NGPC's October Outdoor Calendar

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NGPC news release, 9/19/08:

LINCOLN, Neb. – There are a number of outdoor events and activities on tap across Nebraska this fall. Here are some you and your family may want to attend or participate in during October.

Nebraska 2008 park entry permits are required at all state parks, state historical parks and state recreation areas. For more information about individual events, call the telephone number listed with the event. Information can also be found on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Web site at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Homepage.

Oct. 1 – Statewide crow hunting season opens. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 1 -- Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area antlerless whitetail deer hunting season opens, permit required. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 1-Nov. 14 and Nov. 24-Dec.31 – Statewide fall archery turkey hunting season, permit required. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 4-5 – Fort Atkinson State Historical Park living history demonstration – volunteers portray life at an 1820s military fort, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (402) 468-5611.

Oct. 4 – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Platte River Art Show – nationally and regionally known artists offer their work for display and sale, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Call (402) 944- 2523, ext. 7340.

Oct. 4, 11 – Ponca State Park Hallowfest – Go on hayrack rides and enjoy a number of other Halloween activities, just a few of which are pumpkin carving contests, face painting, pumpkin roll contest. (402) 755-2284.

Oct. 5,12, 19 – Arbor Lodge State Historical Park living history event – apple cider pressing, tatting, old-time games, strolling musicians, quilting, Native American beading, and blacksmithing. Hayrack, carriage and pony rides. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Tours of historic mansion, $3 adults, $1 children. (402) 873-7222.

Oct. 5 – Muzzleloader antelope hunting season closes in North Sioux and Prairie units.

Oct. 10, 17, 18 – Indian Cave State Park -- Campers can participate in the Halloween campground decorating contest, judging will be Saturday evening. Haunted Holloiw hayrack rides available. (402) 883-2575.

Oct. 11-26 – Firearm antelope season in designated areas, permit required. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 11 – Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium near Gretna – Nebraska’s backyard birds, 9 a.m.- noon, songbird banding, information on species history and migration patterns. (402) 332- 3901.

Oct. 11-Nov. 14 and Nov. 24-Dec.31 – Statewide fall shotgun turkey hunting season, permit required. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 11-12 – Boyer Chute October Early Antlerless Deer Season, special permit required. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 18 – Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium near Gretna – Turtles of Nebraska. Information about turtles, 1-3 p.m. (402) 332-3901.

Oct. 18-19 – Youth **** pheasant, quail and partridge seasons are open (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 18-19 – DeSoto October Early Antlerless Deer Season, special permit required. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 24-25 – Ponca State Park – Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environmental Education 2008 Conference, speakers, field trips, work sessions for teachers. (402) 332-3901.

Oct. 24-26 – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park – Holiday Craft Show/Old West Cookout, crafts, face painting, kettle corn, fall/winter activities, Friday, 4-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Old west cookout with buffalo stew Friday, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (402) 944-2523.

Oct. 25-Jan. 31, 2009 – **** pheasant, quail and partridge seasons are open. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 26 – Antlerless and bull elk hunting seasons, in all units except Boyd Unit, closes. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 26 – Firearm antelope hunting season closes. (402) 471-5432.

Oct. 31 – Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area antlerless whitetail season closes. (402) 471-5432.

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