LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters from around the country returned to rural Nebraska on Oct. 28-29 to partake in a coveted outdoor tradition – the upland bird hunting season opener. Overall, hunter success on the opening weekend was slightly lower than 2016, but hunter success for pheasants was highest in the southwest and northwest regions. Good quail numbers were reported throughout the southern half of Nebraska but very few hunters were targeting bobwhites. On opening day, most areas experienced cooler morning …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Excitement and anticipation are building for Nebraskans as the Nov. 11 opener of firearm deer season approaches. Deer populations for 2017 are higher for mule deer and about the same for whitetails. Favorable habitat and weather conditions this past year should provide for good fawn production and good survival of adults and fawns. The state’s mule deer herd produced the highest harvest on record in 2016 (9,257) and expectations for 2017 are for a modest increase. Whitetail …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The entire population of whooping cranes in the Central Flyway is expected to migrate through Nebraska over the next several weeks. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages the public to report whooping crane sightings. Information on crane sightings is used to positively affect whooping crane conservation and recovery efforts. Report any sightings to Game and Parks (402-471-0641) or online at http://outdoornebraska.gov/whoopingcrane/. Observers of cranes are encouraged to record number of birds, location, type of activity, and, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska youth got to experience an upland hunt as adult mentors took them afield for the state’s special youth pheasant hunt Oct. 21-22. The special hunt took place on 14 wildlife management areas (WMA), where the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission released 5,445 roosters Oct. 20. In total, 313 adult mentors accompanied 392 youth hunters on the hunt this year. Youth and their mentors harvested more than 600 roosters on the special hunt areas, including 34 wild …

LINCOLN, Neb. – For most upland game bird hunters, taking to the field provides a lot more than just the act of harvesting birds. It is a great opportunity for exercise, camaraderie and enjoying this time of year. Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Wendy Horine encourages all those going afield for an upland bird hunt to remember the basics of hunting safety: point the gun in a safe direction; treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep your finger off …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission customer service offices will be open on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 10. That also is the day before the nine-day firearm deer season opens. That means hunters will be able to purchase permits at Game and Parks offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, Kearney, North Platte, Alliance, Bassett and at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium. The offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hunters also may purchase permits or donate to the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Busy schedules around the holidays can make it easy to forget to purchase Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permits for the new year. Nov. 1 is the time to start buying 2018 annual hunting, fishing, fur harvest and park permits. While buying a permit for yourself, consider purchasing one as a holiday gift for a friend or family member. These permits are valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2018. Age and residency restrictions apply to some permits. Stamps also …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in November. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. Nov. 1 – Late doe/fawn antelope season opens Nov. 1 – Raccoon, opossum, long-tailed weasel, mink, red fox, gray fox and badger hunting and trapping seasons open Nov. 1 – Muskrat and beaver trapping season opens Nov. 3 – Wildlife and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Deer are more active this time of the fall. Crops are being harvested and deer breeding season is in full swing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has suggestions to help drivers avoid deer-vehicle accidents and lessen the risk of injury or vehicle damage. — During the breeding season, bucks become more active searching for does with which to breed. Bucks are bolder, less wary and more susceptible to collisions with vehicles. Deer movement peaks each day …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted a mountain lion management plan Oct. 20 at its meeting in Omaha. Mountain lions are an important component of the state’s biodiversity, and the mountain lion management plan is intended to guide management decisions based on the agency’s mission, as well as on the goals and principles stated in the plan. Following a public hearing, the commission rejected a staff recommendation to change shooting hours for small game, including pheasant, …