LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking information on two elk shot in Boyd County. The two elk – a cow and her calf – were shot and left in a field northwest of Gross sometime between Oct. 25 and the early morning hours of Oct. 26. Conservation officers investigated the site on the morning of Oct. 26 and found the calf already dead and the cow fatally wounded. Conservation officers euthanized the cow. Anyone with …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials have confirmed that a male mountain lion killed two goats near Chadron in Dawes County. The owner of the land where the goats were killed contacted Game and Parks officials on Oct. 24 after finding the carcasses. That same day, Game and Parks biologists examined the carcasses, as well as the immediate vicinity. The condition of the carcasses and presence of nearby mountain lion sign suggested a high probability that a …

LINCOLN, Neb.  – Producers in 15 counties in south central and southeastern Nebraska may apply for funding to help improve grasslands for grazing and wildlife. Through the Grassland Bird Initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to improve habitat for grassland birds such as bobwhite quail and greater prairie-chicken. Eligible lands include cropland, rangeland, pastureland and odd areas. Cost share of up to 75 percent is available …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering special antlerless deer hunting opportunities within Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks (SP), as well as Schramm Park State Recreation Area (SRA). Successful applicants will be issued a special access permit that allows them to hunt antlerless deer in designated areas of a park on certain dates, using specific equipment. Successful applicants and interested alternates must attend an orientation session in order to receive the access permit. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds the public that an informational meeting regarding fisheries improvements and future projects at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge will be held Oct. 5 in Valentine. The meeting, hosted by the refuge and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Niobrara Lodge, 803 E. U.S. Highway 20. Presentations will be given on improvements over the past several years, ongoing fish management surveys, fish populations …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Halloween-lovers of all ages are invited to Ponca State Park’s annual Hallowfest celebration on Oct. 14 and Oct. 21. Now in its 19th year, Hallowfest offers a variety of unique activities that have made this event a fall tradition for many families. Activities include campsite and cabin decorating contests, a pumpkin roll, pumpkin carving contest, haunted hayrack rides, seasonal crafts and much more. Tickets are required for the spooky haunted hayrack rides through the park, which are …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks system has launched a website for the sale of hunting, fishing and state park permits. The site, which went live on Sept. 28, offers improved navigation, mobile responsiveness and many other features, including: Information about each type of permit offered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, including accompanying stamp requirements, unit maps, telecheck instructions, and links to guides and Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration; The ability to search and sort remaining …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A private event that would have affected two entrances at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area (SRA) Sept. 27-29 has been cancelled. Park staff expected that the West Wind and Lake View (Lighthouse) entrances to Lake Minatare SRA would be closed to public access periodically throughout the two days. These and all other park entrances will remain open Sept. 27-29. All vehicles entering Lake Minatare SRA must have a valid state park permit. -30-

LINCOLN, Neb. — Youth over the age of 11 who have successfully completed hunter education are invited to take part in Nebraska’s state Youth Hunter Education Challenge. The Youth Hunter Education Challenge, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15, will allow youth to compete for prizes in a simulated hunting experience. The event, which is sponsored by the National Rifle Association, will help youth build their skills, get real-world hunting experience and learn about hunter safety and …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Lone Eagle Campground at Lake McConaughy State Recreation area will be closed to the public starting Sept. 19 for camping site upgrades. The closure will allow construction crews to complete installation of a wastewater and drinking water system, which will bring RV dump and fill locations to each of the 84 sites. In 2013, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission received a $740,000 appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature to upgrade all 84 camping sites at Lone Eagle …