NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Because of COVID-19 concerns, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will not run check stations this firearm deer season. Instead, all deer will be checked in electronically via Telecheck. This decision was made to avoid close contact between check station workers and hunters during the Nov. 14-22 firearm deer season in an effort to protect public health. One major change from years past is that hunters must complete the Telecheck process within 48 hours of their deer …

LINCOLN, Neb. – From August through May, nearly 180,000 Nebraskans head to the field each year in search of various game. Whatever the quarry may be, hunters adhering to these safety tips reduce their risk and that of fellow hunters afield. Hunters always should follow these tips: • Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction. • Keep your firearm on safety and your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. • Identify your target, and what lies beyond …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Pine Ridge hunters and anglers should be aware of stream survey work on Bordeaux Creek Wildlife Management Area and U.S. Forest Service properties near Chadron during the week of Nov. 2. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct the surveys to collect physical information to be used for the design and planning of the Bordeaux Creek stream restoration project. The project will improve in-stream habitat, floodplain connectivity and improve fishing and access for anglers. For more …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Deer season is approaching and many hunters can safely purchase permits from the comfort of their own homes. Rather than travel to a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permitting office, hunters can purchase deer permits online at OutdoorNebraska.org. By going to that site, they also can monitor the number of remaining permits by clicking on Permits, and then Remaining Permits. The Nebraska firearm deer season is Nov. 14-22.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters are advised to be cautious and avoid heavy equipment performing wetland restoration work at Marsh Duck Wildlife Management Area in York County. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges the public to stay at least 200 yards from all equipment on the area for their and the equipment operator’s safety. Equipment also will be crossing County Road V adjacent to the Open Fields and Waters Program site just west of Marsh Duck. This project will improve …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans who want to donate or receive harvested deer can participate in the Deer Exchange. This program is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of deer. It brings together hunters who have a surplus of deer with recipients willing to accept the deer meat. The Deer Exchange, which is available annually from Sept. 1 through March 1, allows hunters and potential venison recipients to join a database and search for other participating parties in their area. Parties …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept lottery applications for mountain lion permits Nov. 2 – Dec. 9, 2020, for the 2021 hunting season. Permits are available only to Nebraska residents, who may have one permit per calendar year. The bag limit for each permit is one mountain lion of either sex. The 2021 Season 1 in the Pine Ridge Unit, which no longer is divided into subunits, will be Jan. 2-Feb. 28. Before Feb. 28, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters should expect to find pheasants in numbers similar or slightly higher than last year when the Nebraska pheasant, quail and partridge seasons open on Oct. 31. Pheasant counts were up 5% statewide, according to the July Rural Mail Carrier Survey. Notable increases were observed in the southwest and Panhandle, which should offer the best pheasant hunting opportunities and abundant public access. Quail counts during the July survey and the Whistle Count Survey were 14-16% lower compared …

LINCOLN, Neb. – November offers a variety of ways to learn about and enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few you can take advantage of: Nov. 3, 10, 17: College Night on the Range, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln – College students can work on their firearm or archery skills for a reduced price on Tuesday nights through the fall semester. Nov. 7-8: River Valley Artisan and Craft Market, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland – Start …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept submissions for the 2020 Nebraskaland Magazine photo contest through Nov. 22, 2020. With miles of winding rivers, wide-open vistas and wildlife from border to border, Nebraska is a photographer’s paradise. Each year, Nebraskaland Magazine celebrates the state’s beauty and recognizes the outstanding work of photographers across Nebraska during this annual photo contest. Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit photos in four categories: wildlife, scenic, …