Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public information meetings this winter. Three-hour meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. All in-person meetings, which will have a different format than years past, begin at 5 p.m. local time. The first hour will be an open house with time to talk with wildlife biologists, conservation officers and staff. Biologists will make a presentation at 6 p.m. and …

Preliminary Nebraska deer check-in numbers indicate 2022 statewide harvest is down 9% compared to 2021 for the November firearm season. During the nine-day season, which was Nov. 12-20, 33,866 deer were harvested, compared to 37,053 in 2021. While the overall statewide trend was down compared to previous years, regions of the state varied. Deer harvest in southeast Nebraska was up 2% from 2021, while southwest Nebraska was down 15%. The northwest district was down 9% and the northeast district was …

Three boat ramps at Sutherland Reservoir and Enders state recreation areas will reopen to the public Nov. 29 after several improvements were completed. At Sutherland, the erosion under the Hershey Beach boat ramp has been repaired, and rock riprap has been placed along both sides of the ramp to prevent future erosion from occurring. Other improvements include restoring rock riprap and the walking surface to the breakwater structure, as well as installing lighting in the parking area. This project was …

Spend some time in Nebraska’s state parks this fall and winter by attending a variety of events throughout December. Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances. Enjoy murder mystery at Arbor Lodge Mansion Experience a true whodunnit with a seasonal twist during Murder at the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Arbor Lodge Mansion. Participate in the holiday-themed evening of mystery and mayhem as you work …

An Indianola man was seriously injured in a deer hunting incident at about 5 p.m. Nov. 20 in Red Willow County. The 20-year-old was accidentally shot by a rifle belonging to a 54-year-old male who was following him and another hunter up an embankment. The man was flown to Bryan West Medical Trauma Center in Lincoln for treatment of his injuries. This is the fourth hunting incident reported in 2022 and the third in three days. In comparison, eight hunting …

A variety of fun, educational events are scheduled throughout December in Nebraska’s Venture Parks. These events cover an array of interests for all age groups. Venture Parks, Nebraska’s four state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Louisville State Recreation Area – are where unique experiences and enhanced camping opportunities have been created in response to demand. Park entry permits are required on …

The Gracie Creek Pond rehabilitation project is nearing completion, and the area once again will be open for anglers to pursue rainbow trout. The pond is located in the northwest corner of Calamus Reservoir along Highway 96. It was severely damaged from flooding and sedimentation in 2019 and has been restored to its original size and depth. This project includes a sediment trap dike along the upstream end of the pond and angler access improvements below the outlet. Approximately 1,500 …

A Hickman man was injured in a hunting incident at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 18 along the Platte River in Buffalo County. The man was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney for injuries to his arm that were not life threatening. An initial review of the scene showed he was unintentionally shot at close range by another member of his hunting party. This is only the second hunting incident reported in 2022. Since the introduction of mandatory hunter education and …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept submissions for the 2022 Nebraskaland Magazine photo contest through Jan. 1, 2023. With miles of winding rivers, wide-open vistas and wildlife from border to border, Nebraska is a photographer’s paradise. Each year, Nebraskaland Magazine celebrates the state’s beauty and recognizes the outstanding work of photographers across Nebraska during this annual photo contest. Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to submit photos in four categories: Wildlife — wild mammals, birds, …

Plenty of mentored hunting opportunities exist over the holidays for youth under age 18 through the Passing Along the Heritage Program. Lake Wanahoo in Saunders County has seven units totaling 1,067 acres available for mentored youth hunting. Other PATH sites are also available. PATH provides Nebraska youth and their mentors access to hunt on private lands and selected public lands without other hunter competition. Only youth under age 18 may hunt on these sites. The mentor is there to help …