Home » NGPC News (page 24)

NGPC News

Duck hunters must choose from two bag limits when they register for HIP

Duck hunters again must choose between two daily bag limits when they register for their Harvest Information Program number this year. Nebraska and South Dakota are entering the second year of a “two-tier” program for the regular duck season. Tier I is a traditional six-duck bag limit with species and sex restrictions. Tier II is a three-duck bag limit with no species or sex restrictions. HIP registration begins Aug. 1. When hunters go to register, they will be asked whether …

Read More »

Southwest state parks temporarily banning campfires

NGPC news release logo

Some state recreation areas in southwest Nebraska are temporarily banning campfires as drought conditions have triggered extreme fire danger. The following Nebraska Game and Parks Commission areas will have campfire bans until further notice: Enders State Recreation Area Gallagher Canyon SRA Medicine Creek SRA Red Willow State Recreation Area Rock Creek Lake SRA Swanson SRA Additional parks may be added if drought conditions persist. Because of regularly changing conditions, guests also should call park areas prior to arrival to determine …

Read More »

Tips to give anglers edge during summer heat in Nebraska

Five young men fish along a rocky shoreline near sunset with their poles silhouetted above the lake water.

Anglers can use all the help they can get in the heat of summer when fishing gets tough. They, and their baits, really are up against it. There is much competition in the water. Knowing when and where to fish can make all the difference for them. “Fishing gets tough in the summer because fish have so much natural prey to eat,” says Daryl Bauer, fisheries outreach program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Everything is at its …

Read More »

Bighorn sheep lottery applications close Aug. 5

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2022 bighorn sheep lottery permit through Aug. 5. Only Nebraska residents are eligible. Apply at a Nebraska Game and Parks office or at outdoornebraska.org. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. The 2022 bighorn sheep season is Nov. 29 – Dec. 22. The permit will be drawn Aug. 31.

Read More »

Take ’em Hunting grand prize winner Luedtke introduces friend to hunting

Outdoor activities are better with friends – including hunting. Noah Luedtke introduced his friend, Preston Cuddy, to turkey hunting last fall through the Take ’em Hunting challenge and gave him the start he needed. Now, Cuddy is keeping active in the field. On July 13, Luedtke, of Martell, accepted the Take ’em Hunting grand prize John Deere Gator utility vehicle, donated by AKRS Equipment, in a ceremony at the AKRS Crete store. Luedtke, 24, was selected randomly from more than …

Read More »

Gifford Point WMA access permit applications accepted Aug. 1-15

People interested in hunting deer at Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area this fall may apply for access permits Aug. 1-15. Two hundred of these permits will be issued to allow hunters access to the area. The use of rimfire and centerfire rifles or handguns is prohibited at Gifford. Muzzleloaders are not allowed during the November firearm deer season. The Gifford permit allows access to take deer with archery equipment from Sept. 1, 2022, through Jan. 15, 2023, and with a …

Read More »

Seven unusual places to stay at Nebraska’s state parks

Ready for some adventure? Ditch your hotel room this summer and stay somewhere a bit unconventional – like a tepee or a remodeled caboose. Nebraska’s state parks have several unexpected opportunities like these that you might want to try. Here are several lodging options that are sure to give you stories to tell. Tepees at Platte River State Park This isn’t a camping opportunity you get every day: to sleep in a tepee. Platte River State Park offers four tepees …

Read More »

Float these 5 Nebraska water trails

Two women kayak in a meandering backwater of a river with grass-covered sand dunes, known as the Sandhills, in the background.

With summer sizzling, now’s the time to hit Nebraska’s water trails for a chance to cool off. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission features 10 water trails along stretches of the state’s well-known rivers and creeks. For the most part, these water trails — which cover more than 500 miles — are calm and perfect for kayaking, canoeing, tubing or even tanking. Choose a trail or a portion of the trail to suit your interests and skills. Here are our top …

Read More »

Fish kill reported at Pibel Lake

A fish kill at Pibel Lake in southern Wheeler County has affected a variety of sport fish and set back the size quality of fish in the popular fishing spot. Thousands of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish died June 21-22 in the 25-surface-acre lake south of Bartlett. High water temperature combined with a rapid die-off and decay of aquatic vegetation resulted in extremely low dissolved oxygen levels in the lake. The kill affected larger size fish in each …

Read More »

Public encouraged to take part in summer turkey survey

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is inviting the public to participate in its annual summer turkey survey July 1-Aug. 31. The survey provides useful estimates about annual production by wild turkey hens and how many poults, or young turkeys, survive the summer brood-rearing period. These records and observations inform management decisions regarding wild turkeys, their population size and habitat needs. During July and August, survey participants are asked to record all turkeys they see. Visit outdoornebraska.gov/turkeybroodsurvey for instructions and …

Read More »