FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. – For some people, the Great Park Pursuit wasn't about winning a prize, but an opportunity to visit places they had never been.
"We did not do it for the prize, but that was a nice bonus," said Amy Cole of Lincoln, whose team earned one of the grand prizes in the annual event. "Our goal was not to win. The goal was to see how many parks we could hit."
Cole, her husband and two boys made up the Explorers team, one of five to select grand prizes for their reward. The Explorers chose a camping package.
The Great Park Pursuit, adopted from a similar outdoor initiative started by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, involves a challenge to visit Nebraska parks.
Participants follow clues to collect nature-based impressions from posts hidden in each of the selected parks. Prizes and entry into drawings are based on the number of tracings collected.
"If we had to rate it 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, we would rate it a 20," Cole said. "I would definitely do it again next year."
The second annual Pursuit concluded in September. The other grand prize winners, with team name, hometown, and prize package selected, are: The Mighty Campers, Fremont, bicycling; Girls Day Out, Bellevue, cycling; Orr Factor, Grand Island, camping; and Heller Family, Omaha, bicycling.
The Old Nit Wits team of Lincoln won the Nebraska football ticket package and the Pekny Bunch of Burwell won the two-night stay at a state park cabin.
The success of the Pursuit may be seen in its increased participation. The number of participants increased 6.5 percent from last year, the number of teams was up 10.6 percent and the number of park visits rose 100.9 percent.
The Pursuit also got people of all ages out to the parks, especially youth. Of the 1,975 total participants, 764 were age 14 or younger.
"We have always tried to get our kids outside," said Cole, whose children are 3 and 6 years old. "The Pursuit is a good way to get the family outdoors and not spend a lot of money doing it."
The participating parks in 2009 were: Fort Robinson State Park (SP), Crawford; Central Park, Alliance; Ash Hollow State Historical Park (SHP), Lewellen; Kelley Park, McCook; Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest, Halsey; Calamus State Recreation Area (SRA), Burwell; Cowboy Trail, Norfolk; Scenic Park, South Sioux City; Lewis and Clark Landing, Omaha; Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area, Papillion; Platte River SP, Louisville; Indian Cave SP, Shubert; Pioneers Park, Lincoln; Pawnee Park, Columbus; and Stolley Park, Grand Island.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission joined the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association to develop the program. The goal was to encourage a healthier lifestyle for participants while increasing awareness of the nature-rich outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. The 2009 program was sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
BOW Snowshoeing Event Planned
LINCOLN, Neb. – A Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) snowshoeing event is being planned for this winter, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Moonlight Snowshoeing will take place near Lincoln some time after Jan. 1, 2010. The date will be determined by the weather and participants may be contacted with short notice. Participants must bring their own snowshoes.
BOW is a program that allows women, in a group setting, to experience outdoor activities that are new to them.
Women age 18 and older interested in this event should contact Julia Plugge at (402) 471-6009 or julia.plugge@nebraska.gov.
Informational Deer Meetings Scheduled Statewide
LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters and landowners are invited to attend a public informational meeting to discuss deer issues, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. One meeting is scheduled in each district of the Commission.
Commission biologists will explain and take questions on a number of topics, including deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management, and diseases. Antelope and elk issues also may be discussed.
The meeting dates, locations and times are:
District I – Dec. 16, Alliance, Public Library, 1750 Sweetwater Ave., 7 p.m.
District II – Dec. 14, Valentine, Niobrara Lodge, 803 E. U.S. Highway 20, 7 p.m.
District III – Dec. 8, Tekamah, City Auditorium, 1315 K St., 7 p.m.
District IV – Dec. 10, Ogallala, Lake McConaughy Visitor Center, 1475 Highway 61N, 7 p.m.
District V – Dec. 3, Stromsburg, Viking Center, 118 E. 3rd St., 7 p.m.
District VI – Dec. 9, Alda, Heartland Public Shooting Park, 6788 W. Husker Hwy., 7 p.m.
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For Bumpus. ]]>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marshall in Line to Become New Commissioner
LINCOLN, Neb. – Gov. Dave Heineman intends to appoint Norris Marshall of Kearney to represent District IV on the Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners.
"I look forward to serving on the Commission and the opportunity to contribute to making our Commission one of the best of its kind in the U.S.," Marshall said. "Nebraska is a great state with a lot of resources to offer. Together with the rest of the commissioners and staff we can continue improving the quality of recreation opportunities."
Marshall said he is a avid waterfowl hunter and a student of the Platte River and endangered species.
"Along with owning Marshall Engines, my wife, Lori, and I are engaged in cow/calf production and next June will host the Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska on our property along the Platte River near Kearney."
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]]>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. – Deer hunters encountered decent weather overall but were challenged by a large percentage of corn standing in fields during the opening weekend of the firearm season Nov. 14-15, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Expect hunting to improve as the corn harvest, which was set far behind schedule by a wet October, progresses. The state has an ample deer population, including many older bucks.
"We are seeing an older age class of deer being taken in the south-central district," said Jerry Pecha, District VI law enforcement supervisor. "It appears the 2½-year-old-class buck numbers have been growing in numbers for the past few years. Many of our hunters realize that with the ample numbers of deer we have, they don't need to shoot the first buck they see and are becoming more selective."
