Members of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) are joining forces to protect our hunting heritage. This episode, Kyle Broadfoot, Nebraska BHA chapter secretary explains how the organization is mission focused and how we can get involved.

TIMELY episode - best to hear before July 12. Women in the Outdoors (WITO) events, affiliated with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), are designed to teach females outdoor skills in a comfortable environment. Inspired by their WITO experience, Katie Lane and Grace Johnson now on the event planning committee. Hear how WITO and other female outdoor programs have made an impact on their lives. Katie and Grace explain how to register for the upcoming Nebraska WITO event.

Learn more: https://omahawito.org/

Tick Talk, a lot to be heard about the nasty little bloodsucking arachnid. Kait Chapman and Extension Educator - Urban Entomologists talks to us about the different species of ticks and how to protect ourselves from ticks. While there is no video with this "Tick Talk", there is a lot to hear how we can enjoy the outdoors along side.

Picture Id: American Dog Tick

Learn more about ticks:

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html

https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/NebraskaTicks345.shtml

https://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/lancasterextension/14372/82347

Have you thought about trying backpacking? What do you take? Where do you go? Why are ladies tossing in bare minimal essentials in a bag, hiking into the backcountry and camping for many days at a time? Guest, Meghan Manary has hiked the hills of Nebraska and through different countries. Here why she backpacks and what essentials she packs along. Host, Rachel, also a backpacker shares her experiences. After this episode, you just may want to strap on a backpack yourself!

Jessica Niccoli, Veteran, suffered from PTSD and MST, but found the outdoors to be therapeutic. She hunts, fishes and participates in many other outdoor skills for the love and resilience. Jessica is now given back as a leader in a many organizations that support Veterans. Hear her story!

Show notes on the website list resources and organization dedicated to helping Veterans. https://www.sgooutdoors.com

The American Burying Beetle (ABB), a natural ecosystem superhero. After sniffing out a freshly dead animal from up to two miles away, the beetle joins a mate in burying the carcass. While this may not sound glamorous, this beetle is recycling nutrients back to the earth. Unfortunately, ABB is endangered. Learn the characteristics and the research involved around the vibrant superhero!

Ditale Outdoors, apparel designed for women to get outdoors and hunt! Here how the business started and where it is going. List to the program for a coupon code!

https://ditaleoutdoors.com/

What type of imagery draws your attention to try something new? Do you find yourself more integrated to read a marketing message if the person in the ad/social media post looks like you? Tanyia Bethke with the Council to Advanced Hunting and The Shooting Sports tells us about a multi-state project to develop a small game diversity and inclusion toolkit to reach women and people of color in small game outreach efforts.

American Robin, Arctic Tern, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sandhill Crane, colorful waterfowl and hundreds of other bird species are with us celebrating spring! Anna Buckardt Thomas, Avian Ecologist

with the Iowa Department of Natural Resource talks spring birding with us. Have your binoculars handy - never know what will be in your area.

Birding Organizations & Resources:

Iowa Young Birders Group

NE Young Birders Group

https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/

https://ebird.org/home

App: Audubon Bird Guide

App: Merlin

https://www.ksbirdingtrail.com/

Lori Eberhard, Park Manager at George Wyth State Park in Iowa is extremely passionate. Hear all about her dedication to the landscape and how she is making a difference for other females seeking outdoor knowledge through the OJ program.

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks

https://www.iwinr.com/outdoor-journey-for-girls