Nebraska bighorn sheep receive new monitoring devices
More than 50 bighorn sheep are carrying new equipment to help the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission track and aid their populations, some of which are struggling in areas of the state. A crew of about 50 people, consisting of Commission staff and volunteers, equipped the sheep with monitoring devices after a helicopter capture crew caught them at five locations in the Panhandle this weekend. The crew set up its mobile staging station at four locations along the Pine Ridge near Crawford and Chadron in northwestern Nebraska, and one site at the Wildcat Hills along the North Platte Valley near McGrew. In all, 51 sheep were captured – 31 in the Pine Ridge and 20 in the Wildcat Hills. Read more. |
Apply March 1-14 for archery paddlefish permits
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications March 1-14. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Mail applications must be received in Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m. and online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 14. Permits will be issued in a random drawing based on preference points earned; applicants with the most preference points will receive the greatest priority. Any permits remaining following the drawing will be sold on a first-come basis beginning at 1 p.m. on May 1. The 2018 archery paddlefish season is June 1-30. To apply for a permit, visit a Game and Parks office, visit our website, or use a form in the 2018 Nebraska Fishing Guide. |
View sandhill cranes at Fort Kearny SHP
March is the peak of migration for sandhill cranes and waterfowl gathering in the central Platte River valley. Fort Kearny State Historical Park is an excellent place to start your viewing of the migration. The park visitor center will open daily March 3 – April 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Staff will answer questions and direct visitors to viewing areas. One popular viewing location is the hike-bike bridge over the Platte River at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. The bridge is one-third mile from the parking area. The best viewing times are a half hour before sunrise and sunset. Did you know that on a good day, cranes can travel up to 500 miles? Brush up on your sandhill crane knowledge before your visit at our website. |
