Deer and turkey hunting NE Nebraska

[southernarcher]

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.

[Terry Green]

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

[mwosborn]

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

[southernarcher]

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.

[kadbow]

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.