NGPC News

GERING, Neb. – The Gering Fire Department is gearing up for its Wildland Engine Academy, which consists of training exercises at Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Wildcat Hills on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9. Chris Becker, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife biologist, said hunters should be aware that burning will be occurring at various locations on the property and should take the event into consideration if they plan to pursue game there this weekend. Becker said …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With a couple of the elk seasons underway and more approaching, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is asking for elk hunters’ cooperation in testing for chronic wasting disease. Todd Nordeen, Commission big game disease and research program manager, said staff at check stations will be asking elk hunters to allow removal of lymph nodes from elk to test for the disease, frequently referred to by its initials — CWD.  The tests at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Riverview Marina State Recreation Area (SRA), which is located along the Missouri River in Otoe County, has reopened to the public. The SRA was closed temporarily after heavy rains caused flooding that made the boat ramp, parking lots, shower building and campground inaccessible. Water levels have receded and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff have cleaned up silt and debris. A valid Nebraska State Park Permit is required for each vehicle entering the SRA.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Rockford Lake in Gage County no longer is on health alert after testing revealed no elevated toxin levels for two straight weeks. During water testing two weeks ago, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated toxin levels produced by blue-green algal blooms in the lake. Health alerts are lifted when algal toxin levels are below advisory concentration for two consecutive weeks. Lakes with beaches and those that allow power boating are tested weekly through the summer …

LINCOLN, Neb. – State parks and historical parks across Nebraska are planning events throughout the fall season to help visitors enjoy this beautiful time of year. Events span a wide variety of interests, including outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, stargazing, living history, shooting sports and photography. Among the activities slated for this fall: — 14th Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo, Ponca State Park (SP), Ponca, Sept. 15-16 – Celebrate our outdoor heritage with more than 90 hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, vendors and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin donating deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) program Sept. 1 at 16 processor locations around the state. Four additional processors will accept deer for the program starting in November. Hunters pay no processing costs for deer accepted by processors for this donation-driven program. The HHH program, which is funded solely by tax-deductible contributions, allows ground venison to be distributed by charitable organizations to Nebraskans in need. Hunters should first talk with processors, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – As summer begins to wrap up and fall hunting seasons approach, hunters should recommit themselves to staying safe in the field. Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Jackson Ellis says hunter safety involves the use of hunter orange, firearm rules and proper preparation. Hunter Orange Ellis said that since the beginning of Hunter Education and hunter (blaze) orange requirements in the mid-1970s, accidental shootings have decreased dramatically. He said a 2010 report by the Oregon Department of Fish and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – There are plenty of reasons to get excited for the start of Nebraska’s hunting seasons in September. None is bigger than the mixed bag opportunities across the state. Nebraska is where east meets west and north meets south, and our diverse habitats and wildlife offer mixed bag hunting opportunities not found anywhere else in the world. Sept. 1 opens up possibilities for hunting big game, small game and waterfowl. It is the start of the seasons for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters are reminded that state recreation areas (SRA) are closed to hunting until Sept. 4. Several hunting seasons will be open during the Labor Day weekend. Archery deer, teal, dove, grouse and other small game seasons will be open Sept. 1. SRA regulations prohibit any hunting until the Tuesday following Labor Day. This year that date is Sept. 4. Regulations state the portions of some SRAs are open to hunting from the first Tuesday following Labor Day …

CHADRON, Neb. – The public is invited to examine the natural diversity of the Pine Ridge during the third annual Chadron State Park Bioblitz on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14-15. A bioblitz engages attendees to identify as many plants and animal species as possible within a designated area and timeframe. During this bioblitz, members of the public will team up with local natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at Chadron State Park.  The event, …