Turkey Season Kickoff 2026 | Nebraska Hunting Tips, Wild Stories & Gear Giveaway - Bucks of Nebraska Podcast Episode #8-1

Should Nebraska Go to One Buck? The Debate That Could Change Hunting Forever | Bucks of Nebraska Podcast Ep 11

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in modern deer hunting — the one buck rule — and whether Nebraska should consider making the switch. We break down what a true one buck state actually means and look at the five states currently leading the charge: Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Using real-world examples and data, we discuss how these states have seen major improvements in buck age structure, herd balance, and overall deer quality after implementing the rule.  The conversation centers heavily around Indiana, which has become the go-to example for success after moving to a one buck system. We talk through the measurable increases in Boone & Crockett entries, how hunter behavior changes, and why limiting harvest can lead to more mature bucks and better hunting experiences overall.  We also explore the opposing side — including concerns around hunter opportunity, tradition, and whether limiting tags actually benefits the average hunter. The discussion touches on Nebraska specifically, including current regulations, hunter success rates, and the role of Game & Parks commissioners in making decisions that impact the future of the sport.  Beyond just trophy potential, this episode focuses on herd health, rut activity, hunter satisfaction, and what long-term sustainability could look like if Nebraska were to adopt a one buck model. To wrap things up, we get into some lighter conversation around hunting culture, equipment debates, and real-world scenarios hunters deal with in the field. In this episode: What defines a true one buck state  Current one buck states and how they compare  Indiana’s success and Boone & Crockett growth  How one buck rules impact buck age structure  Buck-to-doe ratios and rut intensity explained  Why most hunters already only harvest one buck  Common arguments against the one buck rule  Hunter psychology and decision-making in the field  Nebraska’s current system and harvest data  The role of Game & Parks commissioners  Landowner vs public resource discussion  Rifle season timing and its impact on harvest  Non-resident vs resident hunting pressure  Crossbow vs vertical bow debate  How one buck could improve overall hunting experience  Why herd management matters more than ever This episode is about understanding the facts, challenging assumptions, and thinking critically about the future of deer hunting in Nebraska. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes. 🎯 Listen on all podcast platforms  🎥 Watch the full episode here on YouTube Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast [https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast] Presented by: Outdoor Brand Company  👉 https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast [https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast] 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to follow the journey. Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/support]

Iowa’s Hunting Bills | Non-Resident Tags & more | Bucks of Nebraska Podcast Ep #9

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most important—and controversial—topics in hunting right now: proposed legislation in Iowa that could change deer hunting forever. From non-resident landowner tags to outfitter allocations and transferable permits, we break down what these bills mean and why they matter for hunters across the Midwest. We unpack how these changes could shift Iowa from a world-class whitetail destination into a pay-to-play system, and what that means for everyday hunters trying to draw tags or gain access. The conversation goes beyond hunting too—touching on land ownership trends, habitat loss, farming practices, and the growing influence of outside investors. We also talk about what hunters can actually do to push back, why staying informed matters, and how quickly things can change if people stay silent. To wrap things up, we lighten it up with some spring fishing talk and what we’re looking forward to as the seasons change. In this episode: Breakdown of Iowa’s proposed hunting bills (HF22, HF388, SF255)  Non-resident landowner tag set-asides explained  Outfitter tag allocations and “pay-to-play” hunting concerns  Transferable landowner tags and commercialization of hunting  How these bills could impact tag draw odds and access  The role of non-resident land ownership in the Midwest  Why Iowa could lose its reputation as a top whitetail state  Public vs private resource debate in deer hunting  The impact of land leasing and rising costs for hunters  Habitat loss and modern farming practices  What hunters can do to oppose these bills  The importance of contacting legislators and getting involved  Broader discussion on conservation and the future of hunting  Spring fishing talk and upcoming outdoor plans  This episode is about awareness, action, and protecting the future of hunting before it’s too late. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes. 🎯 Listen on all podcast platforms  🎥 Watch the full episode here on YouTube Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast [https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast] Presented by: Outdoor Brand Company  👉 https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast [https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast] 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to follow the journey. Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/support]

20 Rapid Fire Questions That'll Start Arguments at Deer Camp | Bucks of Nebraska Podcast Episode #10

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we throw out the deep dives and go straight to the hot takes. Episode 10 is 20 rapid fire questions — the kind that start arguments at deer camp, blow up Facebook groups, and put your hunting buddies in uncomfortable positions. Cody, Matt, and Zach go round after round on topics from crossbows to cull bucks, and nobody's getting out clean. We kick things off with a scenario that forces even the most anti-crossbow hunter to rethink everything — what if it's a world record whitetail and the only weapon in the stand is a crossbow? From there we get into Nebraska's deer harvest hitting an all-time low since 1993 and who's really to blame. Is it Game and Parks? Non-residents? Or the habitat loss happening on farm ground across the state? We also debate whether Nebraska should go to a one buck state, what to do with the landowner early rifle season tag, and whether food plots are fair chase or just baiting with extra steps. The conversation gets real when we talk about who the best whitetail hunters in the country actually are — southern volume hunters or Midwest guys chasing mature deer on limited tags. We break down why thermals matter more than wind in hill country, whether you should ever shoot a doe during the rut, and what cell cameras are really doing to the sport. Plus, we tackle hunter shaming on social media, the crossbow-during-archery-season debate, and whether the next generation of Nebraska hunters is being priced out, pressured out, or regulated out entirely. Are hunting lease networks and land brokers helping or hurting deer hunting? Spoiler: nobody held back on that one. In this episode: * 20 rapid fire hunting questions — no holding back * Crossbow vs compound bow: the world record whitetail scenario * Nebraska deer harvest at an all-time low since 1993 — who's to blame? * Should Nebraska go to a one buck state? * The landowner early rifle season tag controversy * Food plots: fair chase or baiting with extra steps? * Best whitetail hunters in the country — southern states vs Midwest * Thermals vs wind and why thermals matter more than most hunters think * Shooting does during the rut — dumbest move or herd management? * Crossbow hunters during archery season — bow hunters or rifle hunters with short barrels? * Cell cameras: scouting tool or killing the unknown? * Non-resident turkey tags selling out in 90 minutes — is it a problem? * Hunter shaming and posting kills on social media * Are hunting lease brokers the worst thing to happen to deer hunting? * Is the next generation of Nebraska hunters being priced out of the sport? * Best week to hunt whitetails in Nebraska — late October vs early November * The marginal shot debate — should you need to buy another tag? * Passing bucks to let them grow — are hunters actually doing it? Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes. 🎯 Listen on all podcast platforms 🎥 Watch the full episode here on YouTube Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast [https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast] Presented by: Outdoor Brand Company 👉 https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast [https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast] 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to follow the journey. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/support]

