NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Women and girls can attain certification in both firearm and bowhunter education in a single women’s-only class offered in Lincoln by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The four classes are held at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, located at 4703 N. 44th St. Class dates and times are: March 7, 6-9 p.m.; March 9, 6-9 p.m.; March 11, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 12, 8 a.m.-noon. The classes, which include several female instructors, focus …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Guests who purchase a ticket to the Sip Nebraska wine festival at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park before Feb. 20 are eligible for a special discount. Now in its fourth year, the May 5-6 festival features wine and hard cider tastings from Nebraska wineries, as well as live entertainment, artisan vendors, education sessions, dance lessons and trolley tours through the park. Transportation options to and from the park will be offered, as well as Uber on-site. A …

ALLIANCE, Neb. — Warmer temperatures have caused muddy road conditions and consequently the closure of the two-track pasture trails leading to two Sandhills lakes, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. They are Blue Lake in Garden County and Hudson Lake in Cherry County. The closure likely marks the season’s end at Hudson Lake, a 160-acre private body of water 27 miles southeast of Valentine near Big Alkali Lake Wildlife Management Area. It is open to the public only …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Sandhill crane enthusiasts are invited to visit Fort Kearny State Historical Park to enjoy the spring migration. The visitor center will open daily March 3 – April 9 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Staff will answer questions and direct visitors to viewing areas. One popular viewing location is the hike-bike bridge over the Platte River at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. The bridge is one-third mile from the parking area. The best viewing times are a half hour …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The application period for archery paddlefish permits begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Mail applications must be received in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Lincoln office by 5 p.m. and online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 14. Permits will be issued in a random drawing based on preference points earned; applicants with the most preference points will receive the greatest priority. Any permits remaining following the drawing will be …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Watercraft inspection workshops are scheduled for Feb. 22 at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area Visitor Center and March 1 at Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium. The workshops, which begin at 7 p.m., will provide an overview of the current Nebraska Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program, current regulations, status of these problem species across Nebraska, things boat owners, operators and/or mechanics need to look for and what they can do to prevent the spread of AIS, and steps to remove AIS …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Cowboy Poetry and Music Jam, scheduled for Feb. 12 at Bowring Ranch State Historical Park, has been canceled because of weather conditions. The event might be rescheduled. The park is located north of Merriman in Cherry County.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ice fishing is a fun way to spend time with family and friends. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages fishermen to be cautious of conditions before venturing onto the ice. Late-season ice fishing means conditions can vary greatly on a lake. During this time of year, run-off could open areas in lakes, springs could deteriorate ice and melting could occur along the edge of lakes, especially along the north shoreline. The minimum ice thickness for supporting …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Escape the hustle and bustle this year and spend Valentine’s Day in a relaxed setting at a Nebraska state park or recreation area. Several parks will be offering discounted lodging, gift packages, special dinners and birding tours. Reserve a cabin or lodge room at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP) between Feb. 10-14 (Friday through Tuesday) and add a Valentine package to your reservation. Reservations on Monday and Tuesday are at a 30 percent discounted rate. Gift …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Mormon Island State Recreation Area near Doniphan has reopened to the public. Late last week, an ice jam on the Platte River led to flooding in parts of the recreation area, and the campground lost power. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials on Feb. 3 closed the area until further notice. On Feb. 7, officials decided to reopen the park after flood waters receded and power to the campground was restored. Just off Interstate 80, Mormon Island …