LINCOLN – The shooting range at Pressey Wildlife Management Area will be temporarily closed during the opening weekend of pheasant season, Oct. 25-26. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is concerned for the safety of hunters in this area. Many hunters are expected to hunt the prime upland game habitat south of the shooting range. The parking lot near the shooting range will remain open to hunters, but target shooting will be prohibited. Pressey is located 5 miles north of …

LINCOLN – Women are invited to discover ways to prepare outdoor meals at a Dutch oven cooking workshop Oct. 30 at Lincoln’s Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center. The 6 p.m. workshop, part of the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman series, is open to women age 16 and older. The fee is $15. All equipment and supplies will be provided. The education center is located at 4703 N. 44th St. Contact Julia Plugge at 402-471-6009 or julia.plugge@nebraska.gov. -30-

LINCOLN – Deer are more active this time of the fall, when crops are being harvested and deer breeding season is in full swing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has tips to help drivers avoid deer-vehicle accidents and lessen the risk of personal 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 …

LINCOLN – A tree stand is a basic tool of many deer hunters. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges hunters to use the stands safely in order to have a memorable and successful hunt. Most tree stand accidents are caused by carelessness and can be avoided by following these tips: — Wear a full-body harness and attach yourself to the tree from the time you are on the ground before climbing into the stand, until you are back on …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters that updates to the Public Access Atlas are available online. It also recommends hunters check for updates before heading out to hunt on properties. The atlas is an annual publication that includes information on land enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program, which allows private land to be open to hunters and anglers for walk-in access. It also provides information on public state and federal lands open to …

LINCOLN – 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), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (308-382-6468, ext. 10), or The Crane Trust’s Whooper Watch hotline (1-888-399-2824). Emails may be submitted …

LINCOLN – Create a family tradition of celebrating autumn in one of Nebraska’s state parks. Parks statewide have planned events to help families enjoy the fall. Halloween events, including pumpkin carving, costume contests and haunted hayrack rides are scheduled throughout October at Eugene T. Mahoney, Platte River and Ponca state parks. Go back in time with living history events Oct. 18 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (SHP) and Oct. 19 at Arbor Lodge SHP. Call Rock Creek for …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners will consider changes to 2015 fishing regulations when they meet Oct. 23 in Scottsbluff. The meeting is at 8 a.m. at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 301 W. U.S. Highway 26. Game and Parks staff will present the commissioners fishing recommendations that include sport fishing, bait collecting and dealers, and aquatic invasive species regulations. Public hearings will be held at 8:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., respectively. Other public …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will soon begin forest-thinning projects at Chadron State Park and Keller Park State Recreation Area. The projects are set to begin sometime in October, depending upon weather conditions, and may continue through the end of 2014. The Chadron project is designed to remove dead and dying ponderosa pine trees that were killed by wildfire in 2012. Thinning will take place on 106 acres near park cabins along the scenic loop road. The …

LINCOLN – The body of a female mountain lion that may have been killed by a vehicle was discovered along a road near Ericson on Oct. 9. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is investigating. While there are signs the cat may have been struck by a vehicle, officials are awaiting the completion of forensic analysis. Anyone with information regarding the incident may call the Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers at 1-800-742-7627. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a …