LINCOLN, Neb. – Heavy rains in south-central Nebraska have forced the temporary closure of some state recreation areas (SRA) as some roads and campgrounds are underwater. Sandy Channel and Union Pacific SRAs in Buffalo County are temporarily closed. Interstate 80 exit 263 to Union Pacific SRA is closed. The lower loop of Shady Bay Campground (sites 48-62) at Medicine Creek SRA in Frontier County also is temporarily closed. In Dawson County, access is available to Gallagher Canyon SRA. Most of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Kearney service center closed temporarily Tuesday, July 9 because of flooding caused by heavy rain. The office, located at 1617 1st Ave., is closed to the public to allow for cleanup. The public is encouraged to purchase permits online at OutdoorNebraska.org or visit a local permit agent. The Kearney office likely will reopen July 10 with limited public service.

LINCOLN, Neb. – For a touch of holiday cheer at a beautiful park, bring the family to Indian Cave State Park on July 26-27 for the 6th Annual Campfire Christmas in July. Traditional holiday activities include visits with Santa, lighted Polar Express hayrack rides, a Yule log quest, holiday craft and Christmas-themed outdoor movies. Try your hand at the antler toss, snowball toss and horseshoes, and snack on tin roof sundaes, popcorn, pop and roasted hot dogs. Other activities throughout …

LINCOLN, Neb. – For a fun competition set in a family-friendly atmosphere, test your shooting skills at Platte River State Park’s Steel Plate Challenge on Aug. 10. The Steel Plate Challenge is a great way to get started in competitive shooting or improve shooting skills. The rules are simple: when the buzzer sounds, participants will rapidly engage targets made from armor plate at relatively close distances, shooting each target at least once as rapidly as possible. The competition is part …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recently certified three state fishing records, including one that topped a record that had stood for 47 years. — Andrew Myer of Norfolk set a bow-and-arrow record when he took an 89-pound paddlefish on the Missouri River in Cedar County in June. It broke the old record, which was set in 1972, by 3 pounds. The fish was 5 feet, 10½ inches in length from the tip of snout to the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn all aspects of fishing for catfish at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Discover Catfish Fishing event Aug. 1 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake. This event will be held in conjunction with Community Fishing Night, only later in the evening. Community Fishing Night at the lake will be from 6-8 p.m., with Discover Catfish Fishing from 8-10 p.m. Participants can learn the basics of catfishing, from bait and equipment to techniques. Anglers are encouraged to bring a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Adults are invited to grab a buddy and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at Omaha’s Zorinsky Lake on July 25 for Fishing with Friends. This adult-based opportunity is a chance for like-minded individuals who have little or no fishing experience to learn some skills. Bait, equipment and instruction will be provided. Beyond fishing, participants can learn how to clean fish and cook fish in a healthy manner. In addition, experts will be on hand to …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2019 bighorn sheep lottery permit through Aug. 2. 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 2019 bighorn sheep season is Dec. 3-22. The permit will be drawn Aug. 28.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans will enjoy boating this summer on waters across the state. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges boaters to keep safety their top priority. Boaters and paddlers should not take safety for granted. The Commission suggests ways boaters may reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. Before Launching – Ensure your boat is in good running condition. Get the boat registered and, if a nonresident, purchase an …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Applications may be made for Nebraska paddlefish snagging permits through July 14. Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted Oct. 1-31 in the Missouri River from the Gavins Point Dam west of Yankton, South Dakota, downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River at mile marker 734, west of Sioux City, Iowa. All inland waters in Nebraska are closed to paddlefish harvest. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has authorized 1,520 permits for residents and …