Nebraska Spring: Sandhill Cranes, Morel Mushrooms & the $28 Million Question | Bucks of Nebraska Podcast Episode #8-2

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we celebrate two of Nebraska's biggest spring traditions — Sandhill Cranes and morel mushrooms. With up to 800,000 cranes flooding a 150-mile stretch of the Platte River every spring and morel season just kicking off, Cody, Matt, and Zach break down why these two things matter more than most Nebraskans realize. We start with the Sandhill Cranes — an ancient species that's been migrating through Nebraska for millions of years. We talk about the $28 million economic impact crane season brings to the state, the 35,000 visitors who show up annually, and the big question every hunter eventually asks: why can't we hunt them here when Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Texas, and Montana all have crane seasons? We dig into the economics, the politics, and whether a fall season could actually coexist with the spring tourism that keeps the money flowing. Then we shift to morel mushrooms. The first confirmed find of 2026 dropped in Douglas County on April 2nd, and that means it's go time across the state. We share tips on where to look — river bottom timber, dying elms, cottonwoods, sandy soil — and the old-timer trick of watching for lilacs in full bloom as your trigger that morels are popping. We talk about the best way to combine turkey hunting, shed hunting, and mushroom hunting into one spring trip, the difference between true morels and false morels, and Cody's strong opinion that morels taste terrible. This is a shorter episode built around two things every Nebraskan sees every spring but most of us don't think enough about. In this episode: * Sandhill Crane migration: 800,000 birds on the Platte River * The $28 million economic impact of crane season in Nebraska * 35,000 visitors annually for crane watching * Why Nebraska is the only state in the corridor that doesn't allow crane hunting * Could a fall crane season coexist with spring tourism revenue? * Crane facts: two million years old, mate for life, 10,000-foot altitude, seven-foot wingspan * The ag impact of cranes on Nebraska farmland * First morel mushroom of 2026 confirmed April 2nd in Douglas County * Where to find morels: river bottoms, cottonwoods, elms, ash trees * Soil temps, moisture, and the lilac bloom trick for timing morel season * True morels vs false morels — how to tell the difference * Combining turkey hunting, shed hunting, and mushroom hunting in one spring trip * Missouri River flood year and the massive morel haul along the dikes * What morels sell for ($50+ per pound) and the Missouri mushroom market Whether you're a crane watcher, a mushroom hunter, or just someone who loves getting outside in Nebraska's spring, this one's for you. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes. 🎯 Listen on all podcast platforms 🎥 Watch the full episode here on YouTube Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast [https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast] Presented by: Outdoor Brand Company 👉 https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast [https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast] 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to follow the journey. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/support]

Turkey Season Kickoff 2026 | Nebraska Hunting Tips, Wild Stories & Gear Giveaway - Bucks of Nebraska Podcast Episode #8-1

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we kick off spring 2026 with a full-on turkey season breakdown, swapping stories, strategies, and a few wild hunting experiences you won’t forget. With Nebraska’s archery opener right around the corner, we cover everything from early-season tactics to turkey populations across the state—plus we’re giving away custom turkey calls from Anthony Myers Customs. We dive into what hunters can expect this season, including how weather swings, habitat changes, and predator populations are shaping turkey numbers across Nebraska. From Merriams in the Pine Ridge to Rios in the south-central region, we break down where birds are thriving and what’s impacting their success. This episode also brings some of the best storytelling yet—from close-range encounters and first hunts to getting lost overnight in Florida and even a turkey hunt that turned into a SWAT situation near Disney property. It’s a mix of education, entertainment, and real hunting camaraderie. More importantly, we talk about what makes turkey hunting special—introducing new hunters, getting kids involved, and creating memories that last a lifetime. In this episode: Spring 2026 turkey season outlook in Nebraska  Archery, youth, and shotgun season dates and expectations  Breakdown of Nebraska turkey species (Merriams, Rios, Easterns)  Current turkey population trends and habitat impacts  The role of predators like raccoons, skunks, and possums  Why trapping and predator control matter for turkey numbers  Early-season strategies: roosting, calling, and decoy setups  Scouting tips and how to avoid educating birds  How weather (90° to snow swings) affects turkey behavior  Giveaway details for Anthony Myers Custom turkey calls  Memorable hunts: first birds, close encounters, and crazy stories  Getting youth involved and why turkey hunting is perfect for beginners  Why Nebraska is a sleeper state for turkey hunting This episode is all about getting ready for turkey season, learning from experience, and enjoying the hunt—whether it’s your first bird or your fiftieth. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes. 🎯 Listen on all podcast platforms  🎥 Watch the full episode here on YouTube Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast [https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast] Presented by: Outdoor Brand Company  👉 https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast [https://outdoorbrandcompany.com/podcast] 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to follow the journey. Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2597239/support]