NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters of migratory birds are reminded of their requirement to register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) beginning Aug. 1. HIP registration is required of residents age 16 and older and all nonresidents who plan to hunt migratory game birds in Nebraska between Aug. 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021. These birds are doves, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots and woodcock. Among those who must register in Nebraska are hunters registered in another state and holders of …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has launched an outdoor discovery adventure at its Venture Parks system, a network of four parks nestled in the Platte River Valley between Omaha and Lincoln. This adventure was designed to take participants to all four parks — Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks and Louisville and Schramm Park state recreation areas — to discover six of their unique gems and find the answers to clues revealed in the …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Visit any fishing tackle store and you might be overwhelmed with the selection of what is “required” to go fishing. There are lures, jigs, plugs and poppers of every color and shape and rod and reels of every price range. The truth is that a stick, string, hook, weight and optional bobber is all it takes to have a fun evening of fishing at the lake. Let’s discuss what you really need. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Medicine Creek Reservoir’s Trail 4 boat ramp has been closed temporarily due to receding water from irrigation releases. The ramp should be back in service in September or October, depending on inflows back into the Frontier County reservoir after releases are shut down. “The closing of this ramp is typical for this time of year with irrigation releases from the reservoir,” said Aric Riggins, southwest regional park superintendent for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “It happens …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, has been issued at Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County. Visitors to Bluestem and Willow Creek state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing or jet skiing. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK. Dog owners are urged to keep pets out of the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Limited overnight lodging at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Peter Kiewit Lodge and the Fort Robinson State Park Lodge will return July 30. This is part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s continuing effort to restore park opportunities and amenities while protecting the public and staff from the spread of COVID-19. Starting July 30 and continuing until further notice, lodge rooms will be available for rental for Thursday, Friday or Saturday night stays, with Sunday checkouts. …

By Jerry Kane Nebraska Game and Parks Commission A well-tied fishing knot can make the difference between a great day and heartbreak. For a new angler, landing a nice fish knowing the hook is secured by a strong knot is a satisfying feeling. On the other hand, losing that same fish with a subpar knot is disappointing – and unnecessary. Beginner anglers only need to learn how to tie a few knots, but they need to know how and why …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The floating playground at Louisville State Recreation Area will reopen for use July 17 as part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s continuing effort to restore park opportunities and amenities across the state. The playground, one of the only floating obstacle courses in the region, will operate at about half capacity, allowing 55 people access at one time. “We are excited to restore this popular opportunity for outdoor recreation this summer,” said Parks Division Administrator Jim …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn about nature with your family by participating in a series of Family Nature Night events in Norfolk. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host six events on select Thursdays in July, August and September. Each Family Nature Night will be at 6 p.m. at a Norfolk city park and highlight the unique nature-related opportunities of those outdoor spaces. Participants are encouraged to wear a mask and must maintain 6-foot distancing. These events are free, however …

LINCOLN, Neb. – If you like trivia and wildlife, come join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for a free virtual trivia night at 6:30 p.m. July 21 This virtual, kid-friendly trivia night is a great way to show off or pick up knowledge on Nebraska wildlife. This event is free, but registration is required at fal.cn/WildlifeTrivia. Contact monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov for more information, or check out the Facebook pages for Game and Parks and Nebraska Project WILD.