The most common complaints received by conservation officers over the weekend were hunting without permission and shooting from the road. Officers wrote citations for those violations, as well as others, including: hunting without a permit, spotlighting, hunting in the wrong unit, failure to cancel a permit, harassment of game, taking game in a closed season, no Nebraska Habitat Stamp, no hunter orange, borrowing a permit, and taking antlered deer with an antlerless-only permit.
No hunting accidents were reported.
The firearm deer season closes Nov. 22. The electronic checking system is not available during this season, but the Deer Exchange is available for all deer seasons.
Here is a region-by-region roundup of the opening weekend:
Northwest
The season opened Saturday with normal hunting pressure. Hunters had good success, with some good bucks taken. Light snow fell periodically throughout the region over the weekend.
Conservation officers in District I seized about a dozen deer. Two Californians were arrested for falsifying permit applications to obtain deer and turkey permits.
There were 262 deer checked at the District I office in Alliance over the weekend and 310 as of midday Monday.
Northeast
Some officers reported a good number of does taken with season choice permits. Hunters reported seeing good numbers of deer, with most of them passing up deer so they could have a chance to shoot a bigger one.
Hunters are making good use of the Open Fields and Waters lands. Officers reported high activity on most of the areas checked. One area had 11 vehicles parked on it opening morning and another had eight.
There were 19 citations and 13 warnings issued in District III.
There were 470 deer checked at the District III office in Norfolk over the weekend and 544 as of midday Monday. There were 242 deer checked at the District II office in Bassett over the weekend and 296 as of midday Monday.
Southwest
Several officers indicated there was a large harvest of mule deer and whitetails still were in the corn. One District IV conservation officer checked 16 deer but seized five.
Hunting without a permit was an issue. A person shot a deer without a permit, then said he intended to purchase a permit if he could hit a deer. Another person shot a buck and dumped it in a ravine, stating the deer was not as large as he thought it was when he shot it.
There were 275 deer checked at the District IV office in North Platte over the weekend and 317 as of midday Monday.
Southeast
Open Fields and Waters Program lands were busy Saturday, with some complaints of hunters driving onto these walk-in-only sites.
There were 149 deer checked at the District V office in Lincoln over the weekend and 182 as of midday Monday.
South-central
Hunter success in District VI was down somewhat from last year. Out of 310 hunters checked by mid-afternoon Sunday, officers observed 70 deer in the bag.
The weekend was a memorable for one young hunter, who was checked with his first deer, a 7-by-7 whitetail.
There were 390 deer checked at the District VI office in Kearney over the weekend and 450 as of midday Monday.
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For Bumpus. ]]>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Family Muzzleloader Deer Hunts Available
LINCOLN, Neb. – Family muzzleloader deer hunts are planned for this winter near Plattsmouth, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
The Commission and the Nebraska Forest Service have created an opportunity for families wanting to try deer hunting. This is open to two-person teams of one parent or adult and one child. The hunts will take place Dec. 18-20 and Jan. 8-10, 2010, at Horning State Farm.
Participants will receive help from experienced deer hunters and take part in a pre-hunt workshop. Participants must have either a Season Choice Area 21 or youth deer permit. A Habitat Stamp is required of all hunters except residents under age 16. Proof of successful completion of a Hunter Education course is required.
Interested families must submit a completed application no later than 5 p.m. Nov. 30. Contact Heather Weihe at heather.weihe@nebraska.gov or (402) 471-5662 for an application.
Special Public Hazard Crow Season Opens Nov. 16
LINCOLN, Neb. – A special public health hazard crow hunting season opens Nov. 16 in parts of south-central and southwest Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Crow can create a public health hazard through an accumulation of droppings. The special season lasts until Jan 19, 2010, and is valid only in Buffalo, Phelps, Harlan, Franklin, Kearney, Dawson, and Lincoln counties.
There are no daily bag or possessions limits for hunting crows. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to one hour following sunset, except during waterfowl seasons, when crow shooting ends at sunset.
A Nebraska hunting permit is required for all shooters, except residents under age 16. A Nebraska Habitat Stamp is not required.
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For Bumpus.
]]>The LRNRD is one of the more "visual" of our Water Managers, due partly to the recent squabble with our Kansas neighbors! Getting the "facts" from the "horses mouth" should be most helpful to this Forum!
Harold F.
The LRNRD website:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Three Men Convicted of Poaching Deer
LINCOLN, Neb. – Three Merriman men have been convicted of poaching deer in Cherry County.
Nathan Chappell, 27, Kip Castellaw, 22, and Ernie Bennett, 57, have been ordered by the Cherry County Court to pay a combined $15,000 in fines and $5,000 in liquidated damages for the Sept. 19 illegal killing of five mule deer near Merriman.
The $20,145 in fines, damages and court costs are the largest penalties assessed by a Nebraska court against individual poachers in a single, noncommercial case since electronic records were first kept in 1996.
The men originally were charged with 30 counts each for game law violations, including hunting during a closed season, hunting without permission, hunting with artificial light, game harassment, criminal trespass, and wanton waste. One count of game harassment and four counts of criminal trespass were dismissed in a plea agreement. Cherry County Judge James Orr accepted guilty pleas from each of the men on the remaining 25 charges on Nov. 2 in Valentine.
