LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will burn brush piles throughout the winter as conditions allow. Many tree and shrub piles occur in areas where trimming has occurred, areas with storm damage or where trees have been cut to improve wildlife habitat. Removing piles when snow is on the ground is safer, and their removal allows for safer prescribed burns later in the year. It also facilitates the area to be seeded to desirable grasses and forbs. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has declared a fish salvage for Hackberry Lake on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge south of Valentine from Dec. 18, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021. The lake was scheduled to have its existing fish population renovated during 2019 and 2020 as part of an Aquatic Habitat Project to eliminate common carp on the refuge. However, the renovation has been postponed multiple times due to wet conditions and unsuitable water levels. Salvages …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Educators of preschool-aged children are invited to the Jan. 19 virtual Birds and Books educator workshop, which focuses on using literature books to teach science concepts. Nebraska is home to more than 450 bird species, which can be found in nearly every habitat. Birds are easy to see and fun to watch, creating a fantastic opportunity to learn about science. Participants will receive bird-related and science-focused lesson ideas, bird-related literature books, Birds of Nebraska Field Guide and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – When Janice Spicha shot a northern pintail on a Harlan County duck hunt Nov. 18, she said “it was like winning the lottery.” Not because that bird gave her a Nebraska Duck Slam, making her the first female to complete it this season. “A pintail is kind of elusive out here at times,” the 73-year-old Alma hunter said. “I knew it would be the hardest duck to get. Pintails have been few and far between.” The Nebraska …

LINCOLN, Neb. – More rainbow trout are being stocked in Omaha, Lincoln and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park waters this month to provide excellent fishing opportunities this winter. Trout are being stocked the week of Dec. 14 at Omaha’s Standing Bear Lake (3,750 trout) and Mahoney’s CenturyLink Lake (3,500). A week earlier, Lincoln’s Holmes (3,000) and Bowling (400 in south pond) lakes, and Omaha’s Standing Bear (3,750) were stocked. For those who enjoy stream fishing, East Verdigre Creek near Royal …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Parks staff of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will burn brush piles the week of Dec. 14 at Mormon Island and Windmill state recreation areas. The burns at Mormon Island, in Hall County, and Windmill, in Buffalo County, will eliminate fuels and small predator habitat by burning dead tree limbs from storm damage. These burns will help keep the areas open for continued tree management.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at virtual Discover Ice-Fishing clinics in January. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host classroom clinics via Zoom on Jan. 16 and Jan. 19. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be no on-ice clinics in January. Join the panel of avid ice-fishers to learn about ice-fishing safety, clothing, equipment and gear, as …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Those looking for more ideas on using nature in the classroom are invited to a virtual educator workshop Jan. 12 that focuses on engaging young children in nature through discovery and science. Growing Up WILD is a high-quality, easy-to-use guide for all educators, after-school program leaders and in-home daycare providers who work with children ages 3 through 7. Growing Up WILD involves social, emotional, physical and cognitive domains to foster learning in all areas. Participants will receive …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Give the gift of going outdoors this holiday season with the purchase of a 2021 hunt, fish or park permit for your family, friends or even yourself. Permits are easy to buy and wrap (and mail cheap). They are available on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website, as well as at all Game and Parks offices. Annual, multiyear and lifetime hunting and fishing permits are great gifts for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. Add a park …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Time is running out for hunters to apply for a 2021 mountain lion lottery permit. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications through 5 p.m. (11:59 p.m. if applying online) Dec. 9, 2020. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org to apply online or download an application at OutdoorNebraska.gov/mountainlionhunting. A $15 nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with each application. Permits are available only to Nebraska residents, who may have one permit per calendar year. The bag limit for each …