NGPC News

LINCOLN – Missouri River boaters in northeast Nebraska will have two new ramps to launch from by next spring, one at Ponca State Park (SP) and another at Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will begin work soon at both sites in Dixon County. A new concrete boat ramp and parking area will be built on Elk Point Bend on the northwest edge of Ponca SP. The work site will be closed to public …

LINCOLN – Nebraska has recorded its second-highest bull elk harvest ever. This year, hunters took 102 bulls, compared to 105 in 2012. The early elk season closed on Oct. 25. In addition to bulls, 31 cows and six calves were harvested. Cow season will reopen Dec. 1 – 31, when an additional 50 cows are expected to be taken. This year’s elk harvest through Oct. 25, by unit permit, is as follows: Ash Creek, 10 bulls, two cows; Bordeaux, 19 …

LINCOLN – Family, friends and longtime colleagues gathered at Branched Oak Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lancaster County on Oct. 24 to dedicate the field trial area to Chester (Chet) A. McClain. McClain retired from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in 1994 after 36 years of service as a biologist. Together, with Commission Director Jim Douglas and Jack Higgins of the Nebraska Field Trial Association, guests celebrated McClain’s leadership in the development of the field trial area. “This is …

LINCOLN – The shooting range on Pressey Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Custer County will be temporarily closed during the opening weekend of pheasant and quail hunting season, Oct. 31 – Nov. 1. With the expected influx of hunters during this weekend, the shooting range will be closed as a safety precaution. Pressey WMA is located 4 miles northeast of Oconto.

LINCOLN – Upland game hunters across Nebraska will have improved prospects during this year’s pheasant season, which opens Oct. 31. Pheasant numbers are 55 percent higher than last year. Nebraska’s weather has been kind to the state’s upland game this year. The state has experienced relatively mild winters recently, which has aided over-winter survival of pheasants. The more pheasants – particularly hens – that survive the winter, the larger the breeding stock is for the breeding season. The favorable spring …

LINCOLN – The public is invited to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the Duane Westerholt Memorial Kiosk Dedication on the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail west of Norfolk on Nov. 6. The event honoring Westerholt’s contribution to the trail will take place at 11 a.m. at the kiosk located at a trail bridge over the Elkhorn River 3 miles west of TaHaZouka Park. Westerholt, during a 40-year career with the Commission, oversaw the Cowboy Trail and obtained …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted several changes to fishing and wildlife regulations at a meeting Oct. 23 in Fairbury. The following changes to fishing regulations were adopted: Bag, Possession and Length Limits – Language states that length and daily bag limits apply to fish, bullfrogs, snapping turtles, or mussels in possession while on the water or fishing, not just when actively fishing. Black Bass – The following water bodies return to the statewide 15-inch minimum length …

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in November: Nov. 1 – Camp and Treat, Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area, McCook, 308-345-5899 Nov. 1 – Late Doe/Fawn antelope hunting season opens Nov. 1 – Most 2016 annual permits and stamps available for purchase at OutdoorNebraska.org Nov. 1 – Muskrat and beaver trapping seasons open Nov. 1 – Hunting and trapping seasons open for raccoon, Virginia opossum, long-tailed weasel, mink, …

LINCOLN – Waterfowl seasons are opening in the state this month and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has safety reminders to help make each hunting trip safe and enjoyable. Hunter Education Coordinator Wendy Horine says hunters always should heed the following basic firearm safety rules: — Always keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. — Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. — Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire. …

LINCOLN – The public will have a chance to talk with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers and view examples of wildlife taken illegally on Oct. 23 in Waverly. Beginning at 5 p.m. at the Waverly-Plattsmouth high school football game, the Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers trailer will be open to the public. Mounts of wildlife taken illegally will be on display, along with conservation officers to answer questions about the mounts and explain the Wildlife Crimestoppers program. In addition, youth …