LINCOLN, Neb. — With the move to online deer checking for the November firearm season, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will not collect samples to test for chronic wasting disease. Hunters wishing to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease can do so, for a fee, through the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Learn more at vbms.unl.edu/tse-test. The agency typically collects approximately 1,200 samples from older age-class bucks in specific management units during the nine-day …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept submissions for the 2020 Nebraskaland Magazine photo contest through Nov. 22, 2020. With miles of winding rivers, wide-open vistas and wildlife from border to border, Nebraska is a photographer’s paradise. Each year, Nebraskaland Magazine celebrates the state’s beauty and recognizes the outstanding work of photographers across Nebraska during this annual photo contest. Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit photos in four categories: wildlife, scenic, …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Everyone knows water is important, but do they know why? Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will tackle that concept in a virtual workshop, “Healthy Water, Healthy People,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 27. The workshop is geared toward formal and informal educators teaching 6-12th grades. The educator workshop is limited to 25 participants. Register for the virtual event at bit.ly/WaterEdWorkshop; those registered will then receive an email with the Zoom link closer to the date of the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Upland bird hunting is enjoyed by thousands of Nebraskans who want to create memories, carry on traditions, and bring home a wild meal. While enjoying the hunt, Nebraskans should make safety their top priority. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges all those going afield for an upland bird hunt to remember the basics of hunting safety: point the gun in a safe direction; treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep your finger off the …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Pawnee State Recreation Area campground is getting an electrical upgrade, causing potential modern campsite closures through November. The update is being made to 44 sites so each will be available for 50-, 30- and 20-amp service. The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of November. Pawnee has 102 camping pads, which are a mix of electric and non-electric sites, and 97 non-pad, non-electric sites. Half of the campsites in Lakeview Campground are available for …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking vintage photographs highlighting Nebraska parks for the Nebraska State Parks 100-year anniversary in 2021. The photographs will be featured in Nebraskaland Magazine and online throughout the year. Priority will be given to unique photos taken before 2000 that feature people enjoying outdoor Nebraska activities, such as boating, camping, hunting or fishing at our state parks and recreation areas. Photos taken after 2000 can be shared with Game and Parks …

LINCOLN, Neb. – As you enjoy fall hunting season, it’s important to keep tree stand safety in mind. Accidents in the field can be prevented with careful planning. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages hunters to follow these safety guidelines: Always check old tree stands for safety. Look at welds, nuts and bolts to make sure they are secure. Check all tree stand straps and replace any that are weathered or frayed. Always use a safety harness and lifeline …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Branched Oak State Recreation Area will host its annual Spooktacular event with a few modifications this year due to the novel coronavirus and local health recommendations. Middle Oak Creek Campground (Area 4) will host its annual campground-decorating contest on Oct. 17, but all other park activities have been cancelled. This includes the popular haunted hayrack rides as social distancing cannot be maintained. People are invited and encouraged, however, to drive through the campground to see the Halloween …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, Neb. — A rainbow trout is as beautiful as its namesake, no matter where it appears. But come mid-October, this fish will be swimming in city park ponds and state park lakes across Nebraska. This is a rainbow anyone can easily catch. Here is how: Fishing gear and bait – Keep it simple! Simple rods and reels are best. Fancier ones work, but for young and old alike, the push-button spin-cast …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, has been issued for Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County. The alert remains in effect for Pawnee and Wagon Train lakes in Lancaster County and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County. Visitors to Bluestem, Pawnee (east and west beaches), Willow Creek and Wagon Train state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing or jet …