LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn all aspects of fishing for catfish at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Discover Catfish Fishing event Aug. 1 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake. This event will be held in conjunction with Community Fishing Night. Community Fishing Night at the lake will be from 6-8 p.m., with Discover Catfish Fishing from 8-10 p.m. Participants can learn the basics of catfishing, from bait and equipment to techniques. Anglers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, but all fishing …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will offer free instruction for individuals interested in learning the basics of fly fishing on July 31 from 6-8 p.m. at Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Grand Island. Game and Parks staff and volunteers will lead demonstrations and discussions on techniques, equipment and fly fishing opportunities. Loaner tackle will be available. All participants age 16 and older will need a Nebraska fishing license if they intend to fish. Dry-land casting …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Adults are invited to grab a buddy and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at Omaha’s Zorinsky Lake on July 25 for Fishing with Friends. This adult-based opportunity is a chance for like-minded individuals who have little or no fishing experience to learn some skills. Bait, equipment and instruction will be provided. Beyond fishing, participants can learn how to clean fish and cook fish in a healthy manner. In addition, experts will be on hand to …

LINCOLN – See all 29 species of snakes found in Nebraska July 20-21 at Schramm Education Center. Herpetologist Dennis Ferraro of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will show live snakes during the annual “Snakes of Nebraska” event. “Snakes are an integral part of our ecosystem, and this event provides an opportunity for visitors to gain knowledge, see Nebraska’s snakes up-close and have fun,” said Nebraska Game and Parks wildlife educator Lindsay Rogers. The live snake exhibits and presentation will run from …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Two community fishing events scheduled for Thursday, July 18, have been cancelled due to a forecast of extreme heat. The events were scheduled to take place at Bowling Lake in Lincoln, and at Skyview Lake in Norfolk. Neither will be rescheduled. Upcoming community fishing events are scheduled for Aug. 1 in both communities. The Norfolk event will be at Skyview Lake from 7-9 p.m., and the Lincoln event will take place at Holmes Lake from 6-8 p.m. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters who were awarded big game permits during the 2019 limited permit drawing have until July 19 to purchase their permits. Those who successfully drew permits must visit a Nebraska Game and Parks office or log into https://ngpc-home.ne.gov and pay for their permits by 11:59 p.m. on July 19. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of both the permit and any preference or bonus points used in the drawing of the permit. Nebraska Game and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – There are still spots available for Girl Scouts to take part in the first ever Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend July 13-14 at various state recreation areas throughout Nebraska. Several state recreation areas including Fort Kearny, Lewis and Clark, Lake McConaughy and Wildcat Hills will offer free programming designed to help Girl Scouts and their families discover nature and challenge themselves to try new things. Activities are designed to encourage development of numerous outdoor skills and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – On July 6-7, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park will celebrate Independence Day with living history and several special features, including a Smithsonian exhibit and a Blackhawk helicopter static display on Saturday. Living history at Fort Atkinson includes blacksmiths, soldiers, laundresses, seamstresses and others portraying the world of the fort, complete with military drills, cannon firings and displays of period skills. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the volunteers. From noon to 3:30 p.m. on …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Registration is now open for the Fourth Annual Director’s Cup archery tournament, which will take place Aug. 11 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St., in Lincoln. The Director’s Cup is open to both serious archers and novices. The tournament uses a unique lake-of-the-woods format, in which archers shoot at varying distances based on age and discipline. Participants may register in one of 14 divisions, which include options for compound, recurve …

LINCOLN, Neb. – People interested in hunting deer at Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) this fall may apply for access permits July 1-31. Nebraska Game and Parks will issue 200 authorization permits to allow deer hunters access to the area. The use of rimfire and centerfire weapons is prohibited at Gifford. Muzzleloaders are not allowed during the November firearm deer season. The access permit allows access to take deer with archery equipment from Sept. 1 through Jan. 15 and …