NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved recommendations for 2021 deer, antelope and elk hunting seasons at its meeting April 20 in Kearney. Commissioners approved staff recommendations to increase deer permits and bonus antlerless-only whitetail tags in several management units to stabilize populations. For antelope management units, an additional 39 either-sex permits and 390 doe/fawn permits were approved. An additional 78 bull elk and 267 antlerless elk permits were approved to reduce elk populations in many elk …

LINCOLN, Neb. — This May, join fellow bird lovers in celebrating Nebraska Bird Month by getting trained, celebrating birds, and boosting research through a variety of events planned across the state. More than a dozen events, such as the statewide Nebraska Bird Month 2021 BirdBlitz, provide opportunities for all skill levels. Here are five ways to get involved: Get iNaturalist trained: Learn how to use this online-based, community science platform to document Nebraska’s birds and help collect real scientific data; this …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The updated online reservation system for all Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas’ campsites will launch at 8 a.m. Mountain time April 21 through Reserve America. The updated system reflects recent changes at the state recreation areas that require an advance reservation for all campsites, including beach camping areas and former first-come, first-serve campground sites, between May 21 and Sept. 12, 2021. Reservations can be made online at NebraskaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com, via mobile app RA Camping, or by …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A bull elk tag and a multispecies combination permit will be auctioned off by the Nebraska Big Game Society on May 20 in Lincoln. The 10th Annual NBGS Meeting and Auction will be held at Hillcrest Country Club, 9401 O St. Residents are eligible for the bull elk tag. Residents and nonresidents are eligible for the combination permit. The elk tag auction high bidder will receive a bull elk tag valid in any elk management unit during …

By Daryl Bauer Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, Neb. – Catch and release is an established and important part of modern fishing. Sure, harvesting some of the fish we catch should be a part of our fishing experience. However, our fisheries are managed for recreational fishing, and if you are just fishing for a meal, well, the grocery store likely would be a cheaper way to get your fish. In some cases, catch and release is mandated by regulations; …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on April 21 in its series of virtual Conservation Career Chats. Conservation Officer Travis Shepler will be featured. Shepler will discuss the challenges he has faced in the field, how he got started in this career, and advice for anyone interested in being an officer. During the chat, the public will be encouraged to ask questions relating to the career field. The series is held via Zoom on the third …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2021 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 19. The application period ends Aug. 6, and the permit will be drawn later that month. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents are eligible for the lottery. Apply at a Nebraska Game and Parks office or at OutdoorNebraska.org. The 2021 bighorn sheep season is Nov. 30 – Dec. 22, 2021.

LINCOLN, Neb. — A new monthly series by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will explore the science and secrets of Nebraska nature. Nebraska Nature Nerd Night, a free webinar series for adults, will begin at 7 p.m. Central time April 20 and will continue on the third Tuesday of every month through November. The series with science educators and guests will cover everything from bees to birds and fossils to parasites. “We’ll dive deeper into the remarkable world of …

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Long Pine State Recreation Area has reopened to the public after a cedar tree removal project finished early. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission removed trees near the park’s nearly 30 campsites, an effort to improve the recreation area that offers camping, fishing, hiking and an archery range to guests. To learn more about Long Pine SRA, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/longpine.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Hunters Helping the Hungry program is surveying meat processors that take deer in order to improve the delivery of the program to the public. Processors may request a survey by calling 402-471-5430 or emailing teresa.lombard@nebraska.gov. Survey responses are requested by April, 30, 2021. The HHH program is funded solely by tax-deductible contributions. Each year the program invites deer processors to apply, and contracts with selected lockers to accept donated deer from hunters. The ground venison produced …