By Jonas Davis, DU regional biologist in Nebraska

When you read of Nebraska’s rich bird hunting history, the Platte River system and the Rainwater Basins to the southeast are most notably documented. While the Loup River Valley is not typically revered for its waterfowling opportunities, a strong tradition does exist among the local community and there is an ever-increasing “buzz” as to how good the hunting can be. The growing popularity of hunting the Loup is well-founded because valuable habitat continues to exist as the landscape around Nebraska continues to change.

The Loup River watershed is a major tributary of the Platte River in central Nebraska.  Including the North, Middle and South Loup and its tributaries, the river system comprises over 1,800 miles of streams draining approximately one-fifth of Nebraska.  Similar to the Platte River, the Loup River consists of braided streams with shallow channels interspersed with open sandbars and wooded riparian areas. While alterations have occurred in the watershed, the Loup River is in relatively better condition then the Platte. The Loup River flows are relatively constant year-round due to the alluvial and shallow aquifers of the sandhills area feeding its upper reaches.

Nebraska is known for its importance as migration habitat to millions of ducks, geese, waterbirds and other Neotropical migrants. Particularly in the spring when birds are headed north for the breeding grounds, Nebraska wetlands and rivers play a critical role in the lifecycle of migratory species. Loup River habitats that birds depend on include backwater sloughs, unvegetated sandbars for roosting and wet meadow wetlands that offer food resources the birds pursue in the spring time. Research has shown that the birds that arrive on the breeding grounds in good body condition nest earlier, have larger clutches and are more successful in their breeding efforts. While the Platte River and Rainwater Basins provide a majority of spring migration habitat, continued water diversion, woody growth invasion, wetland conversion and increased development pressure may increase importance of available quality habitat on the adjacent Loup River system.

With the assistance of partners like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pheasants Forever, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Ducks Unlimited has initiated wetland habitat projects throughout the Loup River Valley to not only improve conditions for spring migrants but to raise awareness of the importance of the watershed to Nebraska’s wildlife.

This article originally appeared in Nebraska Natural Legacy Project newsletter Volume 2, Issue 1, March 2010. Visit the newsroom of their website if you would like to subscribe to the newsletter.