LINCOLN – An elk tag will be auctioned off at the Nebraska Big Game Society (NBGS) banquet May 2 in Lincoln. The banquet will be held at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, 1800 Wilderness Woods Place. Those who wish to bid but cannot attend may call in their bids for free. Call-in bidders must first notify the NBGS by 5 p.m. on April 29 at 402-430-9191 or 402-429-7181, or via email at NBGS11@gmail.com. Only residents are eligible for the tag, which …

LINCOLN – The aquatic habitat rehabilitation project is complete at Burchard Wildlife Management Area, however the reservoir remains low. The new boat ramp facility is still not accessible and will remain closed because of the water level is 7-8 feet below full pool. Access to the reservoir is allowed for bank angling, but all vehicles must remain on roads and parking lots. Launching small vessels, such as johnboats, kayaks, canoes and float tubes, is also allowed provided they are carried …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has recently installed a temporary control structure below Rat and Beaver lakes located in Cherry County. This structure will allow the lakes to be lowered 18 inches over several months in preparation for a complete lake rehabilitation project. Improvements to the boat launch area, a complete fish renovation, and installation of two fish barriers below Rat and Beaver lakes will be completed by late 2014 or early 2015. Currently, the Rat and …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors April 27 in Scottsbluff. The free workshop will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 101 E. 20th St., from 2-5 p.m. Youth fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events and will receive program incentives. They also are encouraged to volunteer for such Game and Parks programs …

LINCOLN – Some Nebraska hunting and fishing permits now may be purchased, accessed or displayed on a mobile device. The image of a mobile permit may be displayed and saved on a device such as a phone or tablet. The mobile permit fulfills the requirement of carrying a permit while eliminating the need to carry a paper version. Mobile permit purchase options are currently limited to hunt (small game), fish, and resident fur harvest permits, as well as associated stamps. …

LINCOLN – The public is invited to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the Southeast District Birding Day on May 14 at the Nebraska Eastern Saline Wetlands in northern Lancaster County. This free morning of birding will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the parking lot of Little Salt Fork Marsh Preserve, a half-mile west of the intersection of N. 1st Street and Raymond Road. A carpool from Game and Parks’ Lincoln headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St., is available. …

LINCOLN – On April 30, Nebraskans from across the state will make time to walk for 30 minutes at lunchtime. In doing so, they’ll take part in National Walk at Lunch Day, an annual event intended to encourage participants to engage in healthy lifestyle choices. Participants will also help raise money for the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation. For every organization that registers walkers for the annual event, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska will contribute $20 to the …

LINCOLN – Another spring and summer of family fishing fun is scheduled with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s 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. All …

LINCOLN – Have you ever touched a snake? Or seen a badger? Come to Wild Adventure Day on April 19 in Lincoln and have that opportunity. This free public event, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Wildlife Federation, and Friends of Pioneers Park, will take place at Pioneers Park Nature Center, located at 3201 S. Coddington Ave., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. See more than 30 nature-related activities for youth and families. Among the activities will be live …

LINCOLN – The Great Park Pursuit (GPP) begins its seventh year of giving people an opportunity to win prizes while enjoying parks across Nebraska. The goal of GPP, a partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association, is to promote active lifestyles while increasing awareness of the state’s nature-rich outdoor recreation opportunities. This is done by encouraging participants to visit up to 20 GPP sites located across Nebraska between May 1 and Sept. …