LINCOLN, Neb. – Adult-size channel catfish have been stocked in Omaha’s Cunningham Lake just in time for its Aug. 5 reopening. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on July 28 stocked 255 “bonus” catfish ranging from 1 to 13 pounds, averaging 7. While the lake had been stocked previously in preparation for the reopening, this stocking will provide anglers an opportunity to catch larger fish from the still-developing fishery. Since 2020, catfish, white bass, bluegill, largemouth bass and crappie have …

Commission biologist Randy Stutheit’s experience evaluating duck wings over the years has helped formulate waterfowl regulations across central U.S. Quickly studying a duck’s wing, Randy Stutheit plays a role in determining waterfowl regulations and seasons in states throughout the central portion of the country. But he’s been doing it awhile — 35 years — and that experience means a lot in the Central Flyway, which stretches from Canada to Mexico. Stutheit, a longtime wildlife biologist with the Nebraska Game and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hackberry Lake on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge will be chemically renovated the week of Aug. 9 as part of the ongoing Aquatic Habitat Project on the refuge. The rotenone treatment is aimed to eliminate common carp, an undesirable species detrimental to aquatic habitat, water quality and sport fish populations. Restocking will occur later this fall. Liberalized fishing regulations have been in effect the past two years on Hackberry, where length limits were rescinded but daily bag …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled a month full of interesting and engaging events for the curious in August. Here are a few opportunities: Four Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights scheduled for Aug. 11 LINCOLN, Neb. – Grab your fellow nature nerds and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as it hosts four Nebraska Nature Nerd Trivia Nights across the state Aug. 11. Nature is cool, so there is no shortage of topics questions …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin purchasing 2021 Nebraska fall turkey permits Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. Central time. 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. The fall turkey season is Sept. 15, 2021 – Jan. 31, 2022. Permits will be available at OutdoorNebraska.org and Nebraska Game …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Grove Trout Rearing Station near Royal, Nebraska, will be closed to visitors until further notice due to upcoming expected high air temperatures in the area. Trout have been experiencing some health issues as the water to the facility has been warming. Warm water holds less oxygen, which is crucial to trout production. Additional stressors could further compromise fish health, prompting the decision to close visitation to this popular Antelope County destination. “Game and Parks and the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Big Game Society, which raises money through membership dues and its fundraising spring auction and dinner, donated $27,000 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on July 13. NBGS President Justin Hertzel, Secretary Jim King and board members Aaron Baumann and Tom King made a check presentation to Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. The check represented the sale of the Nebraska Resident Elk tag to the highest bidder. Additional funds raised are earmarked for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2021 bighorn sheep lottery permit through Aug. 6. Only Nebraska residents are eligible. Apply at a Nebraska Game and Parks office or at outdoornebraska.org. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. The 2021 bighorn sheep season is Nov. 30 – Dec. 22. The permit will be drawn Aug. 27.

LINCOLN, Neb. – For a touch of holiday cheer at a beautiful park, bring the family to Indian Cave State Park on July 16-17 for the 8th Annual Campfire Christmas in July. Traditional holiday activities include visits with Santa, lighted Polar Express hayrack rides, a Yule log quest, holiday crafts and a Christmas-themed outdoor movie. Try your hand at the antler toss, snowball toss and horseshoes, and snack on tin roof sundaes, chili dogs and root beer floats. Other activities …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Wetlands are diverse habitats that are great tools for teaching about Nebraska’s aquatic spaces. Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in an educator workshop about the Wonders of Wetlands at 9 a.m. July 22 in Lincoln. Participants will gain resources through Project WET’s The Wonders of Wetlands Curriculum, which is designed for formal and informal educators in grades K through 12, that will help define wetlands, their functions and how people are active in them. Participants …