Big game meetings scheduled across Nebraska
Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings this winter. Meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district.
Biologists will explain and take questions on several topics, including deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases. See a schedule on our website.
Fortenberry co-introduces bipartisan bill to conserve wildlife
Congress took a step to address the critical need for wildlife conservation on Dec. 14. U.S. House Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced a bill to fund state wildlife conservation using existing mineral and energy royalties from federal lands.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, if passed, would invest in proactive, voluntary, incentive-based habitat conservation projects with private landowners by implementing Nebraska’s State Wildlife Action Plan, called the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project.
Habitat improvements would benefit rare species, as well as common species such as turkeys and deer, by enhancing grasslands, combating invasive species, restoring wetlands and improving woodlands. It also would support education and create new opportunities for Nebraskans to enjoy wildlife and wild places.
Fortenberry has consistently supported wildlife conservation and is co-leading the proposed policy changes needed to care fully for all of our species.
“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is an exciting new policy approach to wildlife management and care for our natural resources,” Fortenberry said. “This legislation will help at-risk species before they require the expensive, restrictive measures required by the Endangered Species Act.” Read more online.
Multispecies lottery permit applications accepted beginning Jan. 2
Applications for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 2. The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for residents/nonresidents. Persons may apply for the residents-only permit once per year for $25. Persons may apply for the resident/nonresident permit multiple times per year for $10 per application. The Combo permit will be valid for one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for nonresidents only. Qualifying persons may apply multiple times per year for $10 per application. These multispecies lottery permits will be valid in 2018 and 2019 in open seasons with the appropriate weapons. Winners of these permits will require a Habitat Stamp. Applications will be received beginning at 1 p.m. Central time on Jan. 2. They must be received by Game and Parks by 5 p.m. (11:59 p.m. if applying online) on July 6. Beginning Jan. 2, visit the Commission website to apply. |
Give the gift of a good time
It’s often said that the best gifts are not things, but experiences. That’s exactly what you get with the gift of a hunting, fishing, or park permit. It’s tons of value wrapped up in a single piece of paper. A park permit gives you access to some of the most beautiful places in Nebraska, where your options for things to do are only limited by your imagination. A hunting or fishing permit is an invitation to indulge in a passion, try something new, or dust off that rod and reel or shotgun that hasn’t been used in a while. It’s simply the gift of a good time. Make your holiday shopping easy and get a permit now via our easy-to-use online system. Get one for yourself, too, and you can look forward to a year filled with new memories with your loved ones. More outdoor gift options can be found on our website. |
Chadron man successful in bighorn hunt
Nebraska’s limited bighorn sheep season wrapped up Thursday afternoon when the second of two permit holders harvested a ram near Fort Robinson State Park’s Cheyenne Buttes. Jack Nemeth of nearby Chadron, who won the permit by lottery, said he was not looking for the “biggest, baddest ram” in the state, but rather a memorable experience with his son Riley, friend B.J. Dunn and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff. Read more about his experience online. |
Prescribed burn training workshops scheduled
Pheasants Forever and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host prescribed burn training workshops across the state early in the new year.
These workshops will provide guidance and instruction for completing safe and effective prescribed fires. Landowners, resource professionals, volunteer fire departments and other interested persons are invited to attend. No prior burn experience is required. See the full schedule.
