NGPC News

LINCOLN – A tree stand is a basic tool of many deer hunters. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges hunters to use the stands safely in order to have a memorable and successful hunt. Most tree stand accidents are caused by carelessness and can be avoided by following these tips: — Wear a full-body harness and attach yourself to the tree from the time you are on the ground before climbing into the stand, until you are back on …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters that updates to the Public Access Atlas are available online. It also recommends hunters check for updates before heading out to hunt on properties. The atlas is an annual publication that includes information on land enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program, which allows private land to be open to hunters and anglers for walk-in access. It also provides information on public state and federal lands open to …

LINCOLN – The entire population of whooping cranes in the Central Flyway is expected to migrate through Nebraska over the next several weeks. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages the public to report whooping crane sightings. Information on crane sightings is used to positively affect whooping crane conservation and recovery efforts. Report any sightings to Game and Parks (402-471-0641), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (308-382-6468, ext. 10), or The Crane Trust’s Whooper Watch hotline (1-888-399-2824). Emails may be submitted …

LINCOLN – Create a family tradition of celebrating autumn in one of Nebraska’s state parks. Parks statewide have planned events to help families enjoy the fall. Halloween events, including pumpkin carving, costume contests and haunted hayrack rides are scheduled throughout October at Eugene T. Mahoney, Platte River and Ponca state parks. Go back in time with living history events Oct. 18 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (SHP) and Oct. 19 at Arbor Lodge SHP. Call Rock Creek for …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners will consider changes to 2015 fishing regulations when they meet Oct. 23 in Scottsbluff. The meeting is at 8 a.m. at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 301 W. U.S. Highway 26. Game and Parks staff will present the commissioners fishing recommendations that include sport fishing, bait collecting and dealers, and aquatic invasive species regulations. Public hearings will be held at 8:45 a.m., 9 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., respectively. Other public …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will soon begin forest-thinning projects at Chadron State Park and Keller Park State Recreation Area. The projects are set to begin sometime in October, depending upon weather conditions, and may continue through the end of 2014. The Chadron project is designed to remove dead and dying ponderosa pine trees that were killed by wildfire in 2012. Thinning will take place on 106 acres near park cabins along the scenic loop road. The …

LINCOLN – The body of a female mountain lion that may have been killed by a vehicle was discovered along a road near Ericson on Oct. 9. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is investigating. While there are signs the cat may have been struck by a vehicle, officials are awaiting the completion of forensic analysis. Anyone with information regarding the incident may call the Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers at 1-800-742-7627. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a …

LINCOLN – Children not exposed to hunting at a young age most likely won’t pursue that activity as an adult. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants to make hunting affordable to any interested youth through its $5 youth permit program. For $5, hunters ages 15 and under can buy turkey or deer permits in Nebraska, regardless of residency. Hunters ages 10-15 may apply for up to two youth deer permits at $5 each. Youth may buy up to three …

LINCOLN – The indoor archery and outdoor field course ranges at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln will be closed to the public Oct. 12 for an archery tournament. The indoor firearm and outdoor target ranges will remain open. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Archery Club will host a fundraising public archery tournament that day. The tournament will include outdoor 3-D, indoor target and other events. Archery equipment will be provided for those who do not bring …

LINCOLN – The scheduled rainbow trout stocking of the Harlan County Dam stilling basin has been canceled because of the uncertainty of water releases from the lake. The trout stocking was scheduled for Oct. 16, assuming no water was to be released from the lake this fall. However, plans apparently call for a release of water to take place. This would cause the trout to be flushed down the river and not allow them to be harvested by anglers. For …