of the region’s biking trails are featured on a Trails Illustrated topographic map that was produced in 1994 with support from the Nebraska Tourism Office. The map, made of water-proof, tear resistant material, is still available from the National Geographic online store (shop.nationalgeographic.com) for $8.95 plus postage, and offers a glimpse of the many biking opportunities available to the adventurous.

Peterson isn’t sure why the flurry of attention didn’t lead to more outside interest in Pine Ridge biking, but said the area’s proximity to the Black Hills, with its hundreds of miles of trails and more developed Continued on Page 3

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Pine Ridge bike rides offer viewing opportunities Continued from Page 2 tourism infrastructure, may have played a role. The type of trails, which vary can vary widely in terrain and difficulty over even short distances, could also be part of the reason, he said.

“It’s hard to rate. The trails here are not maintained, and are ‘non-trail’ to what people are used to.”

But riding in the area is still good, even without extensive trail development, said Peterson, who said that riders can easily piece together their own trail routes to suit their taste and riding ability.

In fact, for Peterson the best trail to ride is “Anything that is in front of the wheel.”

“It’s fun, fun, fun!” he said.

Nebraska National Forest recreation specialist Mike Watts of Chadron is another long-time Pine Ridge mountain biker. “I got into that in the late 1980s,” said Watts.

“I got out and rode some of our trails in 1987 and 88. My first experience of offroad riding was here.”

Watts said he knows of several local residents who have been riding the Pine Ridge trails for years, but he hasn’t seen a lot of new riders coming into the area.

The buttes on the northern edge of Chadron State Park are accessible via the Black Hills Overlook Trail.

“From when I started till now there has been a little growth, but not a lot,” he said.

“I see a lot of potential out there.”

For Watts, mountain biking is a way to get outside, see wildlife and enjoy the

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fresh air, but he admits to finding an element of ‘adrenaline rush’ as well. “Some of (the enjoyment) is the speed going downhill,” he said Riding Pine Ridge trails has been part of the biking that Elizabeth and I have enjoyed during our 13 years in Chadron, but we have also discovered that many of the same pleasures of outdoor cycling can be found without venturing onto ‘single track’ trails in the back country. Riding on county roads around Chadron, we have learned, provides opportunities for encounters with a variety of wildlife as well as stunning views of the prairies, buttes and wide open skies.

On a recent ride, for instance, we startled a herd of mule deer, who ran along beside us at high speed for a considerable distance, then demonstrated their ability to gracefully leap fences as they crossed the road before us and trailed off single file into a grassy draw. On the same ride, a hawk who had been perched on a fence post took wing and flew above our heads for a couple of hundred yards before veering off on his cruise, and a pair of quail took flight from the road ditch beside us into the adjacent pasture.

On other rides we have seen at close range pronghorn antelope, eagles, owls, ducks, and coyotes, and on several occasions we have watched the impressive sight of buffalo pastured in fields next to the road breaking into a full run across the prairie.

Compared to riding on paved roads, there are some disadvantages to riding on gravel, chiefly the additional pedal effort required for the rough surface. There is also dust to contend with, but by staying on less traveled roads that problem is minimized, and the lack of traffic noise more than makes up for the grit kicked up by the occasional truck or car.

And there is plenty of riding opportunity even for those who don’t care to venture out into the countryside on two wheels.

Both the walking path on the Chadron State College campus and the road through Wilson Park are easily ridable, with gentle climbs that are suitable for riders just getting in shape.

Equipment Whether riding on gravel roads or biking Continued on Page 4

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Page 4 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

Planning a bike trip: Essentials to take Continued from Page 3 trails the requirements for equipment are nearly the same. A sturdy, multi-geared bike, with tires suitable for rough surface riding is a must, and front shock absorbers are highly recommended. Bikers should always wear a helmet, whether riding on streets, roads or trails.

The prevalence of goat head thorn (also known as puncture vine) in the Pine Ridge creates another essential for riders-a treatment of ‘Slime’ or similar stop-leak product in the bike inner tubes. While not a guarantee against flats, putting some of the goop in your tires will reduce the chance that you have to stop to patch a leak. Even with the tire treatment, it is always wise to carry a patch kit and a pump while riding. A basic tool kit for simple repairs is also a good companion on a ride in rough country.

Water is another basic for Pine Ridge riding. The exertion of cycling depletes the body of water, and even on cool days dehydration can quickly become a problem.

Water bottle cages are a standard fixture on most bikes, and many riders opt for ‘Camelback’ style hydration packs that feature a plastic bladder inside a backpack with a tube that feeds directly into the user’s mouth.

Maps are also an important asset when riding in back country. In addition to the Trails Illustrated map, several others are readily available. The Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands publishes a large topographic map that shows roads and some trails on federal land in Dawes and northern Sioux Counties. Copies are available at the Pine Ridge Ranger District office, which is currently located on

A biker rides along 12th Street on the CSC campus. The walking path on campus is also suitable for riding bikes.

Highway 385, south of Chadron. An updated version of a forest recreation map is expected to be released this summer, according to Watts.

