The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is inviting the public to participate in its annual summer turkey survey July 1-Aug. 31. The survey provides useful estimates about annual production by wild turkey hens and how many poults, or young turkeys, survive the summer brood-rearing period. These records and observations inform management decisions regarding wild turkeys, their population size and habitat needs. During July and August, survey participants are asked to record all turkeys they see. Visit outdoornebraska.gov/turkeybroodsurvey for instructions and …

Spend a post-holiday Saturday morning fishing with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on July 9 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area. Game and Parks will hold a Community Fishing Event at Liebers Point from 9 a.m. to noon. Community Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn and enjoy the activity. Rods and reels, as well as bait and fishing instruction, will be available for free. …

Hunters may begin purchasing unlimited quota Nebraska deer and antelope permits July 11. Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase permits through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission starting at 1 p.m. Central time. Unlimited quota deer permits are resident statewide archery, resident statewide muzzleloader, youth, youth whitetail, nonresident restricted youth, limited landowner and special landowner. Unlimited quota antelope permits are resident statewide archery and youth archery. A regulation change made by Game and Parks in March created additional purchase …

As part of a national effort to reduce the number of accidents and deaths related to boating under the influence, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will participate July 2-4 in Operation Dry Water. While Operation Dry Water is a year-round BUI awareness and enforcement campaign. That effort will be heightened by Game and Parks’ Law Enforcement Division officers July 2-4 at waters across the state. Alcohol use while boating is one of the leading factors in boater deaths. In …

Boaters planning to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday weekend at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas will find ramps available at select locations. The available boat ramps at McConaughy will be: Lemoyne low water, Martin Bay low water and Burma Road/Diver’s Bay. Two boat ramps will be open at Lake Ogallala. As of June 27, Lake McConaughy’s level was at 3,236.1 feet. That’s nearly a foot lower than a week ago, 7.1 feet lower than a month …

Spend some time this summer in Nebraska’s state parks. During July, a variety of events are planned for those interested in history, conservation, nature and just having a good time. Here are several examples: Fort Atkinson to host Living History July 2-3 Travel 200 years back in time and experience living history weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on July 2-3. On both days, Donald Hickey, a historian of the War of 1812, will present the history of the …

A repair project at the Main Ramp Area at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area has been pushed back slightly. Users of that area should be aware of repairs there that will result in temporary closures. Originally scheduled for June 22-24, the contractor now has rescheduled the work for June 27-29. Water draining from the pull-through near the ramp area has caused erosion undermining the sidewalk attached to the boat ramp, and immediate repairs are needed. The boat ramp will be …

Users of the Main Ramp Area at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area should be aware of repairs there June 22-24 that will result in temporary closures. Water draining from the pull-through near the ramp area has caused erosion undermining the sidewalk attached to the boat ramp, and immediate repairs are needed. The boat ramp will be closed temporarily while concrete deliveries are being made. These closures will be brief, and the ramp will open once the delivery is complete. Boaters …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved staff recommendations for 2023 mountain lion season at its June 17 meeting in Lexington. Commissioners approved a mountain lion season in the Pine Ridge similar to 2022, with a maximum harvest of four cats, with a sublimit of two females. The number of permits issued via lottery will be lowered from 320 to 200. This change is an effort to boost hunter satisfaction by increasing the probability of a longer season. The harvest …

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in July. Here are some opportunities: Nature Nerd Night to feature Aquatic Wonders on July 19 Fish, with their scales, swim bladders and lateral lines, have amazing adaptations. In the Nebraska Nature Nerd Night virtual webinar Aquatic Wonders, outdoor educators will discuss the diversity and life strategies of Nebraska fish. The free event starts at 7 p.m. Central time July 19. Registration is required through …