Judge Orr sentenced each defendant to pay a $200 fine for each of 25 violations. He ordered the men to be responsible collectively for the $5,000 liquidated damage penalties for the five deer and to each pay $48 in court costs. All three will have their hunting and fishing privileges suspended for three years.
The case began when five mule deer were shot, with four left in a field to rot, south of Merriman early on Sept. 19. The largest of the five deer, a 5-by-5 buck, was taken into Merriman before sunrise and left hanging on display on a flatbed trailer. The buck had an inside spread of 19 ½ inches. If the buck had measured 24 inches on the inside of the main beams, a mandatory $5,000 fine would have been assessed for trophy penalty status.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Conservation Officer Heath Packett of Gordon investigated the case, with assistance from Conservation Officer Dan Kling of Sioux County.
"The Law Enforcement Division of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would like to commend the private landowner where the illegal killings occurred, as well as Cherry County Attorney Eric Scott and Cherry County Judge James Orr for their work on this case," Packett said. "It is extremely gratifying when landowners, prosecutors and judges work together with law enforcement to bring poachers to justice."
Anyone observing a game law violation is encouraged to call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll free at (800) 742-7627.
Langdon Bend WMA Reopens for Public Use
LINCOLN, Neb. – Langdon Bend Wildlife Management Area (WMA), near Nemaha, has been reopened for public use.
Portions of the 1,307-acre property had been closed during the construction of three wetland management units at the site. The units allow for management of up to 220 acres of wetland habitats for migratory birds and recreational purposes.
This cooperative project between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is part of the Missouri River Recovery Program. The Langdon Bend WMA and other Missouri River Recovery Program sites were acquired to replace habitats lost when the Missouri River was channelized in the 1900s. These habitat areas are open to the public year-round for multiple-use recreation.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. – Smokepole Deer Hunting, a muzzleloader deer hunting workshop, will be Nov. 19 at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Smokepole Deer Hunting, a free event for hunters of all ages and experience levels, will look at traditional and modern equipment, winter deer habits, strategies for hunting in the Dec. 1-31 muzzleloading season, harvest care, and more.
The workshop will be at 6 p.m. at the aquarium, which is located south of Gretna on Nebraska Highway 31.
Participants must register before Nov. 16 by calling (402) 471-5662.
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For Bumpus. ]]>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. – Many opportunities await Nebraska hunters as the opening of the November firearm deer season nears, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Large numbers of deer are in the field and plenty of permits remain available for this season. A new access program is available, opening thousands of acres to walk-in hunting. A popular program that allows deer meat to be distributed to those who want it is in its second year.
The upcoming firearm season runs Nov. 14-22. One major change affects deer hunters; a new regulation this year allows turkey hunting during that season. Like the deer hunters, those turkey hunters must wear hunter orange.
The following are key reminders concerning the season:
Checking – Deer must be checked at manual check stations. Electronic checking is not available for the firearm season.
Deer Exchange – Hunters may take advantage of this program and provide deer meat to anyone willing to accept it. Donors and recipients of meat may register for free at ngpc.state.ne.us/hunting/programs/deerexchange/. They search a database for participants in their area, and then make contact by telephone to set up the transfer of meat.
Open Fields and Waters Program – More than 36,000 acres of private land in the first year of this pilot program are available for public walk-in hunting access. Check the 2009 Public Access Atlas for tracts in each county.
Remaining Permits – As of Nov. 4, the remaining firearm deer permits, by unit and quantity, are: Buffalo Whitetail, 511; Calamus East, 590; Calamus West, 899; Frenchman Whitetail, 806; Keya Paha, 1,331; Loup West, 576; Pine Ridge, 1,303; Plains, 731; Platte, 100; Platte Whitetail, 1,090; Sandhills, 1,092; and Upper Platte, 651.
The list of remaining permits may be found at OutdoorNebraska.org. Click on Licenses and Fees, then Purchase a Permit, then Remaining Permits.
Purchasing Permits – They may be purchased at Commission permitting offices and at OutdoorNebraska.org. A habitat stamp is required of all deer hunters, except residents age 15 or younger.
Game Law Violations – Call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at (800) 742-7627 to report game violations.
More Information – Visit OutdoorNebraska.org or read the 2009 Nebraska Big Game Guide.
Safe Hunting During Deer Season is No Accident
LINCOLN, Neb. – Safety should be uppermost on the minds of hunters when the firearm deer season opens Nov. 14, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
A new regulation allows turkey hunting during that deer season. Like the deer hunters, however, those turkey hunters must wear hunter orange.
Hunter Education Coordinator Mike Streeter has the following tips for safely handling firearms during the firearm deer season:
-- Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun.
-- Control the direction of the muzzle at all times.
-- Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
-- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
-- Unload guns when not in use. Have the action open and the chamber empty, except when actually hunting. Transport guns in cases, or secure storage racks in vehicles. Handle a gun by the stock, not the barrel.
-- Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.
-- Never climb over or under a fence, into or out of a tree or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
-- Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
-- Store guns and ammunition under lock and key.
The safe use of tree stands also is crucial for a successful hunt.