The Nebraska National Forest also has produced a Motor Vehicle Use Map of U.S. Forest Service lands in northwest Nebraska. Although aimed primarily at ATV and motorcycle riders, many of the

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roads and trails on the map are quite suitable for biking. The map is available at some area gas stations, as well as from the Forest Service.

A small map of Pine Ridge Trails available for free from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission shows bike trails on both state and federal land, although not in great detail. It makes a good supplement to other maps and can be picked up at the offices of Chadron and Fort Robinson State Parks.

For riding county roads, the Chadron Chamber of Commerce has a map of Chadron, Crawford and Dawes County available at no charge.

In addition to water most riders like to carry snacks of some kind. Granola bars, dried fruits and nuts are popular items and can help boost energy levels depleted by a hard climb or a prolonged encounter with the stiff winds of the Nebraska prairie.

Depending on the season, a light jacket can also prove its worth if a storm arises while on the trail.

Taking a cell phone along on your ride is also a good precaution. Although service may not be available in some areas, in the event of a major problem, it will almost always be possible to climb the nearest hill and get at least enough signal to call for help, said Watts.

Riders with smart phones can download a free app called Map My Ride that will track and time your ride (or run or walk) and display it on a map. The map can even show your route on a satellite photo and display data on elevation gain, average speed and calories burned.

As an extra precaution when planning a ride in back country, particularly if going

solo, Peterson suggests that riders let someone else know where and when they are going, and about when they expect to return.

Favorite rides Chadron State Park- One of the most accessible places for riding bikes in the Pine Ridge is Chadron State Park. The park’s paved loop road, about 3 miles long, has only minimal traffic and is very bikefriendly. There is also a network of mountain bike trails for varying ability levels; maps are available at the park office. The Black Hills Overlook Trail is particularly recommended by several local riders and offers sweeping views of the prairies to the north as well as some challenging terrain.

Fort Robinson State Park- Crawford and Fort Robinson are linked by an approximately 4 mile long trail along a former railroad grade. From the park riders can take the paved road up Smiley Canyon, and then return on the same road, or via Highway 20. For the more adventurous, there are several trails leading from the top of Smiley Canyon down to Carter P. Johnson Lake or other parts of the Park.Other trail options in the park are shown on free maps available at the office.

The Cliffs- Located on the Nebraska National Forest, southeast of Chadron, the Cliffs area offers several opportunities for mountain bike riding. Trails go up (south) as far as Table Road, with alternative routes for the return trip.To get to the Cliffs, go four miles east of Chadron and turn south on Bordeaux Road for about 7 miles to Forest Service Road 723.

Spotted Tail Trail. Take Highway 385 Continued on Page 5

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Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014 - Page 5

Campgrounds, trailheads in northern Panhandle Red Cloud Campground Located on the west side of Highway 385 approximately one mile south of the main entrance to Chadron State Park, this campground has picnic tables, parking pads, pedestal grills, fire rings and vault toilets. Tent camping, $5 per night from mid-May to midNovember. No water.

Roberts Tract Campground and Trailhead Located near Roberts Loop Trail, this one-time

Favorite bike rides in the Pine Ridge Continued from Page 4 south of Chadron for about five miles then turn east on King Canyon Road to the trailhead parking area. The Spotted Tail Trail goes through open meadows and stands of pine trees.

Parts of the trail were badly burned in 2006, but have begun to recover. The trail is well marked and can be ridden as a loop with a return connection on King Canyon Road, or a longer ride to Chadron State Park.

Coffee Mill Butte. Another jumpoff point for multiple trail options.

The trailhead is off Dead Horse Road, and the road itself can be used as part of a loop, with return via Table Road

and FS Road 702. Parts of the area burned in 2012 so prepare for hillsides of blackened tree trunks in some places.

Buttermilk loop. A 16.7 mile ride on county roads and state highways.

From Chadron go south on Highway 385 and Old Country Club Road to Buttermilk Road, then east to Deadhorse Road and return via Highway 20. The route includes great views of the Pine Ridge and Crow Butte and crosses some Badlands terrain. Include a jaunt west on Hawthorne Road for a ride across the Dead Horse Creek drainage and a look at the distant Black Hills (on a

clear day).

Ormesher Road. An out-and-back ride from Chadron to the White River (about seven miles) on a little- traveled county road. Continue to the South Dakota border (about 17 miles from Chadron) if you have time, and plenty of water.

Chadron Creek Wildlife Management Area. The Chadron Creek WMA is laced with trails created during the years the land was a privately owned ranch. Connects with Nebraska National Forest land on the southwest, which opens even more riding options. Take Camp Norwesca Road south from Chadron State Park

homestead site, provides horse corrals, rider ramp and stock water from midMay to mid-October.

Picnic tables, a vault toilet and fire rings are provided.

No drinking water.

Camping is $8 per night from mid-May to midNovember.

The Roberts Tract Trailhead ties into the Pine Ridge Trail in the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. The trailhead provides non-motorized travel for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding to Spotted Tail Loop, Coffee Mill Trailhead and East Ash Trailhead.

Directions: From the intersection of Highways 385 and 20, southwest on Highway 20 9.4 miles to Eleson Road; south three miles, road jogs .5 miles to the west, then continue south four miles to Bethel Road; east one mile to Forest Service Road 737; one mile to Roberts Tract Campground.

