NGPC News

LINCOLN – Learn everything there is to know about muzzleloaders at the Muzzleloader Sight-In and Family Rendezvous on Oct. 9 at Platte River State Park. The event will be held at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Participants will be able to sight in their muzzleloaders for $5. Several free family-friendly activities are scheduled, including youth archery, slingshots, atlatl and tomahawk throwing, pellet gun and muzzleloader shooting, campground games and Dutch oven cooking. Treats …

LINCOLN – The public is invited to attend informational meetings across the state in October regarding the future of Nebraska’s aquatic resources. Fisheries personnel from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have been developing a road map for the state’s fisheries and aquatic resources. The public’s participation in the planning process is encouraged. Each meeting will include an overview of the Commission’s Fisheries Division, an outline of the planning process and public feedback. The two-hour meetings will begin at 7 …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting grant proposals that will enhance watchable wildlife opportunities and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. Watchable Wildlife Grants, funded through the Wildlife Conservation Fund, help to develop wildlife-viewing and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. The intent of these grants is to help people build appreciation and stewardship for natural resources through practical experience. Individuals, nonprofit, governmental, and for-profit entities are encouraged and eligible to apply. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, …

LINCOLN – Just in time for the fall turkey season, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has finished its analysis of a survey of spring turkey hunters. According to survey results, spring turkey hunters enjoyed a high rate of success in Nebraska in 2016. More turkeys were harvested during the 2016 spring season compared to 2015, despite a slight drop in the number of permits sold. Hunters who provided email addresses at the time they purchased 2016 spring turkey permits …

LINCOLN – View work by nationally known artists from around the Midwest at the Autumn Harvest Art Show, scheduled for Oct. 1-2 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. This event, hosted by Prairie Images, will be held at the Peter Kiewit Lodge from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 1 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the following day. The works of art will include wildlife, landscape, cityscape, portrait, still life, Native American, Southwest, Americana and Impressionist paintings in …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission needs the public’s help in documenting new and existing habitat for monarch butterflies. The public is encouraged to enter plantings of milkweed into the Monarch Tracker, which is available on the Game and Parks website. Doing so will help Game and Parks identify areas where milkweed and other pollinator-friendly flora can be planted, restored or enhanced in the next several years. Monarch populations are in serious decline, mostly because of loss of …

LINCOLN – A tree stand is a basic tool of many archery deer hunters. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges hunters to use the equipment safely in order to have a memorable and successful hunt. Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Wendy Horine suggests hunters follow these tips to hunt safely using a tree stand: — Always use a fall arrest system rated for your personal weight. “Ropes or other homemade devices should never be used as a substitute for a …

LINCOLN – Volunteers in towns along the Cowboy Trail are invited to support monarch butterfly conservation by helping the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission plant milkweed seedlings on the trail right-of-way. Monarch butterflies have seen significant population declines in the past several years. One of the primary reasons for their decline is lack of milkweed plants, which are critical in the life cycle of the monarch. Eggs are laid only on milkweed plants, and caterpillars eat milkweed leaves exclusively. Game …

LINCOLN – Squirrel hunting is fun, challenging and a great introductory hunt for youth or novices. Taking a new hunter on a squirrel hunt in the woods can serve as a prelude to the pursuit of other game, as the skills and strategies learned can be used on other types of hunts. It also may develop a novice’s sense of stewardship of natural resources and appreciation for conservation. “Another reason squirrel hunting is a great activity for kids is the …

LINCOLN – Step back in time to see historic trades, talents and other demonstrations come alive during living history weekends this fall at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Each themed weekend will offer visitors a unique glimpse of history and an opportunity to enjoy fall days on the Nebraska City park’s grounds and in the mansion. The schedule and themes are: Sept. 24-25: Wheels of Transportation; Oct. 1-2: Ethnic Festival; Oct. 8-9: Mountain Man Rendezvous; Oct. 15-16: Great American Pastimes; …