The low-water dock at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area’s Martin Bay was pulled out of the water Nov. 14 for repairs. The lake’s only remaining low-water dock is at Diver’s Bay along Burma Road. Boaters still may launch their boats at any location but should proceed with caution as sandy beaches can be soft. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission asks boaters to use their best judgment when launching and to be cautious of underwater hazards as they utilize the …

Kissinger Wildlife Management Area near Fairfield has reopened to all visitors, including hunters and wildlife watchers, following a temporary closure to protect whooping cranes using the area. Two endangered whooping cranes were present at the WMA since Oct. 19, utilizing the wetland as their roosting spot and nearby area as their feeding grounds. They continued their migration south on Nov. 11. “We appreciate the cooperation and assistance by the public and local landowners during the whooping cranes’ stopover,” said Alicia …

The Main Area Campground at Johnson Lake State Recreation Area will be closed Nov. 2 until May 2023 for an electrical upgrade. All 82 sites at the Main Area Campground will be upgraded to 50/30/20 amp service. The increase in electrical capacity in each campsite will serve a broader range of visitor needs. It also will provide adequate levels of power to larger, more modern RVs and campers. The South Inlet Campground will remain open during this project. Johnson Lake …

Kissinger Wildlife Management Area near Fairfield remains closed to all visitors, including hunters and wildlife watchers, due to the presence of two endangered whooping cranes. It is illegal under federal and state law to harm or harass the birds; the temporary closure is intended to prevent such activity from occurring. The area will remain closed until further notice by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Waterfowl hunters can find alternative pumped wetlands nearby. Find information at OutdoorNebraska.gov/WaterfowlChecklist under the wetland conditions tab, …

Deer hunters are reminded to locate their nearest in-person check stations prior to hunting during the nine-day firearm season this year. All deer harvested during the Nov. 12-20 season must be accompanied by the hunter and taken to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. Check stations change from year to year, so hunters are urged to find their locations before they hunt. A list may be found on the …

Standing Bear Lake will be drawn down this winter to make way for boat ramp repairs, access and habitat improvements, and fisheries renovation at the Omaha water body. Public fish salvage will be allowed. From Oct. 29, 2022, to March 31, 2023, anglers may salvage fish from the lake for human consumption by legal methods. Length limits will be rescinded during this period, but daily bag limits remain in effect. Find information on bag limits in the Fishing Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Guides. …

The November firearm deer season is quickly approaching, and hunters are reminded to follow the four primary rules of firearm safety: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; Always point the muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction; Be sure of your target, what is in front of it, and what is beyond it; and Keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. Hunters that follow these four rules greatly reduce the …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska American Legion recently donated $16,055 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the purchase of an all-terrain wheelchair for state park visitors. Game and Parks currently has two of the tracked wheelchairs at Ponca State Park. The chairs provide people the freedom of mobility to hunt, fish, view nature and enjoy the outdoors in all types of terrain. “This track chair is going to give disabled veterans the kind of mobility and independence they need …

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices will be open to serve deer hunters seeking permits on two days otherwise closed in November. Offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, North Platte, Alliance, Kearney and Bassett will be open for permit sales from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 5, the Saturday of the Special Landowner Deer Season. The same offices will be open for permit sales from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. All Game and Parks offices will …

Landowners interested in the Special Landowner Deer Season, now in its second year, should be aware of three changes beginning in 2022. This season gives a qualifying landowner a three-day season on his or her property preceding the regular firearm deer season. The $8 Special Landowner Deer Permit is valid only for the three-day season: Nov. 5-7, 2022. It is not valid for the November firearm season and it is not valid as a Limited Landowner Permit. The changes for …