Soldier Creek Camping Area Adjacent to the Nebraska National Forests and Grassland Soldier Creek Wilderness Area and Fort Robinson, this camp-

ground includes primitive campsites, picnic tables, a handpump well, vault toilets, garbage cans and a 15paddock corral system.

Livestock feed is not available and stock water must be hauled to the corral from nearby creeks or from the handpump during the fee period. Fire rings only.$8 per night mid-May to mid-November.

Soldier Creek Wilderness Area is nonmotorized and open only to horseback riding and hiking. The Wilderness Area can be accessed from three trailheads at the campground: Boots and Saddle Trail from the North Fork Trailhead that ties into the Trooper Trail; and the Trooper Trail Loop access from the Middle and South Fork Trailheads.

Directions: From Crawford take Highway 20 for two and a half miles to Fort Robinson, then north on Soldier Creek Road for six miles.

Toadstool Geological Park and Campground This interpretive site has tent camping, camping trailer, picnic tables, toilets and parking. $3 per vehicle Continued on Page 6

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Page 6 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

Northwestern Nebraska campgrounds, trailheads Continued from Page 5 per day use; $5 per vehicle per night from mid-May to mid-November. Seasonal access only. Fire rings and pedestal grills.

No drinking water. Three mile trail to Hudson-Meng Education and Research Center and a one-mile interpretive loop trail.

Directions: From Crawford go north on Highway 2 to Toadstool Road 4.2 miles then Toadstool Road to Forest Service Road 902 11. 4 miles, Road 902 to Toadstool Campground, 1.4 miles.

Cliffs Trailhead Numerous trails, both motorized and non-motorized, lead from this area, providing access to the Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands. One picnic table, two fire rings. Pack in-pack out site.

Directions: From the intersection of Highways 385 and 20, five miles east on Highway 20 to Bordeaux Road; south seven miles to Forest Service Road 723; west 1.4 miles to Cliffs Trailhead and Picnic Area.

Coffee Mill Trailhead Non-motorized, open to mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Entrance

A view of the White River valley north of Chadron, taken from Ormesher Road on a spring bike ride. to the other areas including: Pine Ridge National Recreation Area, 4 miles; Roberts Trailhead and Campground, 7.5 miles; East Ash Trailhead, 14.5 miles; West Ash Trailhead, 20 miles.

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Highways 20 and 385, south on 385, 13.5 miles to Antelope Road. Turn west and continue five miles on Deadhorse Road.

Going north, 3.2 miles to Forest Service Road 713 and Coffee Mill Trailhead.

East Ash Trailhead Non-motorized access to the Pine Ridge Trail, the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area and West Ash Trailhead. From East Ash to Coffee Mill is 14.5 miles; East Ash to West Ash is 5.5 miles; East Ash to Robert’s Trailhead is 10 miles. Parking area and dispersed camping on the west side of the road. No other services; packin, pack-out.

Directions: From the intersection of Highways 385 and 20, southwest on Highway 20 9.4 miles to Eleson Road; south three miles, road jogs .5 miles to the west; then continue south 5.4 miles past Bethel Road to Bethel Loop Road; turn west and south to Forest Service Road 706; south 2.4 miles.

Outrider Trailhead Located .75 miles north of Chadron State Park’s main entrance from the west side of Highway 385, this provides nonmotorized travel and access to several

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areas, including: Black Hills Overlook, 1.5 miles; Forest Service Road 701, 5 miles; Chadron Creek Wildlife Area, 6 miles; Deadhorse Road and Trailhead, 9.5 miles.

Services include dispersed camping, horse corrals and stock water. No other services available; pack-in, pack-out.

Stock water usually available from May to October.

Spotted Tail Trailhead Parking for the Pine Ridge Trailhead and Spotted Tail Trailhead is available off Forest Service Road 711. No garbage service, pack-in, pack-out. These are nonmotorized trails open to mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Distance from Spotted Tail to Chadron State Park using Pine Ridge Trail is 8 miles; Spotted Tail Loop is 6 miles. This section of the Pine Ridge Trail offers access to several other trails, both motorized and nonmotorized.

Directions: From the intersection of Highways 385 and 20, five miles south on Highway 385 to Kings Canyon Road; east .5 miles to Forest Service Road 711.

Continued on Page 7

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Campgrounds and trailheads Continued from Page 6 Strong Canyon Trailhead The parking area for this trailhead is located immediately off Highway 385 across from Chadron State Park’s main entrance and has a tight turning radius for trailers. Take Forest Service Road 719 .5 miles to the parking area. No services are provided. Strong Canyon Trailhead is nonmotorized and provides access to Spotted Tail Trailhead 7.5 miles to the east.

West Ash Picnic Area Two picnic tables and fire rings.

Parking pads available, but no garbage service; pack-in, pack-out.

Access for the Pine Ridge Trail and West Ash Trailhead is approximately one-quarter of a mile to the south.

Directions: From the intersection of highways 385 and 20, south on Highway 385, 13.5 miles to Antelope Road; turn west and continue 13 miles on Table Road to West Ash Creek Road; continue for 2.5 miles.

