Tag Archives: Safety

With the assistance of an adult relative, a youth greatly anticipates catching another bluegill from a boat in a Midwestern lake on a summer day. Photo by Rich Wynne. It bothers me to no end that people have such cavalier excuses regarding why they don’t want to wear life jackets on the water in a boat. In my 44 years at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, I have seen my share of boating tragedies. I have seen the victims …

Hunters are advised to be cautious and avoid heavy equipment performing wetland enhancement work at Pintail Wildlife Management Area in Hamilton County. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges the public to stay at least 200 yards from all equipment on the area for their and the equipment operator’s safety. Operators will be using T Road, so hunters are advised to avoid using this road to park. This project will improve wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities by recovering wetland hydrology …

Nebraska’s pheasant, quail and partridge seasons are quickly approaching. The youth season is Oct. 22-23, and the general season opens Oct. 29. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds upland hunters to keep the following safety tips top of mind when they hit the fields this fall: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, and never assume it isn’t. Always point the muzzle of your shotgun in a safe direction, away from people, structures, vehicles, roadways and any direction …

Hunters are reminded Nebraska’s state recreation areas are closed to hunting until Sept. 6. Several hunting seasons open in early September, including archery deer, dove, grouse and other small game and furbearer seasons on Sept. 1. Early teal opens Sept. 3 and fall turkey on Sept. 15. Regulations state that portions of some SRAs are open to hunting from the first Tuesday following Labor Day – this year is Tuesday, Sept. 6 – through the end of the spring turkey …

Spring turkey hunters are eager to get back in the woods again this year, but they should not be so eager they overlook safety. The archery season opened March 25. On April 9, youth under age 16 may begin hunting turkeys with shotguns. Adults get the chance to hunt with shotguns starting April 16. The spring turkey season closes May 31. “Hunting continues to be one of the safest recreational activities there is, but there are a few things to …

Nebraska Hunter Education instructors John Niemoth of Omaha and Robert Sevenker of Ord recently were recognized for their contributions to the program and became the first to achieve the honor of Heritage Instructor. This designation was created for instructors who served the Hunter Education program for decades, providing mentor hunting, outdoors skills training, and safety instruction in their communities but who no longer are able to continue as instructors. Niemoth and Sevenker were recognized with this honor at the Jan. …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters and parkgoers of safety tips as limited managed hunting begins Nov. 1 in some state park areas. For more than 15 years, limited managed hunting has been offered at state park and state historical parks as part of wildlife management for healthy and sustainable wildlife populations. Standard hunting regulations apply, and parks with managed hunting have several safety requirements in place, including distancing requirements from campgrounds, parking lots and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Excitement is building for Nebraska upland bird hunters as the Oct. 30 opener of the pheasant and northern bobwhite season approaches. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters of the following safety tips when pursuing upland game: • Always keep the shotgun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. • Properly identify your target and what lies beyond it before pulling the trigger. • Know where …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With the Nebraska firearm deer season just around the corner, now is the time to sight in that rifle or handgun. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission cooperates with shooting range partners across the state to coordinate and promote sight-in dates. “As hunters, it is our responsibility to have our equipment and ourselves ready for the hunt,” said Jeff Rawlinson, assistant division administrator for Game and Parks. “Sighting in a rifle or pistol for accuracy, even if …

LINCOLN, Neb. — With soaring temperatures, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would like to issue the following safety reminders to those out enjoying water activities. Never swim alone — Always swim with a buddy. Pay attention — Avoid distractions and focus on swim mates and the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children, according to the American Red Cross, and drownings can happen in seconds, as well as in shallow waters. Staying watchful — even of strong swimmers …