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 …

LINCOLN – Children not exposed to hunting at a young age most likely won’t pursue that activity as an adult. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants to make hunting affordable to any interested youth through its $5 youth permit program. For $5, hunters ages 15 and under can buy turkey or deer permits in Nebraska, regardless of residency. Hunters ages 10-15 may apply for up to two youth deer permits at $5 each. Youth may buy up to three …

LINCOLN – The indoor archery and outdoor field course ranges at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln will be closed to the public Oct. 12 for an archery tournament. The indoor firearm and outdoor target ranges will remain open. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Archery Club will host a fundraising public archery tournament that day. The tournament will include outdoor 3-D, indoor target and other events. Archery equipment will be provided for those who do not bring …

LINCOLN – The scheduled rainbow trout stocking of the Harlan County Dam stilling basin has been canceled because of the uncertainty of water releases from the lake. The trout stocking was scheduled for Oct. 16, assuming no water was to be released from the lake this fall. However, plans apparently call for a release of water to take place. This would cause the trout to be flushed down the river and not allow them to be harvested by anglers. For …

LINCOLN – Youth ages 15 and younger are encouraged to participate in special youth pheasant hunts during the Oct. 18-19 statewide youth pheasant, quail and partridge season. Rooster pheasants will be released at nine wildlife management areas before the special youth hunt season. The special hunts are open to the public, and the number of participants is not limited. No registration or special permit is required. Special regulations posted at each of the nine WMAs will apply to all portions …

LINCOLN – Lakes in Seward and Broken Bow have been added to the list of sites that will host Trout Family Fishing events across Nebraska in October. These events are perfect for families and inexperienced anglers who want to learn more about fishing. Each body of water will be stocked with catchable-size trout before the event. Loaner fishing equipment, bait and instruction will be available. The Trout Family Fishing schedule is as follows (times are 4:30-6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted): …

LINCOLN – 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. Applications, …

LINCOLN – Enjoy autumn in the outdoors by celebrating Halloween at Nebraska’s state parks. Pre-Halloween activities for all ages will take place at seven park areas. The activities, by park, are: Alexandria State Recreation Area (SRA) – Go trick-or-treating at the campground decorated for Halloween at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18-19 at this park. Call 402-729-5777 for more information. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (SHP) – Enjoy Halloween’s Enchanted Garden, an annual event by the Friends of Arbor Lodge Foundation, …