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Trailhead is 5.5 miles away, and Interpretive site, drinking water, Roberts Trailhead is 15 miles. parking. Fees: Adults, $5; Seniors Directions: From Crawford, travel over 60, $4.50; Kids 5-12, $3; Family east on West Ash Creek Road 11 annual pass, $25 miles to the trailhead, located on the Directions: From Crawford, north east side of the road. on Highway 2 4.2 miles to Forest Hudson-Meng Education and Service Road 904. 904 to Sand Creek Research Center Road 7.4 miles; Sand Creek Road to Visitor center and archeological Hudson-Meng, 6.3 miles site. Gift shop, guided tours. Bison

Page 8 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

Fishing in the north Panhandle Native brown, rainbow and brook trout are found in many of the counties in western Nebraska. Besides the native fish populations, many of the streams receive supplementary stocking each year by the Nebraska Game Commission.

SIOUX COUNTY: Niobrara RiverThis is probably the best trout stream in the Panhandle. From just below the Wyoming border, downstream to the Box Butte reservoir, the water is excellent for trout fishing. Good populations

of brown trout are found in some sections of the stream. Some rainbow trout are also stocked.

White River-Upstream, west of Crawford. this river offers good brown and brook trout fishing.

Creeks-Monroe, East Hat, West Hat and Soldier. Monroe creek has good brook trout fishing from a native population. Soldier creek is the other outstanding stream in this group of creeks, with mostly brown trout available.

Continued on Page 9

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Enjoy the outdoors at city facilities Chadron Boog and Mary Horse Park - North Morehead and Belle Fourche streets includes outdoor grills, picnic tables, playground equipment, and a baseball backstop Finnegan Park - Fourth and Cedar streets provides outdoor grills, public restrooms, picnic tables, and ADA approved playground equipment.

War Memorial Park Complex - Ninth and Shelton streets provides the Chadron Municipal Pool, tennis courts, basketball court, toddler playground equipment, picnic tables, outdoor grills, and a disc golf course Wilson Park - Ninth and Moorehead streets provides a large picnic shelter, outdoor grills, gazebo, arboretum, public

restrooms, horseshoe pit, new playground equipment, sledding hill, and handicap accessible picnic tables.

Ball fields - Roger Eaton Soccer Field, Legion Baseball “Maurice Horse Field,” Little League Baseball “Fitzgibbon Field,” and Women’s Softball “Hampton Field,” are located in the 300-400 blocks of North Main Street. Shumway Softball Field Complex - 900 block of East Niobrara Street Municipal Swimming Pool - 540 East Tenth Street Ridgeview Country Club - 16611 Highway 385 a nine-hole course located south of the city Chadron State Park 15951 Hwy 385 offers a swimming pool, horseback trail rides, tennis and sand volleyball courts,

craft center, snack bar, souvenirs, paddle boats on the picturesque lagoon, fishing, hiking, evening programs, picnic tables, shelters (which can be reserved), water, dump station, showers and modern restrooms.

Crawford Crawford City Park and Rodeo Grounds - Main Street Features Playgrounds, Tennis/Basketball Court, Horseshoe Pits, Volley Ball Court, Frisbee Golf Course, Airsoft Field, Moto X Track & Camping Area, Walking Trail and a Horseback Riding Trail, both leading to nearby Fort Robinson State Park Peabody Hale Park and Ball Fields Downtown Memorial Park Municipal Swimming Continued on Page 10A

Fishing opportunities Continued from Page 8 DAWES COUNTY: Most of the better fishing in this county is found in the numerous reservoirs. A few small creeks offer some trout fishing.

Box Butte reservoir-Has crappie, bass, walleye, yellow perch, trout, channel catfish and carp. Crappie fishing has been the best this summer.

Whitney reservoir-Has crappies, yellow perch, walleye, bass, channel catfish and carp. Many crappies, channel catfIsh and walleyes are taken here.

Chadron reservoir - Bass, yellow perch, bluegill and trout. Trout are stocked by the state. Bordeaux and Little Bordeaux creeks are the most important trout waters in this county, particularly on the upper portions.

SHERIDAN COUNTY: Trout may be caught in White Clay and Larabee creeks. Smith Lake offers good bass and panfish populations, but not many people fish in this lake. Walgren Lake has good bass, channel catfish, crappie and bullhead fishing.

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Page 10 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

Birding in the northern Panhandle City parks, pools, ball fields Many of the same ares that provide hiking, biking and horseback riding offer plenty of bird viewing opportunities.

Chadron State Park is home to roughly 50 species of birds. This is the best place in the region to see Lewis’ woodpeckers. This park also supports

pygmy nuthatches, violet-green swallows, western tanagers, pinyon jays, yellowrumped warblers and mountain bluebirds.

Search Fort Robinson State Park for nesting golden eagles, prairie falcons and merlins. Watch for rufus and broadtailed hummingbirds from July until September. Juncos are abundant in the winter. Bighorn sheep reintroduced to the area may be seen among the buttes. The White River and Soldier Creek pass through the park and are lined with woodContinued on Page 11

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Continued from Page 9 Pool - 1005 First Street Legend Buttes Golf Course - 3440 Highway 20; a nine-hole course located on the west side of the city Gordon Wayland Park - 300 West Fourth Street, includes the municipal pool Winship Park is bounded by Pine, Oak, and West Fourth streets Municipal Swimming Pool - 300 West Fourth Street Gordon Golf and Country Club - West Second Street; a nine-hole course on the west side of town The Mari Sandoz Sandhills Trail starts in Gordon Harrison Harrison City Park, - 400 block of Main Street, includes two RV hookups and two camp sites.

