NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Birders of all ages and experience levels are invited to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for Northwest District Birding Day on May 29 at Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Groups of birders will leave from the WMA parking lot at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Participants should bring binoculars, field guides, insect repellant, sunscreen and clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather. Interested persons should call Game and Parks’ Northwest District office in Alliance …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A new double boat ramp at Victory Lake is now open at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area (SRA). The ramp replaces one that had become unusable. The ramp is the latest of several improvements at the SRA. Summer visitors also will find a new meeting building available for rental. In addition, several lakes have been treated with alum to improve water quality, and fishing access improvements that include trails, decks, docks and ADA access have been made …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Fremont Pathfinders re-enactors will portray life as soldiers at a 1870s infantry outpost on the Great Plains at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park on May 25-26. The uniformed soldiers will occupy the Enlisted Men’s Barracks and go about their daily activities, and a blacksmith will be on duty. The buildings will be open from 8 a.m.-sunset each day. There also will be a quilt display at the Commanding Officer’s Quarters from noon-5 p.m. each day, and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A new section of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website is all things fishing. The user-friendly Go Fishing Program page is a one-stop location of all the information anglers of all experience levels need. The goal of the newly-launched page is to encourage more people to go fishing. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org/GoFishing to buy a fishing permit and read blogs, stocking reports and how-to fishing tips. Watch instructional videos and check out maps to plan a family fishing …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Boaters and anglers play a key role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds recreationists that regulations are now in place to help prevent the spread of these species. AIS are defined as any waterborne, non-native organism that threatens the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of impacted waters, or threatens a commercial, agricultural, aquacultural or recreational activity. It is now unlawful: — for a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Trout fishing success at Two Rivers State Recreation Area (SRA) Lake No. 5 has significantly slowed over the past several weeks because of predation by cormorants and pelicans. Because of poor catch rates, the trout tag requirement for fishing that lake has been lifted for the remainder of the 2013 season. The fish-eating birds arrived in mid-April, then moved out in late April. The birds moved back in shortly after the lake was restocked with trout in …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds landowners that they have until June 1 to enroll in a program that pays for doing little more than keeping their wheat and milo stubble tall during the coming harvest. The Nebraska Environmental Trust has awarded $1.5 million to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to enroll tall wheat and milo stubble into the Crop Stubble Management, Wildlife and Water Conservation Program for three years. The program is being offered …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Boaters should not take safety for granted. Since May 18-24 is National Safe Boating Week, the Boating Safety Section of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission suggests ways boaters may reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. Wear a Life Jacket – Children under age 13 and anybody on a personal watercraft are required by law to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. People being …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Seward County Izaak Walton League, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Seward County Pheasants Forever will host Youth and Parent Day at the Range on June 8. This free event will take place from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Seward County Izaak Walton Cabin, just south of Seward. Participation is open to hunter education graduates of Seward County ages 11-16 years and their parents. There will be live-fire sessions on the archery, shotgun and rifle/muzzleloader ranges. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The first application period for big game hunting permits begins May 20 at 1 p.m. Central Time and runs through June 7. A summary of the application period: Deer – Residents and nonresidents may apply for one permit in any one draw unit. The draw units are: Republican Mule Deer, Platte Mule Deer Conservation Area (MDCA), Platte Whitetail, Frenchman MDCA and Frenchman Whitetail. Antelope – Residents and eligible landowners may apply for one buck or either-sex firearm …