Anglers can learn the basics of fly tying that will prepare them to catch trout and panfish this spring. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host fly-tying workshops March 9 and 12 at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. Members of the Cornhusker Fly Fishers Club will teach the two-hour sessions, which are at 6 p.m. March 9 and 2 p.m. March 12. The workshop, which is open to new and experienced fly tiers, will include all materials …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted special area regulation changes for wildlife management areas at its meeting Jan. 28 in Lincoln. The changes concern hunting at Gifford Point WMA in Sarpy County. They include moving the application period for special access permits to hunt deer to Aug. 1-15; moving the permit drawing date, if requests exceed 200, to Aug. 15; requiring email addresses on applications; and clarifying that a buddy request must be made on the same application. Changes …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved grant awards for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and the Recreational Trails Program at its meeting Jan. 28 in Lincoln. Commissioners approved the following grant awards totaling nearly $1.8 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program: • City of Blair, $400,000 for the Generations Park development; • City of Lexington, $175,000 for the Patriot Park trail and pond development; • City of Humphrey, $400,000 for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans receiving an income tax refund this year have an opportunity to support wildlife and habitat conservation. On Line 46 of the Nebraska state income tax form, 1040N, individuals may donate $1 or more of their tax refund to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, which is used to help several hundred species in Nebraska that are rare, endangered or threatened. Tax refund donations have benefited native wildlife, fish, and plants over the years, including the Blanding’s turtle, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider special area regulation changes for wildlife management areas when it meets Jan. 28 in Lincoln. The meeting will start at 8 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St. The proposed changes would affect hunting at Gifford Point WMA in Sarpy County, including moving the application period for special access permits to hunt deer. Changes also would clarify regulations on the Killdeer Lake WMA sight-in range in Lancaster County, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Kathryn Romine of Lincoln became a big advocate for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Your Parks Adventure challenge this year. “I really like the spirit of adventure and the opportunity to get out and see places I never get a chance to see,” Romine said. “I’m always up for getting out and hitting the road.” She and her friend visited several state parks and recreation areas across Nebraska, many for the first time, taking part in …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska’s first regulated harvest season for river otters will close Jan. 11 due to the season close trigger of 75 otters being met. River otters incidentally trapped after Jan. 10 must be turned over to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The season opened on Nov. 1 and otters only were allowed to be harvested by trapping. Game and Parks’ goal is to manage and maintain healthy, thriving wildlife populations for the long term. The pilot season …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The 2022 mountain lion hunting season in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge closed Jan. 6 when the harvest limit of four (three males and one female) was met. The season opened Jan. 2. Excellent snow tracking conditions likely helped hunters find success during the season. In accordance with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s management objective, the harvest of mountain lions allows the population to remain resilient and healthy, while halting growth or moderately reducing the population size. “This …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Spring turkey hunting permits for 2022 will be available from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 10. Nebraska offers birds in every county of the state. The state also offers plentiful and affordable permits, long seasons, great public access and $8 permits for youth. Wild turkey hunters in Nebraska enjoy high success rates. In the spring, hunters can purchase as many as three permits, with a bag limit of one turkey per permit. The spring …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at three Discover Ice-Fishing clinics this month. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Youth Fishing Program will host two on-ice events and one classroom event. From 1-5 p.m. Jan. 15, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a classroom clinic at Kearney’s Yanney Heritage Parks Environmental Resource Center. This will feature presentations by some of Nebraska’s top ice fishermen. …