SIDNEY – A freelance outdoor writer from Sidney, Neb. is set to be a cast member on WILDCraft: South Africa, a new outdoor video series that will debut on Amazon Prime in Sept. 2019.
Joe Arterburn, who has hunted and fished throughout the United State, Canada, Mexico and Africa, is a contributing writer and “Offhand Shots” columnist for Outdoor Life and also contributes to Petersen’s Hunting, Wheels Afield and Gun Digest, among others. He’s also editor of Hunter’s Handbook, the official publication of the International Hunter Education Association-USA.
Arterburn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was a reporter for daily newspapers prior to working as the Corporate Communications Manager at Cabela’s.
He has served as Sidney’s mayor for over two years.
He and his wife, Cathy, have three sons: Hunter, Jack and Sam; and two grandsons, Cogan and Lincoln.
WILDCraft: South Africa will take viewers along for the journey of a lifetime with a group of hunters where the hunt is only part of the story. Other cast members include Adam Heggenstaller – Executive Editor American Hunter, Richard Mann – Field & Stream contributor and freelancer, and renowned photographer Alfredo Rico. The team will hunt from a remote tent camp with Fort Richmond Safaris for free-range kudu and other species.
Big game meetings scheduled across Nebraska
LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter.
Meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. Biologists will explain and take questions on several topics, including deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases. Antelope and elk issues may be discussed at meetings located in areas where these species occur. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.
The schedule is:
Dec. 11 – Gothenburg, Public Library Community Room, 1104 Lake Ave.
Dec. 12 – Blue Hill, Community Center, 555 W. Gage St.
Dec. 17 – Ainsworth, Community Center, 606 E. 4th St.
Dec. 19 – Ponca, Ponca State Park, Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center, 88090 Spur 26E
Jan. 2 – Sidney, Cabela’s conference room, 115 Cabela Dr.
Jan. 3 – Wymore, Community Center, 115 West E St.
Jan. 3 – Mullen, Hooker County Library, 102 N. Cleveland Ave.
Jan. 8 – Plattsmouth, Randall W. Schilling Wildlife Management Area office, 17614 Schilling Refuge Rd.
Winter magic shows coming to Mahoney State Park
LINCOLN, Neb. – A new kind of entertainment is coming to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park this winter – magic shows.
Starting Dec. 8, the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre will host two magic shows running through February 2019, “Winter Wonderland” and “Midwinter’s Night Dream.” Both shows are interactive and run approximately 45-50 minutes in length. The shows were produced by Popcorn Productions.
Shows are performed by Old Market Magician Ryan Chandler. Fresh from his television debut on the CW’s “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” Chandler is known for his unique street style which often combines magic and elements of music. To learn more about Chandler, visit his website at www.OldMarketMagician.com.
Shows are held on alternating Saturdays. “Winter Wonderland” is set for Dec. 8 and 22, Jan. 5 and 19, and Feb. 2 and 16. “Midwinter’s Night Dream” is scheduled for Dec. 15 and 29, Jan. 12 and 26, and Feb. 9 and 23. The Jan. 19 and 26 shows are at 2 p.m.; all other show times are 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 per child, ages 12 and under. To reserve tickets in advance, call 402-944-2523 ext. 7122. Present your ticket at the park’s restaurant, Caddy’s Parkside Grill, for 10 percent off the cost of an entrée.
Theatergoers can also enjoy an indoor playground, an arts and crafts center, indoor rock climbing wall, sledding and ice skating at Mahoney. Make a weekend of it and book a cabin or lodge room at OutdoorNebraska.org.
A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park.
Christmas Bird Count at Ponca State Park set for Dec. 14
LINCOLN, Neb. – Bird-watchers of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count at Ponca State Park on Dec. 14.
Members of the Loess Hills Audubon Society will assist guests and birders in reporting sightings and comparing notes. The National Audubon Society compiles the results from Christmas Bird Counts across the nation into a long-term database used by conservationists and researchers.
Ponca’s bird count starts at 8 a.m. Birders can enjoy chicken noodle soup from noon to 1 p.m. and take part in additional birding from 1-5 p.m. Participants are asked to dress for the weather and bring bird books and binoculars if you have them; if not, the park has some to borrow.
For additional information on the event, call the park at 402-755-2284. A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park.
