Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s state parks. During August, a variety of events are planned for those interested in history, conservation, nature and just having a good time. Here are several examples: Merritt Reservoir SRA to host Spectacular Stars, Magnificent Moths Nocturnal Insects Uncover the fantastic world of nighttime insects at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, renowned for its dark skies, on Aug. 4. The program Spectacular Stars, Magnificent Moths Nocturnal Insects will introduce visitors to the process …

Flatwater Landing Wildlife Management Area, which sits along the Platte River in Platte County, is closed temporarily to vehicle access. Extremely low water prevents access to the boat ramp by watercraft. ATVs and UTVs also are not allowed on the WMA at this time. Water levels will be monitored, and the WMA will be reopened for vehicle access when water returns to a level that will accommodate access to the river by watercraft. Find other boat ramps by visiting the …

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in August. Here are some opportunities: Nature Nerd Night to feature Ecological Superheroes on Aug. 16 Keystone species are animals that play a major role in their environment’s web of life. Often their existence helps support dozens of other species. Nebraska examples include prairie dogs, bison and beavers. Join the virtual webinar Ecological Superheroes on Aug. 16 and learn more about how keystone species help …

Hunters may begin purchasing 2022 Nebraska fall turkey permits at 1 p.m. Central time Aug. 8. A fall turkey permit is valid statewide and allows a hunter to harvest two turkeys of either sex with a shotgun or archery equipment. Each hunter may have up to two permits. There is no minimum age requirement for youth hunters. The fall turkey season is Sept. 15, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023. Permits will be available at OutdoorNebraska.org and at Nebraska Game and …

This is an update to a news release sent July 13. Among the changes is a corrected date in the seventh paragraph. People interested in hunting deer at Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area this fall may apply for access permits Aug. 1-15. Two hundred of these permits will be issued to allow hunters access to the area. Applicants will need to purchase a valid deer permit and then provide their deer permit type and associated number on their application. The …

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory will be closed temporarily starting July 20 for the start of a yearlong construction project. The closure will accommodate the addition of the new Nature Center and Outdoor Education Classroom, a Venture Parks project. The tentative completion of the new project will be summer 2023. The addition will be the park’s new home base for outdoor education activities. “This new addition will help us expand our education programs for park guests and …

Duck hunters again must choose between two daily bag limits when they register for their Harvest Information Program number this year. Nebraska and South Dakota are entering the second year of a “two-tier” program for the regular duck season. Tier I is a traditional six-duck bag limit with species and sex restrictions. Tier II is a three-duck bag limit with no species or sex restrictions. HIP registration begins Aug. 1. When hunters go to register, they will be asked whether …

Outdoor activities are better with friends – including hunting. Noah Luedtke introduced his friend, Preston Cuddy, to turkey hunting last fall through the Take ’em Hunting challenge and gave him the start he needed. Now, Cuddy is keeping active in the field. On July 13, Luedtke, of Martell, accepted the Take ’em Hunting grand prize John Deere Gator utility vehicle, donated by AKRS Equipment, in a ceremony at the AKRS Crete store. Luedtke, 24, was selected randomly from more than …

People interested in hunting deer at Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area this fall may apply for access permits Aug. 1-15. Two hundred of these permits will be issued to allow hunters access to the area. The use of rimfire and centerfire rifles or handguns is prohibited at Gifford. Muzzleloaders are not allowed during the November firearm deer season. The Gifford permit allows access to take deer with archery equipment from Sept. 1, 2022, through Jan. 15, 2023, and with a …

Ready for some adventure? Ditch your hotel room this summer and stay somewhere a bit unconventional – like a tepee or a remodeled caboose. Nebraska’s state parks have several unexpected opportunities like these that you might want to try. Here are several lodging options that are sure to give you stories to tell. Tepees at Platte River State Park This isn’t a camping opportunity you get every day: to sleep in a tepee. Platte River State Park offers four tepees …