LINCOLN, Neb. – The campground at Dead Timber State Recreation Area in Dodge County will be closed temporarily until further notice. Repairs from 2019 and 2020 flooding, along with other roadway improvements, such as the widening of the access road to the campground, are beginning this week. This closure is expected to be short term, depending on the weather. The temporary closure does not affect access to the shelter, trails or fishing.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds landowners there are tools and resources available to those experiencing crop and livestock damage due to wildlife. Landowners can contact their nearest Game and Parks district office to discuss options to alleviate damage, such as scare devices, fences, damage control permits or opening lands to public access for hunting. Find an office at outdoornebraska.gov/locations. In addition, landowners can go online to relate wildlife damage issues to Game and Parks at outdoornebraska.gov/depredation. Big …

LINCOLN, Neb. – While many Nebraska boaters are eager to enjoy a summer day on the lake, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges them to be wary of a nasty hitchhiker: the zebra mussel. Over the Memorial Day weekend, Game and Parks watercraft inspectors found two boats with zebra mussels attached attempting to launch. Each boat was inspected and not allowed to launch with viable zebra mussels. Watercraft inspectors are present throughout the state this summer at various water …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Trout in the Classroom, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educational opportunity for schools and classrooms, will be accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year starting June 1. The interdisciplinary, science-based curriculum invites classrooms and schools to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process through raising trout eggs in their classroom during the spring semester. “My students absolutely love this program,” wrote one teacher about the 2020-21 program. “There is so much value …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, Neb. – Consider your motivations on why you enjoy fishing. Is it to catch a meal, compete for the largest fish, get away from life’s stresses or to be with friends? To faithfully mentor a new angler, whether they be young or old, one probably should start by asking why the angler wants to fish. The angler might have some experience but still be seeking to learn. From there, add the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Big game hunters may begin applying for 2021 elk, antelope and deer draw permits June 14. Elk applicants may apply for one elk permit or buy one elk bonus point. Deer and antelope applicants may apply for one deer or antelope permit or buy one deer or antelope preference point. A point may be purchased by an applicant in lieu of participating in the draw. Applications will be charged a nonrefundable fee; bonus and preference point purchases …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Meat processors have until July 1 to apply for participation in the 2021-2022 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 is available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/hhh, under Participating Processors. Processors can apply to participate in any or all of the Nebraska 2021-2022 deer hunting …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is challenging outdoor enthusiasts in 2021 to explore the diverse state park system in honor of the parks’ centennial through the Your Parks Adventure challenge. Starting June 1, participants who visit any state parks or recreation areas, snap a photo at a designated station, and submit it and their story online are eligible to win prizes. Designated selfie stations will be at 100 sites among Game and Parks’ 76 state park, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to Nebraska state parks can take a survey online to share their experiences this summer. To take the survey, visit go.unl.edu/nestateparks. The survey also is available at OutdoorNebraska.org/parkusersurvey. Crews have been conducting surveys in select parks every weekend since the beginning of April and will continue through the first weekend of August. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking for feedback about visitors’ park experiences at 22 state parks, recreation areas and historical parks. It is contracting …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The 12th Annual SCHEELS 3-D Archery Shoot will be June 5-6 at Ponca State Park. The tristate competition will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days in the Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex, where 20 stations and 60 targets will be set up. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Register onsite. Fees are $20 for those 13 and older, and free for those 12 and younger. Each adult registration will receive a free $10 SCHEELS …