NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in April: April 1 – Light Goose Conservation Order ends in Zone 2 April 1-14 – Application period for archery paddlefish permits April 2 – Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children, York Elementary School, 1501 Washington Ave., York, lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov April 4 – Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children, Nebraska Wesleyan University, 5000 St. Paul Ave., Lincoln, lindsay.rogers@nebraska.gov April …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners Mick Jensen, Lynn Berggren and Kent Forney have been reappointed for second terms by Gov. Heineman and confirmed by the Nebraska Legislature. Jensen, of Blair, represents District 3 (northeast Nebraska). Berggren, of Broken Bow, represents District 6 (Sandhills) and Forney, of Lincoln, represents District 8 (Lancaster County). The new terms for all three began Jan. 15 and last four years. Jensen was originally appointed to the board in January 2008. “I’ve enjoyed …

LINCOLN, Neb. – While boating season still is months away, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission suggests that now is the time to take a boater safety course. A list of boating safety classes is available at boatsafenebraska.org. The list includes six-hour classroom courses and three-hour home study review and test courses. More classes will be added to the list during the year. Persons born after Dec. 31, 1985, who operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska, must have …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will train apprentice firearm hunter education instructors April 15 in Hastings. The workshop will be from 6-9 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Fire Station, 1145 S. Hastings Ave. Register by April 12. Contact Mike Streeter at 402-471-6134 or mike.streeter@nebraska.gov or visit huntsafenebraska.org.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct prescribed burns of grasslands at several state-owned areas as weather conditions allow. These burns will stimulate the growth of grasses and forbs and remove invasive tree and brush species. Burning will take place pending approval from local fire chiefs. Burns are scheduled for the following areas, listed by county. All areas are wildlife management areas, unless otherwise noted: Buffalo – Bassway Strip; Butler – Redtail; Burt – Pelican Point …

LINCOLN, Neb. – See a re-enactment of life at a 1870s infantry outpost on the Great Plains at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park April 13-14. Uniformed soldiers will occupy the barracks, guardhouse, blacksmith and other buildings on the Indian Wars era post. Activities portrayed will include drill and guard duty, cooking and cleaning details, cannon firing, sick call, mail call, parade inspection and a grand review. Officers will walk the fort grounds doing their daily duties as the women of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – As many as 500 archers from around the state are expected to compete in the annual National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament March 23 in Lincoln. The event takes place at the Lancaster Event Center, 4100 N. 84th St. The first of two flights of competition begins at 10 a.m. NASP is a national target archery program for students in grades 4-12. More than 200 schools in Nebraska have NASP as part of their …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Take Pride in America Day, a nationwide effort to encourage volunteers to improve parks, lakes and wildlife areas, is scheduled for May 4 at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) in Richardson County. Anyone can volunteer for Take Pride in America Day, a partnership established by U.S. Department of the Interior, but those under the age of 19 must have parental permission. Individuals and groups are encouraged to make a one-time volunteer contribution to the parks system. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska spring turkey hunting season opens for archers March 25. Spring turkey hunters must use archery equipment March 25-April 12 and may use either archery equipment or a shotgun April 13-May 31. Youth hunters must use archery equipment March 25-April 5 and may use either archery equipment or a shotgun April 6-May 31. Hunters under age 16 need a youth spring turkey permit, hunters age 16 and older need a spring turkey permit, and landowners need …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ponca State Park offers a variety of family activities for Easter on March 30. These activities include an Easter egg hunt, wild bird egg/nest craft, wildlife viewing from a blind that may be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and 30-percent discount on lodging. Call the park for reservations at 402-755-2284, and visit the park’s Facebook page for activity updates. A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park.