"A recent survey revealed that nearly 40 percent of deer hunters will fall from their stand or tree some time in their life, and 70 percent of falls occur while hunters either are climbing or descending a tree or entering or leaving the stand," Streeter said.
He has the following tips for tree stands:
-- Use a full-body harness when using a tree stand, including ascending, descending and occupying the stand.
-- Only use equipment that is in good condition.
-- Avoid hunting from heights above 15 feet.
-- Maintain a short tether between yourself and the tree. Allow only enough slack for you to turn and shoot. The tether should be tight when you are seated on your stand.
-- Use a haul line to raise and lower your equipment.
-- Never use a homemade tree stand.
-- Attach yourself to the tree starting when you are on the ground.
Hunters Reminded of Common Complaints
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants to make hunters aware of the most common complaints received by the Law Enforcement Division during the November firearm deer hunting season.
Those complaints are:
Hunting Without Permission – Anyone hunting on private land must first obtain permission from the landowner.
Shooting from the Road – No one may shoot from the road or right-of-way (ditch), whether in a vehicle or not.
Other issues hunters should be aware of are:
Hunter Orange – Anyone hunting deer or turkey during the November firearm deer season must display 400 square inches of hunter orange on his or her head, chest and back. This includes all turkey hunters regardless of weapon.
Accompaniment – When hunting during the November firearm deer season, the following must be accompanied by a licensed person age 19 or older:
-- Deer hunters age 15 or younger.
-- Youth age 11 and younger hunting turkey with a firearm.
-- Hunters holding an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate.
A new regulation for 2009 allows turkey hunting (archery and shotgun) during the November firearm deer season.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fish Salvage Period at Lake Maloney Extended
LINCOLN, Neb. – The fish salvage period at Lake Maloney has been extended. The lake has been drawn down by the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) to aid the inspection of the dam.
Because of the extensive dewatering of Lake Maloney, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission had rescinded all length limits on fish at that lake from Sept. 28-Oct. 31. Since the draw-down has taken place at a slower rate, that salvage period has been extended to last through Nov. 30, 2009. Daily bag limits remain the same.
During this time period, any stranded fish may be harvested by snagging, hand fishing, legal dip or landing nets, and archery. Salvaged fish may not be used for stocking into public or private bodies of water. It is anticipated that during the draw-down, many of the fish in the lake will follow the flow downstream leaving the lake.
NPPD began drawing the lake down on Sept. 21. The public should stay away from the dam and all-terrain vehicles will not be allowed on the exposed lake bottom. During the lake filling process, fish will move downstream from reservoirs above to help fill the void. The Commission will continue a normal stocking schedule in 2010 to help the recovery process of the fish community.
Lake Maloney is located 6 miles south of North Platte.
Conditions Vary in Pheasant Opener
LINCOLN, Neb. – Plenty of good pheasant hunting was available throughout the state as the season opened over the weekend, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, despite some difficult conditions.
A wet October resulted in large areas of unharvested crops and miles of impassable unimproved roads, challenging many hunters to get to and find birds. Expect hunting to improve dramatically with drier weather and more crops out of the field.
No hunting accidents were reported.
Nebraska's pheasant season continues through Jan. 31, 2010. Only rooster pheasants may be taken. The daily bag limit is three and the possession limit is 12. Permits may be purchased at Outdoor Nebraska.org.
The following is a regional report of the opening weekend of the pheasant season:
The following is a regional report of the opening weekend of the pheasant season:
Northwest
The area experienced one of the slowest pheasant openers in many years. Heavy snow two days before the opener resulted in many roads either drifted shut or muddy from melting snow.
The area experienced one of the slowest pheasant openers in many years. Heavy snow two days before the opener resulted in many roads either drifted shut or muddy from melting snow.
Most conservation officers checked fewer than 20 hunters for the entire weekend, with few hunters having any birds. More than 75 percent of checked hunters were nonresidents who represented at least a dozen states.
The heaviest hunting pressure was on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land.
Northeast
About 90 percent of the corn remained in the field, as well as a fair percentage of soybeans. Hunters were represented by a good number of nonresidents.
About 90 percent of the corn remained in the field, as well as a fair percentage of soybeans. Hunters were represented by a good number of nonresidents.
CRP land was used extensively, with spotty success. Some hunters used Open Fields and Waters Program land.
Success appeared to be down, but hunter numbers up from last year in Washington and Burt counties.
Hunting pressure was light and success poor on Sunday.
Southwest
There was heavy snow in prime pheasant areas the day before the opener. Other areas received rain.
There was heavy snow in prime pheasant areas the day before the opener. Other areas received rain.
Overall, there were a good number of hunters, with about 85 percent of checked hunters being nonresidents. Most hunting took place on CRP land.
The number of pheasants harvested was not as good as last year, but many hunters were pleased with the number of birds they saw. Many birds were flushing wild and in cornfields.
The number of pheasants harvested was not as good as last year, but many hunters were pleased with the number of birds they saw. Many birds were flushing wild and in cornfields.
Southeast
Pheasant numbers and success rate similar to recent years.
Open Fields and Waters Program and CRP lands were heavily used Saturday. There was heavy hunting pressure and good success on the northern Salt Valley complexes.
Pheasant numbers and success rate similar to recent years.
