Projects Are the Cornerstone of Our Mission
The Big Game Conservation Association has accomplished many projects since our humble beginnings. The projects below are only the beginning of what we plan to accomplish over the years!
Not only are we dedicated to the preservation and improvement of current public lands but the acquisition of more land for public access. As a long term goal, the BGCA has plans to purchase private lands to manage and place into public access.
Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Habitat Improvement Project
In the summer of 2014, the Big Game Conservation Association began work at Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area (WMA). With the flooding over the last several years there has been a problem with invasive tree species and plants. After extensive planning and preparation with Nebraska Game and Parks biologist, Russ Hamer, a target goal was reached and work began in early June.
The first objective was to clear several areas of problem saplings and undergrowth. The BGCA used a Bobcat Skid Steer with a Brush Cutter attachment to accomplish the huge task. Over a two day period approximately 10 acres was cleared of unwanted brush. Once the brush was cleared these areas along with about 3 acres of established planting areas were sprayed.
Food Plots Were Planted
There is an additional 1 acre area that is an established planting area but it was not sprayed. The previous year’s growth and leftovers made for ideal brood cover for pheasants, turkeys and other small critters. Each year one of the areas will be planted with a blend that provides spring brood cover and remain untouched until the following year.
The established planting areas were seeded with a No Till Drill which was on loan from the local Pheasants Forever Chapter. Each area was around one (1) acre and planted in different seed blends. The first was a perennial blend of alfalfa and clovers while the 2nd was a grain with brassicas blend. The 3rd was a mix of different sorghums and tall grasses with clover to create the brood cover area for the spring of 2015. Of course, each year these planting areas are prepared and seeded again.
While members were at Powderhorn WMA for the planting efforts a massive cleanup was conducted in the immediate area of the parking lot. Over 5 large garbage bags were filled to capacity with trash left behind. Because of this we strongly encourage you to pack out what you bring in and keep our parks clean!
During 2015, work will continued for clearing and planting. Many of the areas cleared of unwanted brush in 2014 were prepared and planted in an alfalfa clover mix to create green line fire breaks.
Special Thanks to Dinkel’s Implement in Scribner for donating the use of a tractor to pull the No Till Drill on loan from the Dodge County Pheasants Forever Chapter.
Lake Wanahoo Habitat Improvement Project
Our organization feels that youth are the future of conservation and our hunting heritage. With this in mind, what better place than Lake Wanahoo – a youth only hunting area – to begin our projects and develop a long-standing relationship with the Natural Resource Districts and Nebraska Game & Parks. Provided that there are hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities, kids are more likely to be encouraged to get out and enjoy the great wonders the Nebraska outdoors have to offer!
We are not new to these types of projects and many of us have planted food plots on our own properties for years, held educational field days, constructed permanent structure blinds and many other events to enhance habitat for the wildlife.
In the summer of 2013, the Big Game Conservation Association began work at Lake Wanahoo Recreation Area. At the north end of the lake, around 15 acres of ground was sprayed, mowed, tilled and then planted. Approximately 12 acres was planted in an alfalfa/clover mix along the tree line to create a green fire break. We also wanted to establish an annual food plot that would provide additional nutrition to the deer and other wildlife that frequent this area. With that in mind, around 3 acres was planted in a mix of sorghums, clover, brassicas and other grains. This area is replanted each year.
This Project Was to Help Encourage Mentors to Get Out During the Cold Months
In an effort to encourage more mentors to take youth hunting during the cold months a Dillon Manufactured blind was erected on a 10′ tower with porch and staircase. The blind is used extensively for hunting along with bird watching and photography since it is just outside the bald eagle nesting area. You are encouraged to use the blind for all wildlife activities and we ask that you visit our Facebook page that we have created to monitor use. Please feel free to check in and share your photos and/or experiences with us!
Special Thanks to Platte Valley Equipment in Wahoo for donating the use of two different John Deere tractors and a batwing mower. We would also like to Thank the Lower Platte Pheasants Forever Chapter for donating the use of their No Till Drill for our project.
Hunters Helping the Hungry Match Campaign
Board Members and volunteers presenting the check to the NG&P at the October 2017 commissioners meeting
The Hunters Helping the Hungry Program was established in 2012 and since its inception has provided nearly 100,000 pounds of ground venison to Nebraska families in need. With the number of deer donated increasing each year so have the costs. Monetary donations have not been able to keep pace with the increase in the number of deer donated.
The HHH program was in need of help! The BGCA had a plan. We decided to do something about the funding so that we could make sure this program doesn’t have to limit donations. For every dollar donated, up to $5,000, we matched it. The Big Game Conservation is happy to say we reached the goal and donated $10,000 to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program.