NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – A Becoming an Outdoors-Woman firearm cleaning workshop scheduled for Feb. 17 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center has been cancelled. Organizers cancelled the class, scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St., in Lincoln, because of low sign-up and a forecast of poor weather. The class will not be rescheduled. A list of other upcoming Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events is available online at OutdoorNebraska.gov/BOW. -30-

LINCOLN, Neb. – Experience the height of spring migration during Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park (SP). Located on the Missouri River, Ponca SP presents a significant flyway for migratory birds, and has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as an “Important Bird Area.” Common springtime sightings include pintail courtship displays and whirlwinds of snow geese, white-fronted geese, wood ducks and other species. Visitors may view the birds during guided Avian Adventure Blind Viewing Sessions or on unguided tours. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct several hunter surveys in the coming weeks to estimate harvest for various game species, determine hunter participation and satisfaction, and obtain hunter opinions. The first survey is the annual Hunter Success Survey, which is sent to all small game hunt permit buyers who provided an email address to Game and Parks at the time of purchase. Hunters who did not receive the invitation to participate in their email inbox …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Omaha Service Center reopened Feb. 14, more than six months after being closed due to a nearby fire. The service center at 8495 Frederick St. suffered extensive smoke and soot damage and had to be renovated after a business located in the same shopping center caught fire July 23, 2018. Game and Parks customers again can visit the service center to buy permits, ask questions or pick up informational brochures. The …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Due to recent fluctuations in temperatures, Danish Alps State Recreation Area in Dakota County has a large area of very thin ice that nearly divides the lake in half. Until about a week ago, there was a large area of open water associated with a pressure ridge. Recent cold temperatures have refrozen this area, resulting in ice less than an inch thick. Anglers coming to the lake for the first time must use extreme caution when going …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Pheasants Forever and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host a meeting Feb. 19 to discuss the formation of a prescribed burn association covering Butler and Saunders counties. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Oak Creek Sporting Club southeast of Brainard. With the increase in demand and need for prescribed burning to improve wildlife habitat, increase pasture forage value, restore native woodlands, control eastern red cedars, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications March 1-14. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Mail applications must be received in Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m. and online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 14. A nonrefundable $7 fee is due at the time of application. The remaining fee to be paid if a permit is awarded – $26 for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors March 10 and April 14 in Lincoln and May 8 in Kearney. The Lincoln certifications will be at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St., from 2 to 6 p.m. The Kearney event will be held at the Fort Kearny State Historical Park Visitor Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct youth fishing …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Efforts to control the light goose population continue with the Light Goose Conservation Order, which begins Feb. 11, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The dates for the conservation order are: East Zone, Feb. 11-April 15; Rainwater Basin Zone, Feb. 11-April 5 and West Zone, Feb. 11-April 5. White and blue-phase snow geese and Ross’ geese may be taken statewide during the conservation order, but different regulations apply in each zone. Read the 2018 Nebraska …

LINCOLN, Neb. – This Valentine’s Day, plan something truly memorable and enjoy a getaway at a Nebraska state park. Several parks will offer romantic meals, lodging specials, gift packages and much more. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP) offers a 30 percent discount on lodging Feb. 10-14. Make a reservation and add a Valentine gift package that includes a single stem rose, glassware, sparkling juice, Nebraskaland items, chocolates and more. On Feb. 14 only, sign up for the couples’ painting …