NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Upland bird hunting is enjoyed by thousands of Nebraskans who want to create memories, carry on traditions, and bring home a wild meal. While enjoying the hunt, Nebraskans should make safety their top priority. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges all those going afield for an upland bird hunt to remember the basics of hunting safety: point the gun in a safe direction; treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep your finger off the …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Pawnee State Recreation Area campground is getting an electrical upgrade, causing potential modern campsite closures through November. The update is being made to 44 sites so each will be available for 50-, 30- and 20-amp service. The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of November. Pawnee has 102 camping pads, which are a mix of electric and non-electric sites, and 97 non-pad, non-electric sites. Half of the campsites in Lakeview Campground are available for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Oct. 24-25 statewide youth pheasant, quail, and partridge season for hunters ages 15 and younger provides an excellent opportunity to mentor new hunters. “The youth season provides a great opportunity to expose young family members and friends to hunting in a more controlled environment,” said John Laux, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Game and Parks’ Take ’em Hunting Challenge motivates hunters to take a pledge to introduce someone new to …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ponca State Park’s boat ramp will be closed until further notice effective Oct. 14 so work can begin to replace it. The ramp was severely damaged during the 2019 high Missouri River flows, prompting the need to rebuild it. Visitors looking for local river access can still use the boat ramp located at Ponca State Park’s North Addition, which is approximately 5 miles north of the main park. To view an interactive map of boat ramps on …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider amendments to sport fishing orders when it meets Oct. 15 in Ogallala. The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. Mountain time at the Keith County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, 1000 W. 3rd St. Proposed sport fishing amendments will include orders for two reservoirs under construction in Sarpy County – Big Elk Lake and WP-6. Each will be stocked only with smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Proposed daily bag limits at …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking vintage photographs highlighting Nebraska parks for the Nebraska State Parks 100-year anniversary in 2021. The photographs will be featured in Nebraskaland Magazine and online throughout the year. Priority will be given to unique photos taken before 2000 that feature people enjoying outdoor Nebraska activities, such as boating, camping, hunting or fishing at our state parks and recreation areas. Photos taken after 2000 can be shared with Game and Parks …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Matt Zvolanek of Ogallala went on a “pretty good little hunt” with his friend and friend’s father in the Sandhills recently. The regular duck opener has become a bit of a tradition for the three. That hunt also allowed Zvolanek to become the first hunter to complete a 2020 Nebraska Duck Slam. The slam challenges hunters to harvest a teal (blue-winged or green-winged) of either sex, as well as drakes of three other species: an American wigeon, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Platte River State Park’s Lincoln Journal Star Observation Tower will reopen to the public Oct. 9. The tower had been closed since Sept. 17 so it could be painted. In addition, the Daugherty Tower, located near the park’s Mallet Lodge, will close for renovations Oct. 9 through Dec. 1. The observation tower at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park also is currently closed due to construction of a new group facility. For more information, contact the Platte River …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Rainbow trout are being stocked in city ponds and state park and recreation area lakes across the state by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These stockings will enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter. Stocking schedules can change on short notice for a variety of reasons. The following is a tentative stocking schedule, including quantities: Week of Oct. 5 – East Verdigre Creek, Royal – 200 trout; Grabel Pond No. 1, Fort Robinson SP – 1,200; …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, has been issued for Calamus Reservoir in Loup and Garfield counties. An alert remains in effect for Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County. The alert has been removed at Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County. Visitors to Calamus and Willow Creek state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact …