NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a continued, proactive effort to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission temporarily will close state park and recreation area playgrounds and play structures beginning March 30. The closures are in keeping with national recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which encourages maintaining physical distance’ and limiting in-person social interactions. Game and Parks will continue to keep open state recreation areas’ and parks’ grounds …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Roads on several state wildlife management areas (WMAs) have been closed or partially closed because of poor conditions. County roads leading to the areas also may be closed. These closures are due to 2019 flooding and continued high water table in some areas. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission continues to work with local authorities to get vehicle access to these areas. The impacted WMAs are: Randal W. Schilling, Cass County; Goose Lake, Holt County; Peru Boat …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2020 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 20. The application period ends Aug. 7, and the permit will be drawn later that month. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents are eligible for the lottery. Apply at a Nebraska Game and Parks office or at OutdoorNebraska.org. The 2020 bighorn sheep season is Dec. 1-22.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission important dates in April. April 5 – Light Goose Conservation Order closes in Rainwater Basin and West zones April 11 – Spring youth shotgun turkey season opens April 18 – Spring shotgun turkey season opens April 15 – Light Goose Conservation Order closes in East Zone April 20 – Application period begins for bighorn sheep lottery permit In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission temporarily will close state park lodging in April. Game and Parks will close park lodging facilities and cabin rentals April 1-30. A possible extension period may be implemented if conditions do not improve. Tent camping and RV camping are available and will be evaluated regularly, following state and federal directives, as well as local health department …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Though most of the nation has halted travel and started practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, birds across Nebraska have something very different in mind: Migration and in big numbers. Which is good news for Nebraskans seeking ways to keep busy during these unprecedented times where many are working from home and teaching now stay-at-home children in the face of school closures. With a few resources created by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Online Hunter Education, without the Hunt Safe Session requirement, is being allowed temporarily for all ages in Nebraska. Youth ages 11-15 who take the online Hunter Education course normally are required to attend a two-hour Hunt Safe Session before they can receive a certificate of completion. That Hunt Safe Session requirement temporarily is being waived since the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission cancelled all of its events and activities through May 31. Those 11- to 15-year-olds who …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The sight-in range at Killdeer Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lancaster County and the prairie chicken viewing blinds at Burchard Lake WMA in Pawnee County have been closed temporarily by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This is part of Game and Parks’ effort to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Game and Parks aims to protect its staff and customers by removing opportunities for crowds to gather at facilities and events and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted 2020/2021 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 20 meeting in Hastings. Before approving, commissioners changed some duck season dates in zones 2 and 3 to allow for a Saturday opening day. The 2020/2021 waterfowl season dates are: Early Teal – Low Plains: Sept. 5-20; High Plains: Sept. 5-13; Daily bag limit: six; Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit Youth Waterfowl – Zone 1: Oct. 3-4; Zone 2: …

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – In a proactive state and national effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and ensure the health of its customers and staff, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is closing the public crane viewing blind at North River Wildlife Management Area north of Hershey. The Commission aims to protect its staff and customers by removing opportunities for crowds to gather at facilities and events and by maintaining clean areas that are available to the public. …