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2021 Nebraska Fish Art Contest open for entries

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LINCOLN, Neb. – Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can discover the outdoors by participating in the second annual Nebraska Fish Art Contest. The 2021 contest, which is sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro Shops, is accepting entries through March 31, 2021. Enter at statefishart.org. This free international art and writing competition gives young people the opportunity to highlight their artistic talents while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. Participants can win …

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Keep tree stand safety in mind during your deer hunt

Hunters in tree stand

LINCOLN, Neb. – As you enjoy fall hunting season, it’s important to keep tree stand safety in mind. Accidents in the field can be prevented with careful planning. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages hunters to follow these safety guidelines: Always check old tree stands for safety. Look at welds, nuts and bolts to make sure they are secure. Check all tree stand straps and replace any that are weathered or frayed. Always use a safety harness and lifeline …

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Branched Oak to host modified Spooktacular event

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LINCOLN, Neb. — Branched Oak State Recreation Area will host its annual Spooktacular event with a few modifications this year due to the novel coronavirus and local health recommendations. Middle Oak Creek Campground (Area 4) will host its annual campground-decorating contest on Oct. 17, but all other park activities have been cancelled. This includes the popular haunted hayrack rides as social distancing cannot be maintained. People are invited and encouraged, however, to drive through the campground to see the Halloween …

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Fish for Rainbows in Nebraska

Rainbow Trout being released

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN, Neb. — A rainbow trout is as beautiful as its namesake, no matter where it appears. But come mid-October, this fish will be swimming in city park ponds and state park lakes across Nebraska. This is a rainbow anyone can easily catch. Here is how: Fishing gear and bait – Keep it simple! Simple rods and reels are best. Fancier ones work, but for young and old alike, the push-button spin-cast …

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Health alert issued for Bluestem; three other Game and Parks lakes remain on alert

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LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, has been issued for Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County. The alert remains in effect for Pawnee and Wagon Train lakes in Lancaster County and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County. Visitors to Bluestem, Pawnee (east and west beaches), Willow Creek and Wagon Train state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing or jet …

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Schramm Education Center closed Sept. 22

Schramm Education Center

LINCOLN, Neb. – Schramm Education Center in Gretna will be closed Sept. 22 during construction on the parking lot. Visitors can still access Schramm Park State Recreation Area, located directly east of the facility, to enjoy time outdoors. The park includes ponds, nature trails, a geologic display and a historic fish hatchery. Buy your park entry permits online at OutdoorNebraska.org. For more information, call the education center at 402-332-3901.

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Virtual bird banding programs offered for free

Bird being released

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. – The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, in conjunction with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, is hosting a series of live virtual bird banding programs on Tuesdays through Oct. 6. The interactive program is perfect for all ages and will last from 9-10 a.m. CST (8-9 a.m. MST). Registration is required at bit.ly/VirtualBirdBanding. Program participants can expect to see live birds and learn from educators about the species captured, as well as about the process of bird banding. …

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Nebraska Game and Parks to offer interactive online hunting workshops

Learn to Hunt workshops graphic

LINCOLN, Neb. – Unravel the mystery and excitement of hunting by joining Nebraska Game and Parks educators for online Hunting Happy Hour workshops. Starting Sept. 22, these interactive Zoom-based sessions cover everything from basic hunting to waterfowl hunting, upland bird hunting and big game hunting with bow, firearm and muzzleloader. Workshops give newcomers the confidence and knowledge to seek out their own adventures this fall and beyond. Hunting Happy Hour workshops are ideal for adults with little to no hunting …

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Game and Parks grateful for firefighting partners

ALLIANCE, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission credits the outstanding work of volunteer fire departments and other responders in limiting damage from two Panhandle wildfires in late August. The Hubbard’s Gap Fire in the Wildcat Hills south of McGrew burned about 4,000 acres, including more than 60 percent of the land at the 1,829-acre William’s Gap Wildlife Management Area. During the same period, the Aristocrat Fire burned about 400 acres in the Pine Ridge 3 miles south of …

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Wildlife officials observing effects from wildfires

McGREW, Neb. – Wildlife managers in the Nebraska Panhandle say the full effects of the region’s wildfires during the final days of August largely will be determined by what Mother Nature does in coming weeks and months. The public land most affected was Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area in Banner County. Along with 2,900 acres of adjacent private land, the fire burned about 1,100 acres on the 1,829-acre wildlife area. During the same period, some U.S. Forest Service property 3 …

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