LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation on April 6 declaring that Nebraska is the Best Turkey Hunting Destination in the United States. The governor signed the proclamation in a ceremony at the Nebraska Capitol and presented it to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Director Jim Douglas and District 3 Commissioner Mick Jensen of Blair (northeastern Nebraska). In a recent survey, 90 percent of respondent Nebraska turkey hunters stated they had a satisfying experience. Several factors contribute to hunters’ …

LINCOLN – Wilkinson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Platte County has reopened to the public following a temporary closure in place to protect whooping cranes using the area. Three whooping cranes present at the WMA since March 25 left the area and continued their migration north on April 5. Whooping cranes are an endangered species and their wild population totals only about 300 individuals. The entire population migrates through Nebraska each spring and fall between wintering sites along the Texas …

LINCOLN – Goose Lake Wildlife Management Area, located southeast of Chambers in southern Holt County, is closed to public access until further notice. The closure by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is necessary because of an infestation of the invasive aquatic plant Eurasian watermilfoil. Eurasian watermilfoil can spread rapidly because a single fragment of stem or leaf can take root and form a new colony, and plants can grow up to 2 inches per day. Once established, the plant …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors April 24 in Gering. The free workshop will be held at Platte Valley Bank, 1850 10th St., from 2-5 p.m. Youth fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to Nebraska Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events, as well as receive program incentives. They also are encouraged to volunteer for such Nebraska Game and …

LINCOLN – Another summer of family fishing fun is scheduled with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s series of Family Fishing Events. Family Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn and enjoy the activity. Rods and reels, as well as bait and fishing instruction, will be available for free. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer at each site. Appropriate fishing and park permits are required. The …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2016 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 18. Only Nebraska residents are eligible. The application period ends Aug. 5, and the permit, the only one authorized for 2016, will be drawn Aug. 18. Applications must be accompanied by a $25 nonrefundable application fee. Apply at a Nebraska Game and Parks office or at OutdoorNebraska.org. The 2016 bighorn sheep season is Nov. 29 – Dec. 22.

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will collect spawning walleyes from Sherman Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir and Lake McConaughy in April. The collection goal to meet 2016 walleye stocking requests is approximately 78 million eggs. As of April 1, a designated area along the dam at Sherman is closed to bank anglers and boats following sunset. The collection at Sherman will begin the night of April 4. Anglers and boaters are asked to avoid Nebraska Game and Parks boats …

LINCOLN – The modern campground at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area (SRA) will be temporarily closed to the public starting April 8 for installation of new electrical pedestals. During the closure, 44 new electrical pedestals will be installed in the northern half of the campground. The upgrade will replace the existing pedestals, which were installed in the 1980s. The southern half of the campground was upgraded in 2012. Construction should take between two and three weeks. The campground will reopen …

LINCOLN – Wilkinson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Platte County has been partially closed to the public to protect three endangered whooping cranes using the area. The cranes have been present since March 25. The partial closure of the WMA involves the eastern third of the property, the section between 280th Avenue and U.S. Highway 81. The closed area is marked with orange “Area Closed” signs. Additional areas of the WMA may be closed depending on whooping crane use in …

LINCOLN – There still is time for Nebraskans to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation. Line 42 on 2015 state income tax Form 1040N allows individuals to donate all or a part of their tax refund to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, which focuses on saving Nebraska’s wildlife and wild places. The tax check-off is an important funding source for implementation of Nebraska’s Natural Legacy Project. This plan was developed to conserve wildlife before they become rare and more costly …