Open Fields and Waters Program and CRP lands were heavily used Saturday. There was heavy hunting pressure and good success on the northern Salt Valley complexes.
Quail numbers appear to be up.
Good numbers of pheasants and good success reported in Seward and western Butler counties.
Hunting pressure was down considerably on Sunday.
South-central
Hunting pressure was lower than normal for the opener. Conservation officers checked an average of 60 hunters each over the two-day weekend.
Hunting pressure was lower than normal for the opener. Conservation officers checked an average of 60 hunters each over the two-day weekend.
Most of the checked hunters were on public areas, such as the Rainwater Basin and CRP land. There were few nonresident hunters.
By 11 a.m. Saturday, 198 hunters were checked with 67 pheasants, six quail and one grouse.
Over the weekend, hunters averaged better than half a bird each. Hunters with the most birds were in the Rainwater Basin.
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Bumpus' "Bites from our NGPC":
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ziebarth Resigns from Commission Board
LINCOLN, Neb. – James Ziebarth, chairman of the Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners, has resigned to take a position with the USDA Farm Service Agency.
James Ziebarth was appointed to the Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners in 2004.
Ziebarth has been selected to serve on the FSA State Committee. He said rules of the U.S. Department of Agriculture dictate that he must resign his position with the Commission.
"I have enjoyed the time I have spent with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the friends I have made along the way," said Ziebarth, who farms near Wilcox. "I am proud to have been a part of an agency that cares so deeply about wildlife, parks and conservation."
Ziebarth has sent his letter of resignation to Gov. Dave Heineman, who appointed him to the board in August 2004.
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]]>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, Neb. – Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is closed temporarily to public access because of dam and lake rehabilitation projects, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
The WMA, east of Hickman in Lancaster County, is expected to be closed until the summer of 2010 to protect the public from construction hazards. The entire property, including the land, lake and parking areas, is closed.
Hedgefield Lake dam, built in the early 1960s, was upgraded recently to meet current standards. Work included replacing the outlet pipe, adding an additional spillway and increasing the flood storage capacity.
The Commission now will complete an in-lake aquatic rehabilitation project. This includes deepening of the lake, enhancement of aquatic habitat, improved angler access, and construction of a boat ramp. The lake will be restocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Contact Larry Pape at larry.pape@nebraska.gov or (402) 471-7655 for more information.
Beyond BOW Scuba Diving Workshop Scheduled
LINCOLN, Neb. – A Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman scuba diving workshop is scheduled for Nov. 8 in Lincoln, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Husker Divers is conducting the 5 p.m. workshop, which is open for women and girls age 10 and older who want to try scuba diving. Participants will dive in an indoor pool under the supervision of a qualified professional.
The cost is $15. All participants must register by contacting Husker Divers at (402) 420-6338 or Huskerdivers@prodigy.net.
For Bumpus. ]]>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commissioners Approve Low-Cost Youth Permits
LINCOLN, Neb. – There has been a national trend of declining participation in hunting for years. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission took a step Thursday to attract more young big game hunters.
The Board of Commissioners approved youth deer, turkey and antelope permits that cost $5 each. The board held its regular meeting at Pheasant Bonanza, northwest of Tekamah.
The current prices for selected permits are, excluding agent fees: resident deer ($29), nonresident deer ($208), resident antelope ($29), nonresident antelope ($149.50), resident turkey ($23), and nonresident turkey ($90). All hunters, including youth, pay those prices. Now, youth under age 16 may purchase those permits for $5 each.
Other permits were created and fees amended by the board.
In an effort to raise funds that will do such things as acquire land, support public access programs and improve habitat, the board raised the cost of an annual Nebraska Habitat Stamp by $4 to $20. It also raised the annual Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Stamp by $2.50 to $10.
New permits that were created include nonresident paddlefish, nonresident combination hunt/fish permit, lifetime fur harvest, nonresident elk, and nonresident landowner elk.
The board also raised the cost of a lifetime habitat stamp by $80 to $400 and created agent fees of $1 (purchased through Commission) and $2 (purchased through an agent other than Commission) for most hunting, fishing and fur harvest permits.
Changes to the 2010 fishing and turkey hunting regulations also were approved.
Changes to turkey regulations include a spring turkey permit that may be used in either the shotgun or archery season. In the past, spring turkey hunters were required to purchase either a shotgun permit or archery permit to hunt with those respective weapons during designated seasons.
The board made the following changes to other wildlife regulations:
-- Suspended the bighorn sheep harvest in 2010. A pneumonia outbreak has reduced the population of the Fort Robinson herd, where sheep are hunted.
-- A limited landowner applicant may be a spouse or child of the owner or leaseholder of qualifying land or a sibling sharing ownership of the qualifying land. The spouse or child need not be residing in the same household of the owner or leaseholder.
-- Added landowner bull elk to the list of permit applicants who receive preference points if denied a permit and who lose all preference points if granted a permit. It also removes language that states all preference points will be lost if a person does not apply at least once for five consecutive years.
-- Removed all restrictions on draw weight and draw length of archery equipment used to take deer, antelope, turkey, elk, and bighorn sheep.
-- Removed all restrictions on how long deer, antelope, turkey, elk, and bighorn sheep meat may be possessed.
