LINCOLN – The access permit application period for Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) deer hunters runs through July 31. As many as 200 permits will be issued. Hunters must have at least one of the following valid deer permits to be eligible for an access permit: statewide archery, muzzleloader, youth or antlerless only season choice Wahoo. Gifford is closed to the use of rimfire and centerfire weapons. The access permit allows access to take deer with archery equipment from …

LINCOLN – Hot summer temperatures can bring people to the water in droves. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges everyone enjoying a day on the water to do so safely. Outdoor recreation in Nebraska is safe. Spending time outdoors or at any of the state’s family-friendly state park areas is a great way to make memories. Game and Parks has the following reminders for safety on the water: Avoid Alcohol – Whether boating, swimming or tubing, alcohol consumption should …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider 2015 early teal season dates at its meeting July 16 in Sidney. The commissioners will consider the following recommended season dates: Low Plains, Sept. 5-20; High Plains, Sept. 12-20. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Hampton Inn, 635 Cabela’s Drive. The public hearing for teal season dates will be at 9:15 a.m. Teal hunting season dates are set to coincide with the teal migration through Nebraska, and …

LINCOLN – An incident at a boat ramp at Willow Creek State Recreation Area near Pierce in northeast Nebraska has claimed the life of a woman. On the afternoon of July 10, emergency personnel, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission responded to a call of an unconscious 74-year-old Oakland, Ore., woman. She was transported to Faith Regional Medical Center in Norfolk, where she passed away that night. Witnesses reported the woman was boating with …

LINCOLN – Bring the family to Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area this summer for a series of fun and educational water-related presentations. These free Nebraska Water Wonders events will be held July 19, Aug. 9 and Aug. 30 from 2-4 p.m. at the Visitor/Water Interpretive Center. The topic for July 19 is aquifers. Family members of all ages can learn about the Ogallala Aquifer, enjoy an edible aquifer and even build an aquifer they can take home. Water usage will …

LINCOLN – Learn lifelong outdoor skills as a family at the Becoming an Outdoors-Family workshop Aug. 8-9 at Fort Kearny State Historical Park and State Recreation Area. Skills learned will help families enjoy the outdoors, create memories and start new traditions. Those skills include fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, aquatic education, outdoor cooking, archery and air guns. Free time may be spent enjoying swimming, disc golf, sand volleyball or visiting nearby Fort Kearny State Historical Park. The fee is $60 for …

LINCOLN – Hunters will be able to purchase remaining Nebraska big game permits beginning July 13. Starting at 1 p.m. Central Time, Nebraska residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining deer and antelope permits. In addition, residents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining elk permits. Permits may be purchased over the counter at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permitting offices or at OutdoorNebraska.org. The following are Game and Parks permitting offices: Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31, Gretna; …

LINCOLN – Two fishing tournaments are coming up in July for high school anglers – the Nebraska B.A.S.S. High School Team Championship on July 18 and the TBF-SAF Nebraska High School Fishing Tournament on July 25. Participation is open to students who will be in grades 9-12 this fall and have a Nebraska fishing license. Each two-student team will supply its own adult coach/boat operator and boat. Nebraska B.A.S.S. High School Team Championship – This tournament will be held July …

LINCOLN – Learn the basics of rimfire steel challenge and competitive shooting July 11 at Platte River State Park with the First Shots Second Round Rimfire Challenge. This free event, sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, will be held at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at 9 a.m. It is open to the first 20 registrants ages 12 and up. Those who bring their own rimfire rifle must bring their own ammunition. Loaner guns and ammunition …

LINCOLN – Women interested in learning all aspects of rifle shooting are invited to attend a series of Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman classes in July at various locations across southeast Nebraska. The rifle series is held each Wednesday in July from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Each class is $5. Participants may attend as many classes as they desire. Equipment and ammunition can be provided. The class schedule: July 8 – Introduction to .22 Rifles, Firearm Safety and Range Rules, Platte River State …