NGPC News

LINCOLN – Registration for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) begins Aug. 1, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. 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, 2015 and July 31, 2016. These birds are doves, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots and woodcock. HIP, which is required by federal regulation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, helps wildlife managers estimate the …

LINCOLN – Enjoy a day of family fishing for all ages at the Fishing is Fun! event on Aug. 1 at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County. This free event is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at Beed’s Landing. The event is for anyone who wants to learn how to fish or who has little fishing experience. Loaner equipment, bait and fishing instructors will be available. Fishing and park entry permits are required. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln will be closed to public shooting on all ranges July 30 through Aug. 2 as it hosts shooting events for the 2015 State Games of America. The facility will reopen to the public Aug. 3 at noon. The center at 4703 N. 44th St. is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from noon-8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. During normal business hours the …

LINCOLN – The access permit application period for Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) deer hunters runs through July 31. As many as 200 permits will be issued. Hunters must have at least one of the following valid deer permits to be eligible for an access permit: statewide archery, muzzleloader, youth or antlerless only season choice Wahoo. Gifford is closed to the use of rimfire and centerfire weapons. The access permit allows access to take deer with archery equipment from …

LINCOLN – Hot summer temperatures can bring people to the water in droves. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges everyone enjoying a day on the water to do so safely. Outdoor recreation in Nebraska is safe. Spending time outdoors or at any of the state’s family-friendly state park areas is a great way to make memories. Game and Parks has the following reminders for safety on the water: Avoid Alcohol – Whether boating, swimming or tubing, alcohol consumption should …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider 2015 early teal season dates at its meeting July 16 in Sidney. The commissioners will consider the following recommended season dates: Low Plains, Sept. 5-20; High Plains, Sept. 12-20. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Hampton Inn, 635 Cabela’s Drive. The public hearing for teal season dates will be at 9:15 a.m. Teal hunting season dates are set to coincide with the teal migration through Nebraska, and …

LINCOLN – An incident at a boat ramp at Willow Creek State Recreation Area near Pierce in northeast Nebraska has claimed the life of a woman. On the afternoon of July 10, emergency personnel, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission responded to a call of an unconscious 74-year-old Oakland, Ore., woman. She was transported to Faith Regional Medical Center in Norfolk, where she passed away that night. Witnesses reported the woman was boating with …

LINCOLN – Bring the family to Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area this summer for a series of fun and educational water-related presentations. These free Nebraska Water Wonders events will be held July 19, Aug. 9 and Aug. 30 from 2-4 p.m. at the Visitor/Water Interpretive Center. The topic for July 19 is aquifers. Family members of all ages can learn about the Ogallala Aquifer, enjoy an edible aquifer and even build an aquifer they can take home. Water usage will …

LINCOLN – Learn lifelong outdoor skills as a family at the Becoming an Outdoors-Family workshop Aug. 8-9 at Fort Kearny State Historical Park and State Recreation Area. Skills learned will help families enjoy the outdoors, create memories and start new traditions. Those skills include fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, aquatic education, outdoor cooking, archery and air guns. Free time may be spent enjoying swimming, disc golf, sand volleyball or visiting nearby Fort Kearny State Historical Park. The fee is $60 for …

LINCOLN – Hunters will be able to purchase remaining Nebraska big game permits beginning July 13. Starting at 1 p.m. Central Time, Nebraska residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining deer and antelope permits. In addition, residents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining elk permits. Permits may be purchased over the counter at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permitting offices or at OutdoorNebraska.org. The following are Game and Parks permitting offices: Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31, Gretna; …