NGPC News

LINCOLN – Learn about birds of prey and see live owls, falcons, and hawks up-close during a Raptor Recovery presentation Aug. 6 at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Participants of all ages will have an opportunity to dissect owl pellets following the 2 p.m. presentation. An owl regurgitates a pellet after it eats. Dissecting a pellet reveals the indigestible material – such as fur, feathers and bones – of the prey that an owl ate. Raptor Recovery rescues injured birds …

LINCOLN – Niobrara State Park will host a variety of fun and educational events for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages during August. Scheduled events are: • Aug. 6, Waterfowl Hunting/Cold-Water Hypothermia Safety Class: Bring your chest waders and hunting gear and practice water safety in the controlled environment of the park’s swimming pool. • Aug. 12, National Park Service Presents “Discover the Real Missouri:” Learn more about the Missouri National Recreational River. • Aug. 12-14, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Powwow: …

CRAWFORD, Neb. — The Cheyenne Trotters, a group of skilled horse enthusiasts who specialize in cavalry demonstrations, parades and drill team performances, will entertain audiences during a series of appearances at Fort Robinson State Park in August. Drill performances are set for Thursday, Aug. 11, prior to the fort’s weekly rodeo at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m., also at the rodeo arena. Cavalry performances will be Friday-Sunday, Aug. 12-14, on the park’s parade grounds at 10 …

LINCOLN – Nebraska’s upland bird harvest saw a big increase between the 2014 and 2015 seasons, and hunter participation was up as well, according to results from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s annual hunter harvest survey. Pheasant harvest was up by 26 percent. During the 2015 season, 166,285 rooster pheasants were harvested, compared to 131,423 during the 2014 season. Quail harvest increased by 73 percent, with 91,472 quail harvested in 2015, compared to 52,947 birds in 2014. In addition, …

LINCOLN – A women’s clinic teaching the safe use and ownership of guns is scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. At the NRA Women on Target Instructional Shooting Clinic, women will find a safe space to increase their shooting skills. Participants will choose nine workshops to join throughout the day that cover topics like handguns, shotguns, ammunition and more. Equipment is included in the $50 registration fee. You may register at …

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in August: Aug. 1 – Squirrel season opens Aug. 1 – Outdoor Skills Club, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 3:30 p.m., 402-471-6141 Aug. 1 – Growing Up WILD Workshop, St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Omaha, 6:30 p.m., 402-471-5581 Aug. 2 – Family Fishing Event, Prairie Queen Recreation Areas, LaVista, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 2 – Ladies Winchester Marksmanship Program, Nebraska Game and …

LINCOLN – A variety of fun workshops based around nature and outdoor activities is scheduled for July 26-31 at Ponca State Park (SP). Outdoor recreation enthusiasts can enjoy introductory sessions on archery, kayaking, wilderness survival skills and various types of firearms. Wildlife and nature sessions will highlight species such as owls, butterflies and nighttime creatures. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about different habitats at Ponca SP and to compete in outdoor games. A park permit is required …

LINCOLN – Grant Pavelka and Tyler Rowland of North Platte High School caught a five-fish limit weighing 15.85 pounds to capture the Nebraska High School Fishing Championship for the second year in a row. The event took place July 23 at Elwood Reservoir Wildlife Management Area north of Elwood in Gosper County. The winning team’s largest bass weighed 3.57 pounds. Ben Pavelka was the team’s coach and boat operator. Ian Pinhero and Owen Jansen of Omaha Westside took second place …

LINCOLN – Learn how to prepare a tasty outdoor meal in a Dutch oven at a workshop Aug. 11 at Louisville State Recreation Area. Instructors will teach participants of all ages how to season, maintain temperature, cook with, clean and store a Dutch oven, as well as basic tools needed. All equipment and supplies will be provided. This Becoming an Outdoors-Family event begins at 6 p.m. at the Meisinger Picnic Shelter on Lake No. 2. The workshop fee is $5. …

CHADRON, Neb. — Bats, owls and other nocturnal species will be in the spotlight this week as the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission presents its Creatures of the Night program at Chadron State Park. The program, which is open to the public free of charge, will be Saturday, July 30, at 8:30 p.m. beginning at the lagoon shelter. Amanda Filipi, an educator for the Commission, will lead the hike through the dark, in which participants may bring a flashlight or …