NGPC News

LINCOLN – Two Rivers State Recreation Area near Venice will be closed to public access Nov. 3-4 so that a culvert may be replaced on the main road leading into the park. A Douglas County road crew will complete the project, but if weather conditions don’t allow it, the work will be done Nov. 24-25 instead.

LINCOLN – A 1½- year-old female mountain lion was shot south of Chadron in Dawes County on Oct. 23. The mountain lion was shot in a ranch yard near the landowner’s house and chicken coop. The subadult mountain lion weighed approximately 63 pounds. As required by law, the man immediately notified authorities after the animal was shot and the animal was transferred to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is requesting grant proposals that will enhance watchable wildlife opportunities and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, viewing site development, events, infrastructure, marketing, equipment and plan development. Proposals are due Dec. 10. There is a maximum of $3,000 available per proposal. Funding is provided by the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund. For more information, visit WatchWildlifeNe.org or contact Kristal Stoner at kristal.stoner@nebraska.gov.

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners authorized one lottery and one auction bighorn sheep permit for 2015 at their meeting in Scottsbluff on Oct. 23. The lottery permit is for residents only, while the auction permit is available to residents and nonresidents. The last time the state approved two bighorn permits in one year was 2011. There is one lottery permit this year for the Dec. 2-22 season. Staff reported that of the approximately 390 bighorn …

LINCOLN – The shooting range at Pressey Wildlife Management Area will be temporarily closed during the opening weekend of pheasant season, Oct. 25-26. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is concerned for the safety of hunters in this area. Many hunters are expected to hunt the prime upland game habitat south of the shooting range. The parking lot near the shooting range will remain open to hunters, but target shooting will be prohibited. Pressey is located 5 miles north of …

LINCOLN – Women are invited to discover ways to prepare outdoor meals at a Dutch oven cooking workshop Oct. 30 at Lincoln’s Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center. The 6 p.m. workshop, part of the Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman series, is open to women age 16 and older. The fee is $15. All equipment and supplies will be provided. The education center is located at 4703 N. 44th St. Contact Julia Plugge at 402-471-6009 or julia.plugge@nebraska.gov. -30-

Ponca State Park’s 16th Annual Hallowfest enjoyed beautiful fall weather this past Saturday, October 18. Crafts and activities were enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. The park’s main attraction, Haunted Hayrack rides, pulled in over 900 guests. Proceeds from the rides were given back to the surrounding communities through: Ponca Fire and Rescue, Allen Consolidated School’s Junior Class, Ponca High School’s “One Act” group, and the Ponca Honor Society. The event’s famous pumpkin rolling contest had three age …

Those looking to take a traditional approach to cooking a delicious meal in the outdoors are encouraged to sign up for an upcoming program at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area of Gering. Amanda Filipi, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor education specialist, will present the “Lovin’ Dutch Oven” program Saturday, Nov. 1, at 9 a.m. at the Nature Center. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 24. Filipi will demonstrate the age-old process of using Dutch ovens, cast iron pots …

By Julie Ashton, Friends of Fort Atkinson If you have driven into Fort Calhoun lately, you’ll notice a few new soldiers standing on the north and south sides of town. These soldiers, made of iron and painted to look 3-dimensional, are part of an effort to bring additional recognition to Fort Atkinson State Historical Park and help brand the area as a “fort” town. A plan was laid out that would involve the Commission, the Fort, the City of Fort …

LINCOLN – Deer are more active this time of the fall, when crops are being harvested and deer breeding season is in full swing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has tips to help drivers avoid deer-vehicle accidents and lessen the risk of personal injury or vehicle damage. — During the breeding season, bucks become more active searching for does with which to breed. Bucks are bolder, less wary and more susceptible to collisions with vehicles. Deer movement peaks each …