-- Added a regulation that archers hunting deer, antelope, elk, or bighorn sheep are not required to wear hunter orange during the firearm seasons for antelope, elk or bighorn sheep.
-- Removed all restrictions on how long game birds or game animals may be possessed and added language that states that it is unlawful to possess more than a possession limit of game birds or game animals.
The board also:
-- Entered into an agreement with the Platte River Basin Environments (PRBE) to provide public access and conservation management on two tracts of land in the Wildcat Hills. The Carter Canyon Ranch Tract (7,870 acres) and the Montz Point Tract (1,430 acres) are owned by PRBE.
-- Amended a lease with the Bureau of Reclamation to include a mitigation tract in Webster County in which the Commission will provide public access and conservation management. The 475-acre tract will be designated as Guide Rock Diversion Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
-- Acquired a 13.31-acre tract of land at U.S. Highway 77 and Bluff Road in Lancaster County. It will be used to consolidate Commission operations and maintenance staff and replace sites that are being leased.
-- Acquired a 156-acre tract of land in Stanton County that will be an extension of Wood Duck WMA.
Changes to 2010 Fishing Regulations Approved
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Board of Commissioners approved amendments to the 2010 fishing regulations Thursday, including one that prohibits the harvest of wipers at Zorinsky Lake.
Stocking of wipers into the Omaha lake has begun, so they may prey on abundant gizzard shad. The regulation should reduce premature harvest of small wipers to allow them to eat shad and grow, so they eventually may be caught several times during their lives.
Other regulation changes are:
-- Iron Horse Trail Lake is added to the list of waters with a 21-inch minimum length limit on black bass.
-- The new walleye spawning reef habitat at Sherman Reservoir is included in the area closed to fishing from sunset to sunrise, April 1 - 20.
-- Blue Lake in Garden County is closed to access during the November firearm deer season.
-- It is unlawful to possess live baitfish at Hedgefield Lake in Lancaster County. The lake is being rehabilitated, and the goal of the regulation is to reduce introduction of undesirable fish.
-- It is unlawful to possess live baitfish at Lake Wanahoo in Saunders County. The lake is being built, and the watershed will be treated with rotenone in the fall of 2009 to eliminate existing fish. The goal of the regulation is to reduce introduction of undesirable fish.
-- The following have been added to a list of waters managed as High Use Fishing Areas: Open Fields and Waters program lakes and ponds, Big Springs City Pond, Birdwood Lake in North Platte, Friend City Lake, Hedgefield Lake, Hooper City Lake, Humphrey Pond in Ogallala, Kramer Park Lake in Bellevue, Lake Wanahoo, North Platte Interstate 80 Lake, Oxford City Lake, Papio D4, Schwer Park Pond in Papillion, Silver Creek City Lake, and Stanton Lake in Falls City.
The regulations for High Use Fishing Areas are: 21-inch minimum length limit and one-fish daily bag limit on black bass, 10-fish daily bag limit on panfish, and three-fish daily bag limit on channel catfish.
-- Regarding bait collection and dealer regulations, the maximum legal opening size of a baitfish trap throat increased from 1.5 to 2 inches.
No Bighorn Sheep Hunt Planned for 2010
LINCOLN, Neb. – The hunting of bighorn sheep in Nebraska has been suspended for 2010 as a herd tries to recover from a disease outbreak, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
No harvest of sheep will be allowed next year, the Board of Commissioners decided Thursday. Bighorns have been hunted most years since 1998, with 13 sheep taken. Two hunts are scheduled for December.
Bighorn sheep are native to Nebraska but were extirpated in the early 1900s due to habitat loss, disease and unregulated hunting. Four herds have been created by four reintroductions since 1981: the Fort Robinson and Barrel Butte herds in the Pine Ridge, and the Cedar Canyon and Hubbards Gap herds in the Wildcat Hills.
Sheep hunting has been allowed only in the Fort Robinson herd. An outbreak of Pasteurella pneumonia in the spring reduced that herd to its current estimated population of 37.
The Fort Robinson herd began in 1981 with the reintroduction of six sheep and grew to an estimated 130 by 2004. A die-off from pneumonia in 2005 cut that population in half.
The Barrel Butte herd began with the reintroduction of 49 sheep on Bighorn Wildlife Management Area in 2005. Its current population is estimated at 97.
The Hubbards Gap herd began in 2007 with the release of 51 sheep. Its current population is estimated at 82.
The Cedar Canyon herd began with the 2001 release of 22 sheep. It grew to approximately 64 sheep in 2005, but Pasteurella pneumonia cut that number in half in 2006. The current estimate is 45 sheep.
Record 66 Bull Elk Harvested in 2009
LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters harvested a record 66 bull elk this fall, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. That compares with 57 taken in 2008.
Elk populations continue to expand in the state, and so do the number of permit applicants and permits sold.
The success rate of the 82 bull elk permit holders was 80 percent. The Hat Creek Unit had the highest success rate at 100 percent, followed by Niobrara River, 84; Bordeaux, 81; Ash Creek, 78; North Platte River, 68; Box Elder, 67; and Boyd, 0. The auction permit holder also was successful.
The bull elk season closed Oct. 25.
