NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted wildlife regulations that enacted a Special Landowner Deer Season and allowed the purchase of a bonus or a preference point with regard to big game hunting at its Jan. 13 meeting in Lincoln. The Special Landowner Deer Season and purchase of a bonus or a preference point were created by the passage of LB 126 and LB 287, respectively, in the Nebraska Legislature’s 2020 session. The Special Landowner Deer Season …

ALLIANCE, Neb. – Many anglers have been enjoying the popular pastime of ice-fishing in recent weeks, even though mild temperatures have caused conditions to vary greatly throughout ponds and reservoirs in the Nebraska Panhandle. Locations that have drawn anglers include Box Butte State Recreation Area, Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area, Frye Lake WMA, Walgren SRA, Island Lake on the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Chadron City Reservoirs. Sean McKeehan, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer, said …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering additional incentives to landowners who sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program, commonly known as CRP. Agricultural producers and private landowners can enroll in the CRP general sign-up through Feb. 12, or continuous CRP practices until Oct. 1. The program administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation. Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish a perennial cover, such as a stand of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Educators can take advantage of the newly updated Project WILD curriculum in virtual workshops Feb. 16 and 23. Project WILD provides interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education curriculum and materials that focus on wildlife. The updated curriculum builds upon changing wildlife conservation needs and advances in instructional methodology in pre-K and K-12 education, said wildlife educator Jamie Bachmann. “We’re excited to offer new content in every activity, including outdoor learning opportunities, STEM extensions and career connections,” Bachmann said. …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Ever wondered what a day in the life of a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officer is really like? Or what equipment the zoologist uses to track tiger beetles? How about how many miles the public information officers hike to get photos for a Nebraskaland story? Wonder no more. During 2021, Game and Parks will host a monthly virtual Conservation Career Chat featuring one of 12 jobs within the agency. The live interviews will be at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Gracie Creek Pond, a popular fishery located on the north side of Calamus Reservoir in Loup County, was stocked with trout Jan. 11. The Grove Trout Rearing Station near Royal stocked 800 10½-inch rainbow trout to provide winter fishing opportunities. The pond had been stocked with 1,000 rainbows in late October. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information on fishing in Nebraska or to buy a 2021 fishing license.

This is the final installment in a four-part series of articles on ice-fishing for beginners. By Daryl Bauer Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, Neb. – Venture to a tackle shop where ice-fishing gear is on display and you will see aisles filled with ice-fishing rods and reels. The first thing you will notice about that equipment is the length. The rods are short. They are short to allow anglers to fish closer to their hole. However, if you are …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Spring turkey hunting permits for 2021 will be available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 11. Nebraska offers the best turkey hunting opportunities in the nation. Nebraska offers birds in every county of the state. The state also offers plentiful and affordable permits, long seasons, great public access and $8 permits for youth. Wild turkey hunters in Nebraska enjoy high success rates. In the spring, hunters can purchase as many as three permits, with …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider wildlife regulation changes that include a proposal to enact a Special Landowner Deer Season and allow the purchase of a bonus or a preference point with regard to big game hunting when it meets Jan. 13 in Lincoln. The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St. The Special Landowner Deer Season and purchase of a bonus or a preference point were created by …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Educators can explore handpicked activities to engage early learners in the changing seasons with virtual workshops Feb. 2 and Feb. 9. Educators, after-school program leaders and in-home daycare providers who work with children ages 3 through 7 are invited to this free workshop. It focuses on the high-quality, easy-to-use Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children guide. Participants will receive the Growing Up WILD educational activity guide containing 21 lesson plans that build on children’s sense …