Municipal Swimming Pool - 349 Frank Street Hay Springs Sunset Park, the largest of three city parks located at the intersection of Highways 87 and 20, includes RV hookups; municipal pool adjacent to park.

Nov 15 Nov 23 Dec 6

Fire School Academy Mother’s Day Buffet Becoming and Outdoors Women Free Park Day, BBQ Kids’ Fishing Derby Restaurant opens at 4 p.m.

Official opening of Park 4-H Horse Camp Intertribal Gathering Father’s Day Buffet Spanish Mustang Breeders Western & Wildlife Art Show Fort Robinson 4th of July Celebration BBQ APHA trail ride Pine Ridge Riders Voecks/Meade trail ride Women’s Wellness Weekend CSC Tickets go on sale annual Historical Christmas dinner Opening day - deer season Longhorn & Buffalo Sale 20th Annual Historical Christmas Dinner

Swimming, Trail Rides Jeep Rides Horse-drawn tours Stagecoach Mountain bike rentals Hayrack breakfast Hayrack steak cookout Chuckwagon cookout Rodeo Events Historic building tours Kayak rides Tubing Hiking

ACCOMMODATIONS

Lodging and meeting facilities Restaurant Tent camping RV camping Picnic areas Barns

Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014 - Page 11

Birding spots abound in region ferruginous hawks and probable eastern breeders include eastern bluebird, eastern wood-pewee, Indigo bunting and wood thrush. Hybrid bluebirds, wood-pewees and buntings might also occur here.

Many warblers and vireos are abundant during migration.

Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area is largely covered by ponderosa pine forests, with grasslands on level areas and also some deciduous trees lining Squaw Creek. There is a hiking trail starting at parking area 5 that pro-

an excellent panorama, and may offer views of such raptors as prairie falcons.

National Forest land adjoins the area to the south and southwest. About ten miles south of Crawford along State Highway 2 are ridgetop pine wooded habitats where Cassin’s kingbirds

Chadron Chamber of Commerce Stop by for visitor information Welcome to Chadron!

Chadron Area Calendar of Events 2014 April 26 Sweep Chadron Clean

May 10 10 11 11 17 23-25 24

307 Shelton Sreet Chadron

Sandi Gulbranson 308-432-5696

www.chadronvictorianinn.com • sanranne@juno.com

vides are Lumber Valspar Paint Elan Paint & Paint Sundries DeWalt Tools Mid Continent Cabinets Timbertech Plumbing Electrical Larson Doors Marvin Windows Interior & Exterior Doors Special Order Stained or Painted

◆ Concrete Mix

See us for your building supplies!

DECKING

ELECTRICAL

PLUMBING PAINT

HARDWARE DECKING

WINDOWS DOORS CABINETS TOOLS PAINT HARDWARE LUMBER

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

CSC Graduation - Memorial Hall & Armstrong Bldg CHS Graduation, CHS Gym, 1 p.m.

Mother’s Day dinner, High Plains Homestead Mother’s Day Buffet at Fort Robinson Restaurant Free Entry and Fish Day, Chadron State and Ft Robinson State Parks CSC Don Beebe Golf Classic Tourney, Ridgeview Country Club Opening Day, Chadron State and Fort Robinson State Parks

June

ELECTRICAL PLUMBING TOOLS HARDWARE

Continued from Page 10 lands which attract passerine species. Smiley Canyon is nearby and is a good birding site. Access to this canyon is by the old road up the Pine Ridge escarpment just west of Fort Robinson State Park. There was an extensive burn in this area that was expected to attract post-burn-loving woodpeckers like Lewis’, black-backed, and threetoed. Re-growth will change the habitat and associated birds over time.

Gilbert Baker Wildlife Management Areais a reliable location to see many western species. It also has more rare visitors like the Clark’s nutcracker. Look for rock wrens and Say’s phoebes near buttes and rock outcrops. Spring migrants include greentailed towhees and MacGillivray’s warblers.

Pinyon jays nest here (very few documented locations in the state), as do whitethroated swifts, and possibly even Swainson’s thrushes and Lewis’ woodpeckers. Monroe Canyon (part of Gilbert Baker) also supports some distinctly western species, such as Townsend’s solitaires, cordilleran flycatchers, western tanagers, plumbeous vireos and violet-green swallows. A rednaped sapsucker may be occasionally seen. Merlins, golden eagles and prairie falcons nest in the area.

Walgren Lake Wildlife Management Area attracts a variety of migrant species, including Sabine’s and black-headed gulls, and Townsend’s warbler.

Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area is a great spot to see Rock wrens, Say’s phoebes and

WINDOWS DOORS CABINETS TOOLS PAINT HARDWARE LUMBER

7 Electronics Recycling, Contact Keep Chadron Beautiful 13-15 Intertribal Gathering & Powwow, Fort Robinson State Park 14 Anniversary of Chadron State Park. Free Activities 21 Old West Trail Rodeo Queen contest, Crawford 21 Ride the Ridge at Fort Robinson. Contact Sandy 402-469-6289 Saturdays Farmers Market, Dawes County Courthouse Lawn, 8-noon, Call 432-4401

July 1-4 Western & Wildlife Art Show, Fort Robinson 2 Old West Trail Rodeo, Crawford 3-4 PRCA Rodeo, 8 p.m. Crawford 4 Happy Hustlers 4-H Club Flag Raising at Flag Butte 11-13 Fur Trade Days, Chadron 11-12 Classic Car Show, Chadron, Wilson Park 19-20 Cowgirl Swank Classic Women’s Ranch Rodeo, Crawford 26 Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest and Family Festival, Crawford Saturdays Farmers Market, Dawes County Courthouse Lawn, 8-noon, Call 432-4401

August 1-8 Dawes County Fair 16 Cookout for a Cause, 4 p.m. at Helen’s Restaurant parking lot.

Saturdays Farmers Market, Dawes County Courthouse Lawn, 8-noon, Call 432-4401

706 West 3rd St. • Chadron www.chadron.com • (308) 432.4401 • (800) 603.2937

Page 12 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

Maria’s 120 DOWNTOWN CHADRON

Mexican Cuisine Best Mexican food, steak and hamburger around.

Visit the historic 120 Lounge established in the early 1940s 120 W. 2nd St., 308-747-2105 Call ahead for faster service!

Harrison House Hotel 308-668-2166 • 115 Main St., Harrison harrisonhousehotel.weebly.com • Terresa Romey

Bag spring gobblers

By KEVIN OLEKSY Record staff writer One of the highest wild turkey population densities occurs in the Pine Ridge area. A Nebraska Game and Parks workshop, in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation hopes to help residents to be better at hunting them.

Nick Zaczek, NWTF forester based out of Crawford, gave a workshop March 20 in Chadron.

Zaczek is an experienced hunter, with a degree in wildlife management and masters in forestry from Southern Illinois University.

He said he began hunting 17 years ago, at age nine and six years ago he started hunting birds with a bow.

The workshop covered state hunting regulations and safety requirements, and gave an overview of hunting equipment, turkey biology, and tips for out in the field.

Zaczek said, “I recommend wearing blaze orange at least to and from your hunting location. It’s not a requirement in Nebraska, but it’s just a good idea.” He added it’s also a best practice to hunt with a buddy or tell someone specifics about where you’re going to be out hunting.

For the hunting beginner, Zaczek covered selecting a firearm that fits to the hunter’s frame and stressed getting experience firing the weapon you’ll be using before embarking on a hunt.

“Don’t start with a 12 gauge if you’re small or unfamiliar with shooting,” he said. “Get experience with different types of shots; you never know what a bird will do.”

Zaczek added that a camouflage finish isn’t necessary, but turkeys have very good eye sight and every aid in breaking up a hunter’s silhouette helps.

He also gave tips on decoys and calls.

“Decoys are essential in my opinion and I’d recommend using more than one,” he said. “Calling is the absolute hardest part.”

He added that even with plenty of practice the birds aren’t always convinced by calls.

Zaczek suggests using a combination of calls to locate and lure turkeys to your location. A box call, the loudest of the varieties, can call birds in from farther away. A slate call can work in the middle range, and a diaphragm can be the best option when a bird or birds are close by and movement would startle them or give

The Merriam’s Wild Turkey subspecies—found in northwestern Nebraska—primarily ranges through the ponderosa pine, western mountain regions of the United States. It was named in 1900 in honor of Clinton Hart Merriam, first chief of the U.S. Biological Survey. Merriam’s wild turkeys are found in 15 states and four Canadian provinces. Photo courtesy of NWTF away the hunter.

The workshop also covered tips on hunting with or without a blind, where to aim on birds for effective shots, and how to determine the sex and age of turkeys.

Zaczek said if there is enough local interest, future workshops could include a field day component with live demonstrations and opportunities to sight in firearms and practice on a shooting range.

For questions about turkey hunting in the Pine Ridge area, Zaczek can be contacted at the Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area office at (308) 6652924.

Nebraska’s archery turkey season, for youth and adults, began March 25.

Shotgun season for youth began April 5 and general shotgun season opened April 12. Each season ends May 31.

Dates and information for future hunting workshops can be found at huntsafenebraska.org.

Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014 - Page 13

How to watch wildlife

Turkey Calls Friction calls typically feature a round surface, which the user creates sound by drawing a peg across.

Friction call surfaces can be slate, aluminum, glass or a variety of other materials.

Box calls create turkey sounds through the friction created by sliding the lid across the surface of the box.

Box calls are convenient and produce the loudest sounds compared to other calls.

Diaphragm calls are inserted entirely in the user’s mouth and require practice to use correctly. Zaczek recommends a diaphragm call for when birds get close and movement might give the hunter away.

Push-pull calls are the simplest to use. A push-pull call functions by pushing and/or pulling a peg through the box of the call, forcing the peg across a surface to create realistic turkey sounds.

Tube calls consist of a small hollow barrel with latex fixed across half of the top with an elastic band. Many hunters consider the tube call the most versatile call available.

