NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Fish salvage has been authorized on the Platte River from Odessa bridge in Buffalo County downstream to its confluence with the Loup River in Platte County. Localized fish die-offs are occurring due to low water flows and high water temperatures. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will allow the harvest of stranded fish of all species – except pallid sturgeon – in that stretch of the Platte River beginning at Interstate 80 Exit 263 from July 13 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners will consider creating the state’s inaugural mountain lion hunting season when they meet July 26 in Lincoln. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. in the third-floor conference room of Game and Parks headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St. The commissioners also will consider staff recommendations for 2013 waterfowl, crow and falconry seasons. In addition, they will consider: — a recommendation to allow restricted hunting in several state park areas. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Try your hand at sand sculpting and visit Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (SRA) on July 27 for the 24th annual Kites and Castles event. This sculpting contest will take place on the white sands of Sandy Beach. Participants may register at kitesandcastles.com or on the beach at 11 a.m. on July 27. Sculpting begins at noon, judging at 4 p.m. and the awards dinner and dance at 5 p.m. at Admiral’s Cove. Trophies and prizes will …

LINCOLN, Neb. – All hunter education graduates who are at least 11 years old and have not graduated from high school are invited to compete in the annual Nebraska High School Small Bore Rifle Silhouette Championships. The event will be held Sept. 28 at Pressey Wildlife Management Area (WMA) south of Broken Bow. There is no entry fee, but each participant must show proof of hunter education certification. Trophies and medals will be awarded to winners of each class, and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – July 15 is the final day meat processors may apply for participation in the 2013 Hunters Helping the Hungry program, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This program provides ground venison to Nebraskans in need. The application form and program guidelines are available at OutdoorNebraska.com/HHH under Processors and Charitable Organizations. Following the application deadline, Game and Parks will contract with eligible processors. This year, contracted processors may accept deer donated by hunters beginning on Sept. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors Aug. 24 in Kearney at the Harmon Park Activity Center, 3100 5th Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon. Youth fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials, as well as receive program incentives. They also are encouraged to volunteer for such Game and Parks programs as Family Fishing …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Women are invited to enjoy a relaxing tank float down the Sandhills’ Middle Loup River on Aug. 24. They may bring their friends or make new ones in this Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman event. The two-hour trip begins in Mullen at 9 a.m. and ends with a Dutch oven meal. The fee is $35. Women must be 18 years of age. Camping is available. Contact Julia Plugge at 402-471-6009, 402-417-3779 or julia.plugge@nebraska.gov to obtain a registration form. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The access permit application period for Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) deer hunters is July 15-Aug. 15. 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, whitetail statewide buck, muzzleloader, youth or antlerless only Season Choice Wahoo. The access permit allows the holder to take deer with archery equipment from Sept. 15 to Jan. 18 and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Get an introduction to rifle shooting from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on July 13 at Platte River State Park near Louisville. This First Shots workshop will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex. The free workshop is open to the first 20 people ages 11 and up who register at http://www.register-ed.com/events/view/32689. A park entry permit is required. First Shots is a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

LINCOLN, Neb. – A workshop for women to learn or hone shotgunning skills is scheduled for July 13 at Fort Kearney Shooting Sports Complex at 115th and Poole Ave., Kearney. This Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program will include trap, skeet, 5-stand and sporting clays. The workshop, for women age 16 and older, costs $40 and includes a meal following an afternoon of shooting. Contact Julia Plugge at 402-471-6009 or julia.plugge@nebraska.gov to obtain a registration form or download one at http://www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov/Education/Programs/bow/bow.asp.