NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Young hunters who will be required to obtain hunter education certification are urged to begin looking for a class. Hunter education courses are available year-round, but most traditional classroom courses and Hunt Safe Sessions are offered in the fall and spring. Mid-August through mid-November is packed with course offerings throughout the state. Demand for these classes increases significantly into late September, October and November, so space in these classes can fill quickly. In Nebraska, all hunters age …

LINCOLN, Neb. – There are nearly 1 million acres of publicly accessible lands throughout Nebraska. The recently published 2019-2020 Public Access Atlas identifies and consolidates these public access resources for the benefit of Nebraska’s hunters, trappers and anglers. Printed copies of this year’s atlas are available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices and service centers, and soon will be available wherever hunt and fish permits are sold. To request a printed copy of the atlas or other Game and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Families can enjoy spending time together outdoors and learning about nature at the End of Summer Bash, to be held Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area. The fun begins with a themed, lighted hayrack ride around the park on Aug. 30, starting at 9 p.m. Tickets can be bought at Weigand Marina for $3. Enjoy family-friendly educational sessions with the park naturalist throughout the day on Aug. 31. Learn about tree …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host Learn to Hunt workshops this fall to help individuals prepare for upcoming hunting seasons. These workshops are designed to improve confidence and expand knowledge for those with little or no experience. Presenters will discuss strategies, equipment, biology and techniques. Registration at OutdoorNebraska.gov/workshops is required as space is limited. The workshop schedule is: Aug. 27 – dove hunting, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln Sept. 17 – introduction …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a staff recommendation to authorize one lottery permit for the 2020 bighorn sheep season when it meets Aug. 28 at Fort Robinson State Park. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the park’s Buffalo Barracks. The park is located on U.S. Hwy. 20, just west of Crawford in Dawes County. The Commission also will consider recommendations to: — approve a Bighorn Sheep Management Plan that has a goal …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A youth hunting program that also teaches key life skills such as preparation, discipline and socialization is in critical need of accessible private land to act as an outdoor classroom. Access has been the greatest limiting factor to the program. More youth archers can participate if more land partners can provide access. The Mentored Youth Archery Program reaches 100 youth in eastern and central Nebraska. The program is a nearly year-round effort of adult-mentors working with their …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With plenty of features for both kids and adults, the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Encounter exhibit provides a fun stop for the entire family at the 2019 Nebraska State Fair. Housed in the Nebraska Building, the exhibit includes an indoor archery range and air gun range for ages 6 and above, a 6,000-gallon aquarium featuring Nebraska fish, a bird scavenger hunt, interactive kids’ games, an accessible outdoor sky fort and more. All activities are free. Also, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Fort Atkinson State Historical Park will host a special living history event Aug. 31-Sept. 1, featuring World War II military vehicles and a presentation on the Holocaust. The Holocaust presentation is set for 1-2 p.m. in the visitor center both days, given by a speaker from the Institute for Holocaust Education. Other presentations include an archaeology tour from noon to 1 p.m. both days, led by Nolan Johnson of Nebraska History, and a talk on Fort Atkinson’s …

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 …