The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for 2022 deer, antelope and elk hunting seasons when it meets April 28 at Niobrara State Park. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. in the Eagle View Group Lodge within the park, located at 89261 522 Ave., Niobrara. A public hearing is scheduled for proposed amendments to Commission orders pertaining to season dates, bag limits, permit quantities and areas open for deer, antelope and elk hunting. The changes will help …

Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for another spring and summer of fun with Community Fishing Events. 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. “We invite you to join us at one or several of our events to learn how to fish or to bring …

Horseback riding is a great way to get outdoors and see the diverse beauty of Nebraska — via miles of extensive equestrian trails in your state parks. With beautiful scenery, amenities for horse and rider, and considerable acres to roam, here are nine Nebraska Game and Parks locations every equestrian should put on their list for this year. Fort Robinson State Park: Located in Nebraska’s scenic Pine Ridge, Fort Robinson is truly a horse rider’s paradise. The park offers 20 …

When not on a shoreline or the water pursuing fish this spring, anglers can use the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website as a resource to prepare for the next outing. Many anglers already buy their Nebraska fishing permits online. But by spending some time on the website, anglers of all experience levels may discover something new about fishing in the state. Among the fishing-related topics to browse are: Interactive maps – Click on Maps at the top of OutdoorNebraska.org to …

Aquatic Habitat improvement projects are underway at Summit Lake and Wagon Train Lake in eastern Nebraska that affect angler and boater access. Summit Lake’s water level is 8 feet below normal. Removal of sediment from the lake’s south basin is almost complete; construction will move to the west sediment basin. The Summit project is nearly 50% complete, but boaters can expect limited access for watercraft launching this season until the water level returns to normal. Construction at Wagon Train has …

By Daryl Bauer There is no doubt the fish species that can send the largest number of anglers to the banks during the spring outbreak of fishing fever is crappies. Everyone loves to sit on a shoreline on a warm afternoon and experience a good crappie bite. On the other hand, with schizophrenic weather changes, no other species of fish can be more frustrating than spring crappies. Consistently successful anglers always are adapting. What can an angler do to maximize the …

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in May. Here are several opportunities: Bird Crawl in Venture Parks is May 14 Migrate to the Platte River valley May 14 for a daylong birding adventure. To celebrate Nebraska Bird Month and International Migratory Bird Day, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is hosting Bird Crawl in the Venture Parks.  Registered participants will receive an itinerary to guide them, from 10 a.m. to 4 …

Due to drought conditions and extreme fire danger, many Nebraska state recreation areas and some wildlife management areas are temporarily banning campfires until further notice. Although everyone should be cautious when using fire throughout Nebraska, the list of areas with temporary closures includes: Southwest Region: Medicine Creek, Red Willow, Swanson, Enders, Sutherland and Buffalo Bill SRAs Southern Panhandle Region: Lake McConaughy, Lake Ogallala, Lake Minatare and Wildcat Hills State SRAs, and Ash Hollow State Historical Park Central Region: Sherman and Victoria …

Wildlife enthusiasts can observe the courtship ritual of the greater prairie-chicken in southeastern Nebraska. Approximately 20 birds have been using a lek at Burchard Wildlife Management Area in Pawnee County. A lek is a specific area where the birds gather to display their mating rituals year after year. The public is invited to view the spectacular mating rituals of the male prairie-chickens. Viewers will be able to interact in the bird’s environment and see the importance for conservation of habitat …

Because of the fire hazard created by dry and windy conditions, a burn ban is in effect at Calamus State Recreation Area until further notice. This ban includes all open fires, such as campfires, and those in any place throughout the SRA. Calamus SRA includes nearly 5,000 acres of native grassland in the Sandhills region of Nebraska. For more information about Nebraska state park areas, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.