LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters have until July 3 to apply for a 2020-2021 multispecies lottery permit. Two types of permits are available: Super Tag and Combo. The Super Tag permit is valid in 2020 and 2021 for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). The permit is valid in open seasons with the appropriate weapons. One Super Tag …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for a 2021 mountain lion hunting season at its June 19 meeting in Lincoln. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St. A public hearing is scheduled at 9:15 a.m. Central Time for proposed amendments to wildlife regulations pertaining to mountain lion hunting. Interested persons may attend and testify orally, but are strongly encouraged to submit written …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will begin restoring limited overnight lodging in park cabins June 18 while continuing to protect the public and staff from the spread of COVID-19. Starting June 18 and continuing until further notice, any cabins not presently reserved will be available for rental for Thursday, Friday or Saturday night stays, with Sunday checkouts. Any new reservations will be subject to availability, and a minimum two-night stay will be required for new reservations. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In honor of the role pollinators play in Nebraska’s economy and ecosystems, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed June 22-28, 2020, Nebraska Pollinator Week. Bees, birds, beetles, butterflies, and small mammals pollinate one in every three bites of food we eat. Pollinator species are essential for the ecological services they provide humans, ecosystems and natural resources. The celebration of Nebraska Pollinator Week, typically commemorated with pollinator-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Meat processors have until July 1 to apply for participation in the 2020 Hunters Helping the Hungry program, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The program pays participating processors to accept deer donated by hunters. The ground venison produced is picked up by charitable organizations and donated to Nebraskans in need. The application form and program guidelines are available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/hhh under Participating Processors. Processors can apply to participate in any or all of the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy an outdoor adventure with family or friends. Join the Great Park Pursuit for a chance to visit Nebraska’s many park areas, engage in healthy recreation – and possibly win prizes. As a safety measure, the start of the traditional Great Park Pursuit was delayed until it aligned with Directed Health Measures. With travel restrictions lifting, the program now has opened to receive submissions, and the deadline has been extended to Oct. 31, 2020. The Great Park …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is proactively working with landowners who have encountered wildlife damage to their crops and property. “Crop and livestock damage can be a serious issue for many landowners,” said Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “We understand this and need to let landowners know what tools we have to help them, and listen to their ideas about other ways to resolve these problems.” Game and Parks believes the best way to manage …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Private landowners have until June 19 to enroll their land in the Open Fields and Waters Program, in which they can earn additional income for allowing walk-in hunting, trapping and/or fishing access on their properties. Landowners with property offering hunting or fishing potential may be offered annual, per-acre payments from 50 cents to $15, depending on habitat type and location. Additional financial incentives may be possible to enhance the habitat on enrolled acres. Participating landowners are afforded …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Youth from all across the state were winners in the 2020 Nebraska Fish Art Contest, which brings together youth, art and aquatic conservation. In the contest, young artists create an original illustration of any official state-fish – Nebraska’s state fish is the channel catfish. They also submit a written description of that species’ behavior and habitat, and efforts to conserve it. The artwork of the top three placers can be viewed at StateFishArt.org. Nebraska’s top three finishers …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin applying for 2020 big game draw permits June 8. Residents and nonresidents may apply for one deer permit, residents may apply for one elk permit, and residents and eligible landowners may apply for one antelope permit. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on June 8. Paper applications must be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by 5 p.m. CT – or by 11:59 p.m. for online applications – on …