NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – While many Nebraska boaters are eager to enjoy a summer day on the lake, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges them to be wary of a nasty hitchhiker: the zebra mussel. Over the Memorial Day weekend, Game and Parks watercraft inspectors found two boats with zebra mussels attached attempting to launch. Each boat was inspected and not allowed to launch with viable zebra mussels. Watercraft inspectors are present throughout the state this summer at various water …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Trout in the Classroom, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educational opportunity for schools and classrooms, will be accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year starting June 1. The interdisciplinary, science-based curriculum invites classrooms and schools to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process through raising trout eggs in their classroom during the spring semester. “My students absolutely love this program,” wrote one teacher about the 2020-21 program. “There is so much value …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, Neb. – Consider your motivations on why you enjoy fishing. Is it to catch a meal, compete for the largest fish, get away from life’s stresses or to be with friends? To faithfully mentor a new angler, whether they be young or old, one probably should start by asking why the angler wants to fish. The angler might have some experience but still be seeking to learn. From there, add the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Big game hunters may begin applying for 2021 elk, antelope and deer draw permits June 14. Elk applicants may apply for one elk permit or buy one elk bonus point. Deer and antelope applicants may apply for one deer or antelope permit or buy one deer or antelope preference point. A point may be purchased by an applicant in lieu of participating in the draw. Applications will be charged a nonrefundable fee; bonus and preference point purchases …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Meat processors have until July 1 to apply for participation in the 2021-2022 Hunters Helping the Hungry program, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The program pays participating processors to accept deer donated by hunters. The ground venison produced is picked up by charitable organizations and donated to Nebraskans in need. The application form is available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/hhh, under Participating Processors. Processors can apply to participate in any or all of the Nebraska 2021-2022 deer hunting …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is challenging outdoor enthusiasts in 2021 to explore the diverse state park system in honor of the parks’ centennial through the Your Parks Adventure challenge. Starting June 1, participants who visit any state parks or recreation areas, snap a photo at a designated station, and submit it and their story online are eligible to win prizes. Designated selfie stations will be at 100 sites among Game and Parks’ 76 state park, …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Learn about the 29 snake species and 14 amphibian species that call Nebraska home at Reptiles & Amphibians on Tap events in Lincoln and Beatrice. They are scheduled June 12 at Lincoln’s Rock ’n’ Joe Coffee Bar, 5025 Lindberg St., and June 18 at Beatrice’s Tall Tree Tastings, 122 N. 5th St. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators will host the in-person, festival-style event at Rock ’n’ Joe Coffee Bar from 9-11 a.m., with live reptile and …

LINCOLN, Neb. — From fish to snakes to pollinators, those curious about nature will have plenty of opportunities to be engaged by Nebraska Game and parks Commission educators this June. Here are a few opportunities: Get trained to survey for rare butterflies LINCOLN, Neb. — Learn to survey for rare butterflies in Nebraska during a June 5 training session offered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Game and Parks and community scientists will conduct surveys for monarch butterflies and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy music, barbeque, history and trick shooting at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area’s 100-year Extravaganza on June 5. The daylong event is part of Nebraska’s state parks centennial celebration. Activities will be located on the north side of the reservoir at Hannibal Hollow and Center Dam. Food and craft vendors will set up near the main park entrance at Center Dam camping area. All the events and activities are free. Camping at North 40 and Center Dam …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to Nebraska state parks can take a survey online to share their experiences this summer. To take the survey, visit go.unl.edu/nestateparks. The survey also is available at OutdoorNebraska.org/parkusersurvey. Crews have been conducting surveys in select parks every weekend since the beginning of April and will continue through the first weekend of August. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking for feedback about visitors’ park experiences at 22 state parks, recreation areas and historical parks. It is contracting …