NGPC News

Applications for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 2, 2023. The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for residents/nonresidents. People may apply …

Anglers need to be aware of fishing regulation changes in Nebraska that take effect Jan. 1, 2023. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s changes to 2023 fishing rules are: No Live Baitfish Waters – Crystal Lake (Adams County), Wagon Train State Recreation Area/Wildlife Management Area (Lancaster County), East Sutherland WMA (Lincoln County), West Cozad WMA (Dawson County) and Standing Bear Lake (Douglas County) were added to the list of water bodies where it is illegal to possess or use live …

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission  Get outdoors this winter and enjoy the invigorating fresh air of a winter’s day on a state park trail. These five trails are great choices, offering wildlife viewing, shelter from the wind, and beautiful scenic views to appreciate. Bring a friend and take in the unique beauty that this time of year offers. Turkey Run Trail, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area Shielded from the winter wind, this 1.2-mile trail at Wildcat Hills …

Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area in Garden and Keith counties is closed until further notice to all vehicle access due to high winds and heavy, drifting snow. The closure includes the Special Hunting Area, where controlled waterfowl hunting takes place from blinds. There will be no drawings for goose pits and no staff present until conditions improve.

Hunters are advised to be cautious and avoid heavy equipment performing wetland enhancement work at Pintail Wildlife Management Area in Hamilton 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. Operators will be using T Road, so hunters are advised to avoid using this road to park. This project will improve wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities by recovering wetland hydrology …

Due to blizzard conditions in western Nebraska, the 1940s Christmas in the Hollow event at Ash Hollow State Historical Park this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. has been cancelled. Access to the park will remain open daily from sunrise to sunset, however, there is no vehicle or foot access to the visitor center or parking area due to construction on the public bathrooms and sidewalk entrance to the visitor center. Primitive restrooms remain available to the public. A …

Starting immediately as weather allows over the winter months, officials across the state plan to burn slash piles. Nebraska Game and Parks will burn slash piles containing trees and shrubs removed from grasslands and forests, along with other debris piles, on both wildlife management areas and state park areas. The goal is to reduce fuel loads while conditions are safer for burning. In the Pine Ridge, Nebraska Game and Parks is partnering with the Pine Ridge Ranger District of the …

Ring in the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1. These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Or, choose any state park and create your own hiking adventure. Activities include a snowball toss at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area, a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park and a photo scavenger hunt at Johnson …

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can flex their artistic skills and outdoor stewardship by participating in the fourth annual Nebraska Fish Art Contest. This international art and writing competition – celebrating its 25th year in 2023 – gives youth the opportunity to highlight their talents while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. Participants can win prizes and recognition in Nebraska and internationally. The free contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro …

Nebraska’s bighorn sheep hunting season ended Dec. 6 when a hunter from the eastern end of the state punched his tag, one of the two permits issued for the season. Todd Nordeen, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission big game and disease research manager who supervises the hunting program, said each of the two rams harvested this year was a mature adult with full-curl horns. Both were harvested in the Wildcat Hills of the Panhandle. Jerry Fischer of Denton bagged …