Commission to Approve 2008 Waterfowl, Crow, Falconry Seasons Aug. 29

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NGPC news release, 8/15/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners will approve 2008 waterfowl, crow and falconry season dates and regulations at an 8 a.m. Aug. 29 meeting at Homestead National Monument near Beatrice.

On the agenda is an 8:30 a.m. public hearing to establish regulations for the administration of firearm hunter education, bowhunter education and hunter education certificates of exemption; an 8:45 a.m. public hearing to approve 2008 waterfowl, crow and falconry season dates and regulations; and a 9 a.m. public hearing to consider authorizing a bighorn sheep hunting season and permit numbers for 2009.

Also on the agenda is:

– a recommendation to hold a public hearing at the next meeting to consider increases in permit fees for deer, turkey, elk, antelope and lifetime permits; and, establishment of a $5 non-refundable application fee for antelope permits; and, an electronic issue fee of $1 for annual and duplicate park permits, effective with 2009 permits;

– a recommendation to hold a public hearing at the next meeting to consider amending fishing regulations and bait collecting and dealer regulations;

– a recommendation to hold a public hearing at the next meeting to establish 2009 seasons and regulations for spring and fall turkey hunting;

– a recommendation to hold a public hearing at the next meeting to consider authorizing shared revenue auction permits for big game;

– a recommendation to hold a public hearing at the next meeting to consider removal of the bald eagle from the list of threatened species;

– a recommendation to hold a public hearing at the next meeting to consider allowing limited hunting opportunities at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park;

– a recommendation to approve an updated avian influenza surveillance and response plan;

– a recommendation regarding an annual review of game animals that may be hunted, open hunting periods, areas open for hunting and other special restrictions or limitations at Chadron State Park (SP), Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Platte River SP, Smith Falls SP, Indian Cave SP, Niobrara SP and Ponca SP;

– a recommendation regarding the use of seasonal blinds at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area;

– the drawing of the 2008 mountain (bighorn) sheep lottery permit.