LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed burns are planned this spring on many Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas, state parks and state recreation areas where weather allows. Historically, wildlife habitats were shaped by wildfires that occurred throughout the year. Burns can help set back undesirable plants that invade native woodlands and prairies, as well as other grass and wooded areas. Prescribed burning, if used with grazing, can set back smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass, increase diversity in grasslands and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters from across the country have come to discover what Nebraskans know – the state has excellent wild turkey hunting. For the fifth year in a row, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed Nebraska the best turkey hunting destination in the United States. Nebraska has a restored and abundant population of wild turkeys, including the highly sought-after Merriam’s turkeys in the Pine Ridge. With hunting opportunities in every county, there are tremendous opportunities for hunters. In a postseason …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Walton “Ed” Moore of North Platte was bank fishing at the Sutherland Reservoir inlet March 11 when a tiger trout took the minnow he was drifting slowly on the bottom of the lake. He reeled in the 6-pound, 13-ounce trout, which set a state record for rod-and-reel. The fish measured 25¾ inches in length. The previous state record trout caught on rod-and-reel was 5 pounds, 7 ounces. It also was caught at Sutherland Reservoir. Read all a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed fires will be conducted at Schramm Park State Recreation Area in Sarpy County through the end of April as weather allows. These fires are part of an ongoing oak woodland restoration project and will help control the spread of invasive plants. Exact dates of the burns, to be conducted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will depend on conditions. Affected trails and roads in portions of the park will be marked with signs and closed …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A plan to redevelop the flood-prone Dead Timber State Recreation Area is being created, and the public is encouraged to participate by giving feedback. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host a virtual public meeting via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. Central time on March 23 to outline potential design concepts of the plan and take public comments. Register in advance for the meeting at OutdoorNebraska.gov/DeadTimber. A significant portion of Dead Timber, a 200-acre area in Dodge …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider 2021-2022 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 17 meeting in Norfolk. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center, 701 E. Benjamin Ave. Among the recommendations is a proposal for a “two-tier” duck bag limit option a hunter will choose from for the season. Nationally, duck hunter numbers have fallen nearly 44% since 1990, and Nebraska has lost, on average, 464 duck hunters per year …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on March 11 for a virtual webinar entitled Wilderness Warriors: Theodore Roosevelt and the Women of Conservation. This free, hour-long event, held in conjunction with Nebraska Outdoor Women’s Month, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Central time. Roosevelt brought his love and training as a naturalist to the forefront as the 26th president of the United States, saving more than 230 million acres of land for public enjoyment, including nature reserves …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and lakes across the state in March to enhance fishing opportunities this spring, especially in urban areas. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. “Rainbow trout are especially good for beginners because they will bite readily on anything, including corn, wadded up pieces of bread or worms, and are easy and safe to handle,” said Larry Pape, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Private pond owners should be wary of fish possibly succumbing to winterkill. Excessive snow, especially in southeastern Nebraska, and thick ice from recent frigid weather have created conditions for potential winterkill, according to Jeff Blaser, private waters specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Winterkills typically occur in small, shallow ponds with abundant aquatic vegetation. Snow and ice covering a pond prevent the water from exchanging oxygen with the air. Excessive snow and thick ice allow …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on Tuesday mornings for a series of virtual pre-K programs entitled Nature Tails starting March 9. Each week at 10 a.m. Central time, outdoor educators will read a nature-themed children’s book in line with that week’s theme. The children then will be given an activity. The schedule of programs and themes: March 9 – Dinosaurs, March 16 – St. Patrick’s Day, March 23 – Weather, March 30 – Worms, April …