Forty cows were taken during the first half of the antlerless elk season, which also closed Oct 25. The second half continues Dec. 1 – 21. A record 123 cow permits have been issued, with 24 still unsold.
November Outdoor Calendar
EDITOR: This release corrects a version sent Oct. 28. It corrects entries for Nov. 2 and deletes entries for Nov. 3 and Nov. 4.
LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events in November:
Nov. 1
-- Trapping season opens for muskrat and beaver.
-- Hunting/trapping season opens for raccoon, opossum, long-tailed weasel, mink, red fox, gray fox, and badger.
-- Most 2010 annual permits and stamps available for purchase at OutdoorNebraska.org.
-- Nonresident two-day small game hunting permits available (valid for hunting Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2009).
Nov. 2
-- Fort Robinson State Park Historical Christmas Dinner ticket sales begin, 8 a.m. Mountain time, tickets cost $22, (308) 665-2900.
-- Woodcock hunting season closes.
Nov. 7
-- Dark goose hunting season opens in Panhandle Unit.
-- Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop on processing and preparing deer meat, Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 9 a.m., $20, (402) 471-6009.
Nov. 9
-- Virginia and sora rail hunting season closes.
Nov. 10
-- Deer Hunting Workshop, Hunter Education office, 4817 N. 56th St., Ste. 1, Lincoln, free, (402) 471-5662.
Nov. 13
-- Big game hunting seasons close for archery antelope, archery deer and elk Boyd Unit.
Nov. 14
-- Firearm deer hunting season opens.
Nov. 16
-- Special crow hunting season opens for Buffalo, Phelps, Harlan, Franklin, Kearney, Dawson, and Lincoln counties.
Nov. 22
-- Firearm deer hunting season closes.
-- Fort Robinson Longhorn and Buffalo Sale, Crawford Livestock Market, (308) 665-2900.
Nov. 23
-- Big game hunting seasons reopen for archery antelope, archery deer and elk Boyd Unit.
Nov. 26
-- Thanksgiving Day Buffet, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 7:30-10 a.m. and 11 a.m.-6 p.m., adults $13.95, children $6.95, park entry permit required, (402) 944-2523, ext. 7127. ]]>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November Outdoor Calendar
LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events in November:
Nov. 1
-- Trapping season opens for muskrat and beaver.
-- Hunting/trapping season opens for raccoon, opossum, long-tailed weasel, mink, red fox, gray fox, and badger.
-- Most 2010 annual permits and stamps available for purchase at OutdoorNebraska.org.
-- Nonresident two-day small game hunting permits available (valid for hunting Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2009).
Nov. 2
-- Fort Robinson State Park Historical Christmas Dinner ticket sales begin, 8 a.m. Mountain time, tickets cost $18, (308) 665-2900.
-- Fall Craft Show and Old West Cookout, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 4-8 p.m., free, park entry permit required, (402) 944-2523, ext. 7340.
-- Woodcock hunting season closes.
Nov. 3
-- Fall Craft Show and Old West Cookout, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., free, park entry permit required, (402) 944-2523, ext. 7340.
Nov. 4
-- Fall Craft Show and Old West Cookout, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., free, park entry permit required, (402) 944-2523, ext. 7340.
Nov. 7
-- Dark goose hunting season opens in Panhandle Unit.
-- Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop on processing and preparing deer meat, Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 9 a.m., $20, (402) 471-6009.
Nov. 9
-- Virginia and sora rail hunting season closes.
Nov. 10
-- Deer Hunting Workshop, Hunter Education office, 4817 N. 56th St., Ste. 1, Lincoln, free, (402) 471-5662.
Nov. 13
-- Big game hunting seasons close for archery antelope, archery deer and elk Boyd Unit.
Nov. 14
-- Firearm deer hunting season opens.
Nov. 16
-- Special crow hunting season opens for Buffalo, Phelps, Harlan, Franklin, Kearney, Dawson, and Lincoln counties.
Nov. 22
-- Firearm deer hunting season closes.
-- Fort Robinson Longhorn and Buffalo Sale, Crawford Livestock Market, (308) 665-2900.
Nov. 23
-- Big game hunting seasons reopen for archery antelope, archery deer and elk Boyd Unit.
Nov. 26
-- Thanksgiving Day Buffet, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, 7:30-10 a.m. and 11 a.m.-6 p.m., adults $13.95, children $6.95, park entry permit required, (402) 944-2523, ext. 7127.
Big Game Trophies Featured in NEBRASKAland
LINCOLN, Neb. – Big game records have been kept in Nebraska since 1962. Hunters have been awarded certificates for harvesting outstanding deer, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep.
NEBRASKAland Magazine takes a look at the best of the best big game in "Trophy Roundup" by Regional Editor Eric Fowler in the November issue, arriving in mailboxes and at newsstands now.
NEBRASKAland is published 10 times a year and is available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices and newsstands across the state or by subscription. Subscribe by calling toll-free (800) NEB-LAND (632-5263) or at NebraskalandMagazine.com.
2010 NEBRASKAland Gift Catalog Now Available
LINCOLN, Neb. – An assortment of items that make excellent Christmas gifts is available in the NEBRASKAland Gift Collection 2010. The catalog is available in the November issue of NEBRASKAland Magazine or by visiting NebraskalandMagazine.com.
