Nathan Keck just had time to set one brake on his wheelchair when the bigmouth buffalo carp wheeled him around.

But the 38-year-old from North Platte eventually won the battle, pulling in the 32-pound, 8-inch fish after a 15- to 20-minute fight. It was 39 inches long.

“I was just packing up for the night and I threw my line in and thought it was snagged up," Keck said. “Next thing I know it took off, and I realized I had a fish on there."

Keck was shore fishing with a friend at the Lake Maloney inlet where he likes to chase after catfish and walleye.

Keck, who was born with spina bifida, usually fishes from the dock but he likes to move around the lake and this time he was sitting 3 to 4 feet from the shore. He was using a night crawler for bait.

“Good thing I have good brakes on the wheelchair," he said. “It was a good fight."

Keck didn’t realize what he’d caught until it was in the net. A camper in the area put the fish on ice for him and he and several friends had a fish dinner the next night. They were surprised at how good it tasted.

Keck says fishing is his favorite activity. He finds it relaxing.

He said catching the master angler fish was just luck.

“I was pretty happy," he said. “I was worn out."

Recovering America's Wildlife Act introduced in House

LINCOLN, Neb. – Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced the Recovering America's Wildlife Act in the U.S. House of Representatives at a press conference in Washington D.C. on Friday, July 12.

This bipartisan legislation, if passed, would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to allow for the dedication of $1.3 billion in existing revenue annually, without any new taxes, from the U.S. Treasury to state fish and wildlife agencies to implement their State Wildlife Action Plans and an additional $97.5 million for tribal fish and wildlife managers to conserve fish and wildlife on tribal lands and waters.

State Wildlife Action Plans are mandated by Congress to outline proactive solutions to conserve those species in greatest need and prevent wildlife from becoming threatened or endangered. The Act would bring more money into Nebraska to invest in proactive, voluntary, incentive-based habitat conservation projects with private landowners by implementing the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project.

This funding would be used to improve habitat for rare species but also will benefit common species such as wild turkeys and deer, by enhancing grasslands, combating invasive species, restoring wetlands and improving woodlands. It also would support associated environmental education and create new opportunities for Nebraskans to enjoy wildlife and wild places.

Nationally, more than 12,000 species have been identified as species of greatest conservation need. In Nebraska, nearly 90 species are considered at-risk of extinction. The Act would support conservation actions that help prevent the need for listing more species as endangered and threatened and recover those that are currently listed.

The bill is supported by the Alliance for America’s Fish and Wildlife, which has expanded from a partnership represented by the outdoor recreation retail and manufacturing sector, the energy and automotive industries, private landowners, educational institutions, conservation organizations, sportsmen’s groups and state and federal fish and wildlife agencies.

In August of 2017, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission passed a resolution supporting the Alliance for America’s Fish and Wildlife’s efforts to diversify and expand funding for the thousands of plants and animals in Nebraska.

“We thank Congressman Fortenberry for continuing to champion this effort. This Act, if passed, will address the shortage of funds coming into our state to work with landowners and organizations to recover Nebraska’s at-risk species,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “Dedicated conservation funding will help ensure that Nebraskans can enjoy and benefit from healthy, thriving fish and wildlife now and into the future.”

Game and Parks seeks additional conservation officers

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking to add new conservation officers.

Conservation officers have the important job of protecting our natural resources and helping keep the people who use our state parks and other public lands safe through the enforcement of fish, wildlife, boating, and park laws.

As state peace officers, conservation officers also enforce other criminal and traffic laws on lands owned by the Game and Parks and elsewhere throughout the state. Conservation officers also conduct a variety of education and wildlife management duties.

Game and Parks is looking to fill up to six positions around the state. Duty station locations have not been set.

To learn more about a law enforcement career at Game and Parks, visit outdoornebraska.gov/lawenforcementcareers/.

Be wary of limited access at recreation, wildlife areas

LINCOLN, Neb. – Access at many state recreation and wildlife management areas may be limited or restricted because of high water after recent heavy rains in south-central Nebraska.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds people not to drive through flood water. High water can sweep vehicles away and hide underwater hazards.

Game and Parks also reminds boaters of the potential hazard from floating debris that may become dislodged during high water level events at reservoirs.

The only usable boat ramp at Medicine Creek is the Trail 4 boat ramp. Trail 1 and Trail 3 ramps will be closed until further notice. Camping pad sites 24-25 and 48-62 are closed until further notice.

The rains in south-central Nebraska have forced the temporary closure of some state recreation areas (SRA) as some roads and campgrounds are underwater. The entrance roads to Sandy Channel and Union Pacific SRAs are inaccessible. The boat dock is underwater at Gallagher Canyon SRA, but most of the campsites are usable.

For at list of wildlife and recreation areas impacted by flooding and high water, visit outdoornebraska.gov/weatherclosures/.