LINCOLN – A 1½- year-old female mountain lion was shot south of Chadron in Dawes County on Oct. 23. The mountain lion was shot in a ranch yard near the landowner’s house and chicken coop. The subadult mountain lion weighed approximately 63 pounds. As required by law, the man immediately notified authorities after the animal was shot and the animal was transferred to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is requesting grant proposals that will enhance watchable wildlife opportunities and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, viewing site development, events, infrastructure, marketing, equipment and plan development. Proposals are due Dec. 10. There is a maximum of $3,000 available per proposal. Funding is provided by the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund. For more information, visit WatchWildlifeNe.org or contact Kristal Stoner at kristal.stoner@nebraska.gov.

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners authorized one lottery and one auction bighorn sheep permit for 2015 at their meeting in Scottsbluff on Oct. 23. The lottery permit is for residents only, while the auction permit is available to residents and nonresidents. The last time the state approved two bighorn permits in one year was 2011. There is one lottery permit this year for the Dec. 2-22 season. Staff reported that of the approximately 390 bighorn …

LINCOLN – The shooting range at Pressey Wildlife Management Area will be temporarily closed during the opening weekend of pheasant season, Oct. 25-26. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is concerned for the safety of hunters in this area. Many hunters are expected to hunt the prime upland game habitat south of the shooting range. The parking lot near the shooting range will remain open to hunters, but target shooting will be prohibited. Pressey is located 5 miles north of …

LINCOLN – Women are invited to discover ways to prepare outdoor meals at a Dutch oven cooking workshop Oct. 30 at Lincoln’s Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center. The 6 p.m. workshop, part of the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman series, is open to women age 16 and older. The fee is $15. All equipment and supplies will be provided. The education center is located at 4703 N. 44th St. Contact Julia Plugge at 402-471-6009 or julia.plugge@nebraska.gov. -30-

LINCOLN – Deer are more active this time of the fall, when crops are being harvested and deer breeding season is in full swing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has tips to help drivers avoid deer-vehicle accidents and lessen the risk of personal injury or vehicle damage. — During the breeding season, bucks become more active searching for does with which to breed. Bucks are bolder, less wary and more susceptible to collisions with vehicles. Deer movement peaks each …

LINCOLN – A tree stand is a basic tool of many deer hunters. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges hunters to use the stands safely in order to have a memorable and successful hunt. Most tree stand accidents are caused by carelessness and can be avoided by following these tips: — Wear a full-body harness and attach yourself to the tree from the time you are on the ground before climbing into the stand, until you are back on …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters that updates to the Public Access Atlas are available online. It also recommends hunters check for updates before heading out to hunt on properties. The atlas is an annual publication that includes information on land enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program, which allows private land to be open to hunters and anglers for walk-in access. It also provides information on public state and federal lands open to …

LINCOLN – The entire population of whooping cranes in the Central Flyway is expected to migrate through Nebraska over the next several weeks. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages the public to report whooping crane sightings. Information on crane sightings is used to positively affect whooping crane conservation and recovery efforts. Report any sightings to Game and Parks (402-471-0641), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (308-382-6468, ext. 10), or The Crane Trust’s Whooper Watch hotline (1-888-399-2824). Emails may be submitted …

LINCOLN – Create a family tradition of celebrating autumn in one of Nebraska’s state parks. Parks statewide have planned events to help families enjoy the fall. Halloween events, including pumpkin carving, costume contests and haunted hayrack rides are scheduled throughout October at Eugene T. Mahoney, Platte River and Ponca state parks. Go back in time with living history events Oct. 18 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (SHP) and Oct. 19 at Arbor Lodge SHP. Call Rock Creek for …