By Nebraska Game and Parks Equipment Binoculars are one of the most helpful tools a wildlife watcher can have. The best all-purpose binoculars are those with power and dimensions of 7 x 35. This size binoculars gather a lot of light, allowing you to use them in the morning and evening.

Finding what you are looking at can be made easier if you first locate the object with the naked eye. Then without moving your eyes bring the binoculars to your eyes and focus.

Keep your distance If an animal seems nervous, back off. The goal of all wildlife watchers should be to observe nature without disturbing or altering it. The most common mistake people make is trying to get too close to wildlife. A spooked animal might become injured or killed trying to flee, or it may abandon a nest or quit feeding.

Never chase a wild animal. Watch the animal’s behavior, it returns to normal activities you are at a safe dis-

tance. Never feed wildlife.

Silence is Golden Move quietly and encourage your companions to do likewise. Not only will this lessen the wildlife disturbance, you will also see more wildlife. Choose a good vantage spot and sit for a while. Take in the sights, sounds and smells that this place has to offer.

You’re not my mother It is fairly common to see young or “baby” animals by themselves during spring. Although they may appear to be orphaned or abandoned, this is rarely the case. The parents of the

young are likely standing by, just out of sight.

Do unto others...

If you arrive at a site that already has other people watching wildlife, be considerate as you approach.

Slamming your car doors, talking too loudly, or moving too quickly may frighten the wildlife and ruin the experience for everyone.

Get permission You must have permission from the landowner before you can enter private ground. When visiting public lands, be aware of and respect all property boundaries.

Do Your Homework Prepare by glancing through field guides and reading up on the wildlife you hope to see. Knowing about the needs and behavior of animals will make spotting and identifying them easier, and will also help you avoid disturbing them.

Time of day In general, animals are more active Continued on Page 14

Where the West never got old

Rural Tourism Tom & Nancy invite you!

Hunting & Outfitters Bed & Breakfasts Horseback Riding • Star Gazing Farmer’s Markets • Hiking and much more! www.nebraskahighcountry.com

Good Food • Beverage • Gaming OPEN EVERY DAY Trucker Friendly • Family Friendly Campsites available at the state line on Hwy 385 605-535-2099 1438 8 W.. 8th h St.. • Chadron n • 308-432-8700

Page 14 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

Wildlife viewing Continued from Page 13 in early morning and late evenings. This is when even nocturnal animals are still active and may offer opportunities to see them.

Season of the year Many species appear during certain seasons at particular sites. Some animals hibernate while others concentrate into small wintering areas that may offer closeup opportunities for the patient viewer.

Consider weather What we consider “bad” weather may make perfect opportunities for watching some species. Some animals are more active while others may decide to stay put and wait for better weather before resuming their normal activities. Before a storm, some animals come out to feed. After a storm, when the rain stops, the skies clear and the wind dies down, many animals become very active and will offer good viewing opportunities.

Motel 6 of Chadron “We’ll leave the lights on for you.”

Pool • Conference Room • Suites Fridge • Microwave • Wi-Fi Fax & Copy Service 755 Microtel Drive, Chadron 308-432-3000 • motel6chaddron@yahoo.com

665-1292 • 415 2nd St., Crawford www.suchorrealty.com suchorrlt@bbc.net

(308) 638-4580 • 119 N. Main • Hay Springs

For the best in cowboy cuisine and lodging!

April - Memorial Day: Closed Mondays Memorial Day - Labor Day: Open Daily Labor Day - November: Closed Mondays 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Beer & Wine available at Supper Time.

Reserve your Bunkhouse room which comes with breakfast and free wi-fi

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Certified Angus Beef Lunch 11- 2, Mon-Fri Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.

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www.HighPlainsHomestead.com 16 miles north of Crawford, NE or 18 miles south of Ardmore, S.D. on Sand Creek Road. Follow the signs!

For parties of 8 or more please reserve a day in advance

Don & Mary Vannatta Welcome You!

Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014 - Page 15

Geocaching at Nebraska’s State Park areas

By Nebraska Game and Parks Geocaching, also known as GPS Stash Hunt or GeoStash, involves “hiding” items, usually containers holding various “treasures” and then providing specific Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) coordinates for each “cache” on a web site.

Visitors to these web sites can choose which “cache” they would like to locate using their own personal GPS. Cache searchers typically bring along their own “treasures” and make an exchange once the cache has been located.

Virtual Caching involves locating not a cache, but a specific landmark, feature, park sign, etc. These are encouraged at State Parks and Recreation Areas in lieu of physical caches. However, neither geocaching nor virtual caching will be permitted at Nebraska State Historical Parks.

Procedures concerning geocaching in Nebraska State Parks and Recreation Areas are as follows: I. CACHE PERMITS: Placement of a cache on Parks property must be secured with a Special Occasion Permit.

The person applying for a permit must provide a valid address, telephone number, email address, vehicle license number, and the web site address on which the cache will be posted.

The location of the cache must be preapproved by the Park Superintendent whose main concern will be public safety and the prevention of undesirable impacts to natural and cultural resources.

Superintendent will advise of any off limits areas, other permitted caches and possible proscribed burn areas for the calendar year.

