Hunting

We absolutely treasure them. We collect them. We investigate their origins. We tell stories of the hunt about them. We give them places of honor on our call lanyards. But, official waterfowl leg bands are more than just coveted collectibles, more than just “priceless jewelry” to hunters. The information the bands possess is vital to the management of these web footed birds. There are even monetary reward bands. Getting a duck or goose with a reward, or “money” band on it is extra special because they …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Spring turkey hunting permits for 2018 will be available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 8. Nebraska offers the best turkey hunting opportunities in the entire country. Nebraska offers birds in every county of the state, including the highly-sought-after Merriam’s in some areas. The state also offers plentiful and affordable permits, long seasons, great public access and $5 permits for youth. Wild turkey hunters in Nebraska enjoy high success rates. In the spring, hunters …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Applications are being taken by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits. The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid 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). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for residents/nonresidents. Persons may apply for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s big game public informational meeting scheduled for Dec. 21 in Bridgeport has been postponed because of inclement weather. The meeting is rescheduled for Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. at Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St. Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during this meeting, which is one of several held statewide. A Game and Parks biologist will explain issues and take questions …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in January. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. Jan. 1 – First Day Hike, Ponca State Park (SP), Ponca; Platte River SP, Louisville; Chadron SP, Chadron; Indian Cave SP, Shubert; Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland; Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area (SRA), Fremont; Wildcat Hills SRA, Gering; Ash Hollow State …

As the “12 Days of Christmas” nears, it seems fitting to pay tribute to the gift most often mentioned in the familiar tune of that same name. That, of course, would be the partridge that “my true love sent to me” over and over again. While traveling a dirt road in northern Sheridan County in early December, I encountered the first partridge I have ever seen in the wild. I had heard of the gray partridge (Perdix perdix) residing in …

I have a warped sense of humor, it is in the blood, comes from both sides of my family.  Found this Christmas commercial on the inter-webs, kinda like it: The deer’s name is “Steve”! Wonder where I could get that sweater? Now let me switch from the warped to the sentimental. . . . I have at least a couple of Patrick F. McManus books on my shelves at home (By the way, if any of you are still looking …

Unfortunately, it’s the time of year when many hunters start hanging up their gear for the season. Maybe they have already harvested game or are tired of trying to do so. Perhaps they are just not interested in being afield during bitterly cold weather, gale force winds and deep snow. Whatever the case may be, that hunting gear should not be put away! It’s time to bundle up and take advantage of little to no hunting pressure, colder weather, a completed crop harvest, concentrated and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. Meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. Biologists will explain and take questions on several topics, including deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases. Antelope and elk issues may be discussed at meetings located in areas where these species occur. All meetings begin at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Applications for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 2. The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid 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). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for residents/nonresidents. Persons …