LINCOLN, Neb. – Across Nebraska, a record 358 students have been enrolled as 2020 National Archery in the Schools Program Academic Archers. The NASP Academic Archer Program was established nationally in 2016 to recognize academic achievement among participating student-archers. Since then, Nebraska’s Academic Archer enrollment numbers have increased annually. All students who fully participate in an in-school NASP archery class or participate on the school archery team at a recognized NASP school and meet local academic criteria for recognition are …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ted LaGrange, wetlands program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, is the 2020 recipient of the ELI National Wetlands Award for Wetlands Program Development. The National Wetlands Awards Program, administered by the Environmental Law Institute, has honored more than 200 wetland champions since its establishment in 1989. The program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation’s wetlands. The Wetlands Program Development award is given to a state, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine has developed a reputation for its population of the highly sought muskellunge, often referred to as “the fish of a thousand casts.” A story by editor Jeff Kurrus in the April issue of Nebraskaland Magazine tells how the muskies of Merritt are defying the species’ reputation as an extremely rare catch and how regulations are being adapted to keep it that way. The April issue also features stories about the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The 2020 mountain lion hunting season in the Pine Ridge closed March 31 with seven mountain lions harvested. Season 1 opened Jan. 2. The south subunit closed during Season 1 when the harvest limit of four (three male and one female) was met on Feb. 5. No mountain lions were harvested during Season 1 in the north subunit, so an Auxiliary Season was held. Three mountain lions (two male and one female) were harvested during the north …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The summer season of the Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson State Park has been cancelled to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus. “We plan to pick up next year with our 2021 season and be stronger than ever,” said Tom Ossowski, producing artistic director for Post Playhouse Inc. The Post Playhouse has been providing live theatre at Fort Robinson since 1967. For more information and options for persons who have purchased tickets already, visit postplayhouse.com.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Roads on several state wildlife management areas (WMAs) have been closed or partially closed because of poor conditions. County roads leading to the areas also may be closed. These closures are due to 2019 flooding and continued high water table in some areas. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission continues to work with local authorities to get vehicle access to these areas. The impacted WMAs are: Randal W. Schilling, Cass County; Goose Lake, Holt County; Peru Boat …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2020 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 20. The application period ends Aug. 7, and the permit will be drawn later that month. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents are eligible for the lottery. Apply at a Nebraska Game and Parks office or at OutdoorNebraska.org. The 2020 bighorn sheep season is Dec. 1-22.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission important dates in April. April 5 – Light Goose Conservation Order closes in Rainwater Basin and West zones April 11 – Spring youth shotgun turkey season opens April 18 – Spring shotgun turkey season opens April 15 – Light Goose Conservation Order closes in East Zone April 20 – Application period begins for bighorn sheep lottery permit In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission temporarily will close state park lodging in April. Game and Parks will close park lodging facilities and cabin rentals April 1-30. A possible extension period may be implemented if conditions do not improve. Tent camping and RV camping are available and will be evaluated regularly, following state and federal directives, as well as local health department …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The sight-in range at Killdeer Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lancaster County and the prairie chicken viewing blinds at Burchard Lake WMA in Pawnee County have been closed temporarily by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This is part of Game and Parks’ effort to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Game and Parks aims to protect its staff and customers by removing opportunities for crowds to gather at facilities and events and …