LINCOLN, Neb. – Pheasants Forever and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host prescribed burn training workshops across the state early in the new year. These workshops will provide guidance and instruction for completing safe and effective prescribed fires. Landowners, resource professionals, volunteer fire departments and other interested persons are invited to attend. No prior burn experience is required. All workshops are scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The workshop schedule is: — Jan. 16 – Scottsbluff, North Platte Natural …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Applications for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 2. The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for residents/nonresidents. Persons …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Families looking for ways to have fun and spend time together can find what they are looking for at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center. Located at 44th and Superior streets in Lincoln, the state-of-the-art archery and firearm range offers a safe and comfortable environment for recreation and family fun. With guidance from the center’s expert instructors, people of all ages – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles – can enjoy archery with just a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Keep your kids active and having fun during winter break at the Arctic Archery Day Camp in Lincoln Dec. 28-29. Held at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, the camp features archery, air rifle, ancient spear throwing, games, art projects, crafts, and learning about winter wildlife. Kids never tire of range time here, and our experienced outdoor education professionals provide the structure and safety they need to learn new skills and have fun at the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Preliminary deer harvest in Nebraska is 3 percent ahead of last year’s pace. From Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, there were 49,923 deer checked, compared to 48,633 in 2016. Mule deer buck harvest has increased for the fourth consecutive year, with 8,609 taken, compared to 8,499 in 2016. “This bodes well for Nebraska, as mule deer buck harvest in 2016 was the highest on record,” said Kit Hams, big game program manager for the Nebraska Game and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Two new commissioners have been appointed to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by Gov. Pete Ricketts. Doug Zingula of Sidney and Scott Cassels of Omaha have been appointed to represent District 7 (Panhandle) and District 9 (at-large), respectively. The appointments to four-year terms are effective Jan. 16. Zingula is retired from a career with outdoor retailer Cabela’s, where he was vice president of corporate merchandising. He serves on the board of the Nebraska Big Game Society …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In preparation for a rotenone treatment in 2018, length limits on largemouth bass and northern pike at Pelican Lake will be rescinded Dec. 1 through Aug. 1, 2018. This action begins the second phase of the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Aquatic Habitat Project. Pelican Lake anglers may harvest these bass and pike by rod and reel. Bowfishing harvest is allowed during the archery game fish season of July 1 through Dec. 31. Daily bag limits will remain …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Take part in a winter tradition and participate in the Christmas Bird Count this month at three state park areas across the state. Events will be held Dec. 14 at Ponca State Park (SP), Dec. 16 at Indian Cave SP, and Dec. 30 at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area (SRA). The Christmas Bird Count is a program of the National Audubon Society, with more than 100 years of citizen science involvement. This event is a one-day bird …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters to follow the rules. During the recent firearm deer season, eight Louisiana hunters were arrested after they committed several hunting violations. On Nov. 12, conservation officers responded to two different complaints of deer camps, each with Louisiana hunters. Following an investigation, they cited eight men for illegal activities in Gage and Jefferson counties. Charges include hunting without permits, over-bag on game, borrowing deer permits, and several other deer regulation …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn the basics of ice fishing or pick up a few new tips at three free Family Ice Fishing clinics in January. On Jan. 6, the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host a classroom clinic at Yanney Heritage Park’s Environmental Resource Center in Kearney from 5 – 9 p.m. This clinic will feature presentations by some of Nebraska’s top ice fishermen. An on-ice clinic will be held Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at …