NGPC News

LINCOLN — A health advisory has been lifted at Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County. The advisory was put in place after high levels of blue-green algae were detected at the lake. A health advisory related to blue-green algae remains in effect at Willow Creek Lake in Pierce County, and a new health advisory has been issued for Rockford Lake in Gage County. Visitors to Willow Creek and Rockford lakes should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, …

LINCOLN – The conditions of wetlands across the state is varied, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. On Sept. 1, Game and Parks released a report on the status of Rainwater Basin wetlands, as well as pumping plans. While conditions were good in some areas, they were dry in others. “Conditions are generally good throughout much of the Sandhills and along the Platte River,” said Ted LaGrange, wetland program manager for the Commission. “However, the wetland water conditions …

GERING — The newly constructed shooting complex at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will open Labor Day weekend. The new facility along Nebraska Highway 71 south of Gering will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  A grand opening will be scheduled at a later date with the dedication of the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, which is being renovated. “We’re looking forward to showing this new complex off to the public and begin serving the region in …

LINCOLN – Nebraska’s archery deer season opens Sept. 1 and hunters are reminded that they must check their harvested deer via Telecheck. The electronic checking service known as Telecheck will be available by both phone service at 844-279-4564 or online at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Telecheck starting Sept. 1. Telecheck allows hunters to check deer or antelope 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All deer harvested outside the November firearm season and all antelope harvested outside the October firearm season must be …

LINCOLN – Waterfowl hunters on state recreation areas (SRA) are reminded they may not shoot teal until Sept. 6, three days following the opening of the early teal season. The early teal season begins Sept. 3. SRA regulations prohibit any hunting until the Tuesday following Labor Day, which is Sept. 6. Regulations state the portions of some SRAs are open to hunting from the first Tuesday following Labor Day through the end of the spring turkey hunting season, unless restricted. …

LINCOLN – Nebraska’s teal hunting season in the northern part of the state remains on an experimental basis this year. Continuation of that part of the state’s teal season in future years depends on hunters’ ability to distinguish teal from other duck species. During this experimental period, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is evaluating the rate at which nontarget species are shot at or taken in the northern part of the state. If the rate is considered unacceptable by …

LINCOLN – Even though summer is winding down, Nebraskans still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a fun day of boating. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers several reminders to help boaters have a safe day on the water. Wear a Life Jacket – Children under age 13 and anybody on a personal watercraft are required by law to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. People being towed by a boat on skis, a tube, or …

LINCOLN – Dove hunting season begins soon and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has some reminders for those hunters, as well as recommendations for areas to hunt. Doves may be hunted statewide. The season is Sept. 1 – Oct. 30, with daily bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively. Bag limits are for mourning, white-winged and Eurasian collared doves in aggregate. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Nebraska residents 16 years and older and …

LINCOLN — A health advisory has been lifted at Branched Oak Lake in Lancaster County. The advisory was put in place after high levels of blue-green algae were detected at the lake. Health advisories related to blue-green algae remain in effect at Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County and at Willow Creek Lake in Pierce County. Visitors to Pawnee and Willow Creek lakes should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as …

LINCOLN – This fall the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Nebraska will survey hunters who use public lands in Nebraska. Beginning Sept. 1, hunters at wildlife management areas or private lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters program may be approached by UNL researchers or Game and Park staff, who will ask a series of questions about their hunting experiences. Game and Parks will use insights …