LINCOLN, Neb. — Genetic testing results recently confirmed a large canine killed Jan. 28, 2021, near Ueling, was a gray wolf. The female wolf had been legally shot by coyote hunters, who contacted the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Genetic testing showed the animal originated from a population of wolves found in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. “This is the third confirmed instance of wolf presence in Nebraska since the early 1900’s,” said Sam Wilson, Game and Parks Furbearer and Carnivore …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Catching fish is fun and addicting. The more fish you catch, the more you want to keep fishing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages experienced anglers to share that feeling and introduce people to fishing in the third year of Take ’em Fishing. Experienced anglers who participate will know they’ve introduced someone to an activity they can enjoy for a lifetime, while also sharing their love of the sport. “Most everyone who loves to fish learned …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Duck hunters in Nebraska and South Dakota will choose between two daily bag limits — two tiers of limits — before waterfowl season this year. The new “two-tier” duck hunting regulations recently adopted by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and allows hunters to select between Tier I or Tier II when they register for their Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. Tier I is the current traditional six-duck limit with species and sex restrictions. Tier II is a …

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Long Pine State Recreation Area will be closed to the public between April 11-18 for cedar tree removal. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will begin removing and grinding trees near the park’s nearly 30 campsites, then will continue working to remove cedars across the 153-acre tract in north central Nebraska’s Brown County. The effort will improve the recreation area that offers camping, fishing, hiking and an archery range to guests. Closed signs will be posted at the …

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area near Crofton will have reduced services at Weigand Campground while the sewer lift station is replaced. The lift work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by May 16. Park guests can still camp at the Weigand Campground and will have access to electric hookup with nearby water; however, the comfort station and camper dump station are closed. Those campers can use the dump station and shower facility in Burbach Campground, on …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Guests visiting four southwest Nebraska state park areas this year will experience more opportunities for recreation, including with a new hike and bike trail and the chance to borrow bikes at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area. The four parks — Red Willow, Swanson Reservoir, Enders Reservoir and Rock Creek Lake state recreation areas — all saw a variety of facility improvements. At Red Willow, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and local organizations are working to …

LINCOLN, Neb. — A special collector’s edition of Nebraskaland Magazine now is available for purchase on newsstands and online. The edition, triple the average magazine size, celebrates the Nebraska state park system, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Packed inside the glossy magazine are features on the parks people know and love; tips for sought-after outdoor activities, outdoor cooking recipes and special memories from Michael Forsberg — who at one time worked for the Nebraska Game and Parks …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Lake Minatare State Recreation Area has reopened to the public, effective immediately. The recreation area, home to the Panhandle’s largest body of water, recently was closed after a waterfowl die-off was reported March 12. Staff immediately responded, began collecting the birds and sent some to be tested for cause of death. The lab results received March 26 indicated the cause of the event was of low risk to public health. All of the dead waterfowl, primarily Canada …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recently informed the agency Commissioners he intends to retire this November. Director Jim Douglas said, “In April of this year, I will have served as director for nine years of my nearly 47-year career with the Commission. I want to provide extensive advance notice of my retirement to ensure the Commission has more than ample time to develop and exercise a robust recruitment and hiring process for my …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Starting this summer, all campers will need a reservation to stay overnight at campgrounds and beach areas at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas during the peak season. The new reservation system will be in place starting in late April for the May 21 to Sept. 12 season. The rollout is part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s implementation of the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan, a five-phase plan to address management of the …