NGPC News

LINCOLN – A mountain lion was unintentionally killed in a cable restraint trap near Taylor in Custer County on Feb. 16, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The mountain lion was an adult male weighing approximately 150 pounds that appeared to be in good health. The trapper called Game and Parks immediately upon discovering the mountain lion, as required by Game and Parks policy. High pelt prices have led to an increased effort to trap bobcats and other …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission announced the Wildcat Hills Wildlife Management Area in Scotts Bluff County has been closed to target shooting until further notice due to safety concerns.  The area remains open for hunting.

LINCOLN – A North Carolina couple have been convicted of multiple federal game law violations in Nebraska. Jason and Britney Edney of Hendersonville, N.C., own an outfitting company that hired guides and worked for clients in Nebraska. Over four years, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents uncovered hunting violations that included more than 25 instances of overbagging or hunting turkeys without permits, 29 illegally taken deer, 17 instances of failing to …

LINCOLN – Run for wildlife during Run Wild on May 17 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and help celebrate Threatened and Endangered Species Day. Choose from a 10k or 5k trail run on a scenic, naturally challenging dirt trail. There also is a 1-mile children’s fun run. Proceeds benefit the Wildlife Conservation Fund, which works to save Nebraska’s wildlife and wild places, with special emphasis on Nebraska’s threatened and endangered species. Learn more at NebraskaWildlifeFund.org. Early registration is open …

LINCOLN – A mountain lion was killed by a vehicle on U.S. Hwy. 20 in Sioux County on Feb. 1, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The mountain lion was an adult male weighing approximately 150 pounds that appeared to be in good health. The driver contacted Game and Parks immediately after striking the animal. This is the sixth mountain lion killed by a vehicle in the Pine Ridge since 2007, when a breeding population was first confirmed. …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will train apprentice firearm hunter education instructors March 18 near Gretna. The workshop will be from 6-9 p.m. at Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31. Register by March 17 by visiting HuntSafeNebraska.org and clicking on the “Become a Volunteer” link about halfway down the page. Or visit the link directly at: http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/programs/education/volunteer.asp Contact Mike Streeter at 402-471-6134 or mike.streeter@nebraska.gov for more information.

LINCOLN – Tax season provides a unique opportunity for Nebraskans to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation. Line 42 on the 2013 state income tax form (Form 1040N) allows individuals to donate all or a part of their tax refund to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, ¬which focuses on saving Nebraska’s wildlife and wild places. “The check-off is one of the principal sources of state funding used to conserve more than 95 percent of fish and wildlife species that are considered …

LINCOLN – Road signs alone don’t cut it for attracting guests in today’s marketplace. If Nebraskans or tourists haven’t stopped at Interstate 80’s Exit 426 yet, they may plan to now thanks to VisitExit426.com. VisitExit426.com is a collaborative marketing effort that has created a new brand identity for the destination. The website contains information about each attraction, including things to do, amenities and a calendar of events. Eight partners came together to launch the project, with support and funding in …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking information on a bald eagle that was illegally shot recently near Verdigre in northeast Nebraska. The adult eagle was found dead approximately 1½ miles southwest of Verdigre. It was reported on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and on the following day it was confirmed to have been shot. The eagle’s body had not shown decomposition and there was fresh blood on the beak. Eagles are protected by the federal Bald and Golden …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will train apprentice firearm hunter education instructors Feb. 11 in North Platte. The workshop will be from 6-9 p.m. at Game and Parks’ southwest district office, 301 E. State Farm Road. Register by Feb. 10 by visiting HuntSafeNebraska.org and clicking on the “Become a Volunteer” link about halfway down the page. Or visit the link directly at: http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/programs/education/volunteer.asp Contact Mike Streeter at 402-471-6134 or mike.streeter@nebraska.gov for more information.