LINCOLN, Neb. – A project to restore the wetland at Memphis Lake Wildlife Management Area back to a fully functional marsh was completed in June. Over the years, modifications to the 90-acre wetland and uncontrolled vegetation allowed site conditions to deteriorate, reducing its value for migratory waterfowl and other aquatic wildlife. Drawdown of the lake and wetland began in August 2018. A contractor removed all trees and shrubs from the project site in January. Work was delayed twice earlier this …

LINCOLN, Neb. – People of all ages and skill levels now can enjoy guided horseback rides at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. The rides, which became available Aug. 1, last one to two hours and feature a 3-mile trail winding through tallgrass prairie. Nine horses and three ponies are available. Rides are for ages 7 and up, and cost $30 per person. No riding experience is needed. The new attraction is offered in conjunction with Christine’s Horseback Riding. Company owner …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Bring the whole family out for a fun weekend of live history reenactments Aug. 24-25 at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park. “Rustler and Renegades: Outlaws vs. the U.S. Army out West” will feature the surgeon, blacksmith, laundress, soldiers and civilians actively portraying period activities throughout Fort Hartsuff. At 2 p.m. each day, visitors can watch Doc Middleton and the Pony Boys Gang lead a jail break, seeking to free their imprisoned leader. A night cannon firing will …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages people to take someone fishing this summer for the chance to win a new boat. Steve Loyd did, and now he owns a new fishing kayak. The 10-foot Tamarack Angler Kayak, donated by the Nebraska Fish and Game Association, was a prize in Game and Parks’ summer-long Take ‘Em Fishing Challenge, which ends Sept. 15. “It was an amazing trip with my grandson, Noah,” said Loyd, who lives south of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ten-year-old Hayden Mitchell of Lincoln won the Fourth Annual Director’s Cup archery tournament Aug. 11 in a head-to-head final-arrow competition. The Director’s Cup is a fun and challenging competition of archers of all skill levels and features a unique “Lake of the Woods” format. Targets are set in 5-yard increasing distances, and archers shoot three arrows at each target for a possible 600 points. Archers shoot 30 arrows in the morning and 30 in the afternoon. The …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Runners of all ages are invited to take part in the Hubbard Hoot Owl Days 5K Fun Run at Danish Alps State Recreation Area on Aug. 24. The 8 a.m. race is set on a course of crushed rock that winds around Kramper Lake. The run is held in conjunction with Hubbard Hoot Owl Days, which features numerous family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Registration is $25 for adults, $20 for students ages 18 and under, and free …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska residents will be able to purchase 2019 paddlefish snagging permits that were forfeited during the paddlefish snagging permit draw. The permits will go on sale on Monday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time, and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Twenty permits are available. Paddlefish snagging season is Oct. 1-31. Permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org or in-person at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permitting offices. Find an office near you at …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters of migratory game birds are reminded of their requirement to register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Register for the free program at OutdoorNebraska.gov/HIP. HIP registration is required of residents age 16 and older and all nonresidents who plan to hunt migratory game birds in Nebraska between Aug. 1, 2019 and July 31, 2020. These birds are doves, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots and woodcock. Among those who must register in Nebraska are hunters registered in …

LINCOLN, Neb. – There is still time to sign up a team for the 2019 Great Park Pursuit – or to get your team out to this year’s locations. As extra encouragement, all teams that submit a park visit through the mobile app or by mailing in a rubbing sheet by Aug. 26 will receive an entry for one of two Fitbits, provided by the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association. The Great Park Pursuit is a free program in which participating …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin donating deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) program beginning Sept. 1 at 11 processor locations around the state. Two additional processors will accept deer for the program starting Nov. 1 and Nov. 16. Hunters pay no processing costs for deer accepted by processors for this donation-driven program. The HHH program is funded solely by tax-deductible contributions. Ground venison is distributed by charitable organizations to Nebraskans in need. Hunters should first talk with …