NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Persons interested in pond and lake management are invited to a series of free workshops this spring. The workshops are a joint effort of the Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The workshops are intended for landowners and others interested in learning about: — Sandpit lake functions, characteristics and challenges — Managing waters for fisheries — Lake management planning — Resolving common maintenance problems — Toxic algae management and sampling …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The indoor archery range at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln will be closed Jan. 21 for a private event. The range also will be closed all day on Feb. 4-5 and until 4 p.m. on Feb. 18 for events. The education center is located at 4703 N. 44th St. Aside from special closures, the indoor archery and firearm ranges are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking for information regarding the illegal shooting and wanton waste of two deer a few miles northeast of Osceola in Polk County. In the early morning of Dec. 27, 2016, a landowner reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office that he had heard five gunshots near his rural residence. The landowner observed a vehicle – possibly a silver pickup – leaving the area. An adult doe was found dead in …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Tax season provides Nebraskans a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation. Line 42 on 2016 state income tax Form 1040N allows individuals to donate all or a part of their tax refund to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, ¬which focuses on saving Nebraska’s wildlife and wild places. “The check-off is one of the principal sources of state funding used to conserve more than 95 percent of fish and wildlife species that are considered nongame,” …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In 2016, a record 159 active bald eagle nests were documented in Nebraska by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and its partners. It was the third consecutive year the number of nests has broken the previous year’s record. Bald eagles were on federal and state endangered species lists as late as 2007 and 2008, respectively. The species has gone from a nonexistent breeding species in the state to one that is relatively numerous in less than …

ALLIANCE — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has made a slight change regarding an upcoming meeting for landowners in the northern Panhandle to discuss their roles and opportunities for pheasant management. The public meeting, which is Monday, Jan. 23, at Newberry’s in Alliance, has been moved up to 6:30 p.m., and dinner will be served. Those planning to attend may ensure they receive dinner by contacting the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Northwest District regional office at 308-763-2940 or …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Whether you’re new to hunting or an experienced die-hard, you can learn something new at three upcoming venison and game bird cooking classes taught by Cure Cooking at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP). The Jan. 21 Deer Sausage Making class will focus on the craft of natural sausage making for deer and other game using traditional methods – no pre-made mixes involved. During the Fresh Venison Cookery class on Jan. 28, students will explore several venison …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska’s outdoors in the winter can be just as much fun as the other seasons. Whether it’s hunting, ice fishing, cross country skiing, sledding or snowshoeing, the state has great outdoor opportunities. Being outdoors in the winter also means being safe in the coldest of temperatures. Avoiding hypothermia is critical. Hypothermia is a low body temperature most often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in a cold body of water. Some symptoms include shivering, confusion; …

ALLIANCE — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is inviting landowners in the northern Panhandle to discuss their roles and opportunities for pheasant management. The public meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Newberry’s, 104 West Fourth Street, in Alliance. The Commission will share information about the Berggren Plan, a five-year initiative aimed at improving the pheasant hunting experience in Nebraska. Attendees also will learn about a variety of conservation programs and incentives available to landowners within the …

GERING — The Wildcat Hills Shooting Sports Complex at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area is seeking enrollees for its first series of classes which consist of six sessions about muzzleloaders and archery. Both topics have a course set for each of the coming months – February, March and April. The courses are offered in three two-hour sessions over consecutive weeks. Cat Vinton, the facility’s superintendent, expects the courses to be popular. With advancements in equipment, long seasons and distinctive challenges, …