Once the cache is placed, the applicant is to return to the facility office to record the exact cache location, including GPS coordinates, which will be added to the permit. Applicants are encouraged to include an explanation of “Geocaching” in the cache for non-participants.

All permits will be in effect for the calendar year. A new permit will be applied for and authorized each year. NOTE: If, during the effective period of a permit, a permit holder wants to change the location of the cache, a new permit must be issued

and the effective permit cancelled.

Upon expiration of a permit, the permit holder is responsible for removing the cache and for removing the cache location from all web sites and any information source.

If the permit holder fails to remove the cache, it will be removed by park staff and held for ten (10) days, after which staff will dispose of the cache. Confiscation and disposal by park staff will be recorded in an incident report.

II. CACHE CONTAINERS AND CONTENTS Cache containers must be non-breakable, waterproof and have some form of latch or other closing mechanism to prohibit content exposure to wildlife.

Caches may not contain inappropriate or dangerous items. Such items include, but are not limited to, food, medications, personal/hygiene products, pornography, weapons of any type, etc. Log books are encouraged in Nebraska State Parks caches in lieu of exchange items.

All caches are subject to random inspection by Park Superintendents. Park staff

have the authority to immediately remove any item held in a cache deemed unacceptable.

Non-permitted caches will be removed by area staff and held. An attempt will be made to locate the cache owner. If the cache is not claimed in 30 days, area staff will dispose of the cache.

III. CACHE LOCATIONS: The location of a cache must be preapproved by the Park Superintendent.

Physical caches are prohibited inside any state park facility or structure.

Caches may not be placed in locations that may lead to the creation of spur trails.

Caches may not be placed in dangerous, inappropriate, or protected areas and habitats, on cliffs, underground, or underwater.

No digging is permitted. Caches cannot be buried, nor may soil, vegetation or stones be disturbed to place a cache.

IV. COMPLIANCE The use of metal detectors in cache searches is expressly prohibited.

If geocaching activities as a whole are found to have a negative impact on park Continued on Page 16

Chadron State Park Events 2014 308-432-6167

Saturday, May 17

Sunday, July 13

Free Park Entry & Fish Day

Kiwanis Club Sponsored Event TBA

Saturday, June 14

Spend a day or a week with us!

Chadron State Park 93 Anniversary Park Activities from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. rd

Fun for the whole family!

Camping • Cabin Lodging • Trading Post Bike Trails • Hiking • Swimming Pool Ball Field • Horseback Riding • Picnic Areas

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AUNT MYRNA’S CABIN A very private rustic retreat Located 10 miles east of Crawford on East Ash Creek 10 Barrel Butte Road, Whitney 308-665-2343 Bed and Breakfast Cozy for two, Comfortable for ten Fireplace, fully equipped kitchen King size bed and more Hunting, fishing, hiking - biking - horse trails nearby

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Page 16 - Go, Do - The Chadron Record’s Journal of Outdoor Recreation in the Northern Panhandle 2014

West Hills Inn 1100 West 10th Street

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Large Selection of Spring Consignments for the entire family

Great Park Pursuit starts May 1 The Great Park Pursuit (GPP) begins its seventh year of giving people an opportunity to win prizes while enjoying parks across Nebraska.

The goal of GPP, a partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association, is to promote active lifestyles while increasing awareness of the state’s nature-rich outdoor recreation opportunities.

This is done by encouraging participants to visit up to 20 GPP sites located across Nebraska between May 1 and Sept. 17, 2014 and follow clues that will lead them to a GPP post, where use a pencil to make an impression of the post to prove they were there. Prizes and entry into drawings are based on the number of impressions collected. The grand prize is an outdoor recreation package with a retail value of $1,500.

The participating sites are: Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA), Kimball, Smith Falls State Park (SP), Merritt Reservoir SRA, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, Niobrara SP, Red Willow Reservoir SRA, Medicine Creek SRA, Lexington, Fort Kearny SRA, Liberty Cove Natural Resources District

The state parks in northwest Nebraska offer a variety of outdoor opportunities, from camping, hiking and biking, to horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing and photography.

(NRD), York, Rockford Lake SRA, Wagon Train SRA, Lincoln, Plattsmouth, Platte River SP, Schramm Park SRA, Chalco Hills NRD, and Fort Atkinson State Historical Park.

For more information, to register or to see a list of the prizes that are available, visit negpp.org. If you have any questions or would like to request a hard copy registration form, send an e-mail to info@negpp.org.

Geocaching rules for State Parks Continued from Page 15 resources or if safety becomes an issue in geocache searches, the Park Superintendent may ban geocaching from certain areas or from the entire park.

Failure to comply with park guidelines will result in the revocation of effective geocaching permits. Continued failure to comply with these guidelines will prevent

the issuance of any further geocaching permits to the non-compliant group or individual.

Geocachers are reminded a Nebraska Park Entry Permit is required on all licensed motor vehicles entering state park and recreation areas.

VISIT: www.geocaching.com for more geocaching information.

Stability • Technology Many Ways to Access Your Account - Any Time, Any Where • ExpressLine • Security First ATMs • Online Banking • Mobile and iPad App

1328 West Hwy 20 Chadron 308-432-6860 Member FDIC