Among the items in the catalog are NEBRASKAland Magazine and Trail Tales Magazine, NEBRASKAland Magazine Wild Game Cookbook, 2010 NEBRASKAland Calendar, mugs, annual small game hunting, fishing and park permits, lifetime permits, habitat and waterfowl stamps, and DVDs.
More State-Record Fish Certified
LINCOLN, Neb. – Four more state record fish have been certified by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, including two by Jim Foral of Lincoln.
Foral set the archery record for black buffalo with a 6-pound, 7-ounce fish that was 18.75 inches in length. It was taken at Lewis and Clark Lake on Sept. 4. He also set the archery record with a 1-pound, 7½-ounce goldfish taken Oct. 24 at Pawnee Lake. The fish was 14 inches long.
Kallan Kitt of Grand Island set the archery record for Kentucky spotted bass with a 2-pound, 6-ounce fish that measured 171/8 inches in length. It was taken Aug. 9 at a Lincoln County private sandpit.
Dustin Noble of Gothenburg set the underwater spearfishing record with a .45-ounce orangespotted sunfish. The 3.5-inch-long fish was taken Aug. 1 at a Lincoln County private sandpit.
Visit OutdoorNebraska.org to purchase fishing permits.
For Bumpus. ]]>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Deer Hunting Workshop in Lincoln on Nov. 10 LINCOLN, Neb. – A deer hunting workshop is scheduled for Nov. 10 in Lincoln, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The free event is developed for hunters of all ages and experience levels.
Deer Hunting 201 – a Deer Hunting Primer, will include discussion on deer hunting techniques to enhance hunter success, hunting the rut, guns, loads, calling and ratting, game laws, use of scents, hunting scrapes, rubs and more.
The workshop will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Hunter Education office, 4817 N. 56th St., Ste. 1.
Participants must register before Nov. 6 by calling (402) 471-5662.
For Bumpus. ]]>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Numerous Deer Hunting Permits Remain Unsold
LINCOLN, Neb. – Plenty of deer hunting permits remain unsold for the 2009 season, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
By taking advantage of the permits, deer hunters have a chance to provide food for the table, thin herds where crop damage is a problem, mentor a young hunter, and introduce hunting to a novice.
A record harvest of antlerless whitetails is expected this year as more than 90,000 antlerless whitetail bonus tags have been made available.
As of Oct. 23, the remaining deer permits, by unit and quantity, are:
Firearm Units – Buffalo whitetail, 898; Calamus East, 834; Calamus West, 1,138; Frenchman whitetail, 965; Keya Paha, 1,550; Loup East, 307; Loup West, 962; Pine Ridge, 1,713; Plains, 987; Platte, 511; Platte whitetail, 1,109; Sandhills, 1,421; and Upper Platte, 827.
Season Choice – Area 1, 1,676; Area 2, 1,473; Area 3, 350; Area 4, 268; Area 5, 422; Area 6, 230; Area 8, 296; Area 9, 237; Area 11, 325; Area 12, 768; Area 17, 431; Area 18, 1,041; Area 19, 635; Area 20, 3,102; Area 21, 5,479; Area 22, 457; Area 23, 289; Area 24, 207; and Area 25, 265.
The list of remaining permits may be found at OutdoorNebraska.org. Click on Licenses and Fees, then Purchase a Permit, then Remaining Permits.
Permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org or Commission permitting offices around the state. For more information, read the 2009 Nebraska Big Game Guide.
Venison Makes for Tasty Dishes
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has three suggested venison recipes for deer hunters to try.
Venison has nutritional benefits over a common rival, beef. According to nutritiondata.com, 100 grams of ground, pan-broiled venison has 187 calories, compared to 246 for the same portion of 80-percent lean pan-broiled ground beef. Venison has 26.5 grams or protein, compared to beef's 24, and 8.2 grams of total fat to beef's 15.9. Venison is low in sodium.
The following recipes are from the NEBRASKAland Magazine Wild Game Cookbook, available at the Commission for $2. Call toll-free at (800) 742-0056 or order at NebraskalandGifts.com.
Chicken Fried Venison Steak
1½ pounds deer steak
2 cups crushed saltine crackers
3 beaten eggs
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper
Cooking oil
Pound steaks with a mallet until they are about a half-inch thick. Combine milk and eggs in a bowl. Coat tenderized steaks with egg mixture and then with crushed crackers. Salt and pepper to taste. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
Grilled Loin of Venison
Boneless venison loin (¾ pound per person)
10 or more finely chopped garlic cloves
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
Thoroughly coat meat with olive oil. Grind black pepper onto the loin, then roll it in finely chopped garlic. Grill over hot coals, turning frequently so the outside is uniformly crusty and brown. Add a few soaked hickory chips, if desired. Serve when the center is warm and pink.
Venison Chili
1 pound venison, cut in bite-sized pieces
½ cup chopped onion
16 ounces red beans
16 ounces refried beans
8 ounces tomato sauce
16 ounces picante sauce
1 teaspoon chopped hot red peppers
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
Flour
2 ounces olive oil
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon molasses
Dredge venison and brown with onions in olive oil. Pour off excess oil. Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serves 6. ]]>