Nebraska Game and Parks – Page 6 – North Platte Post Archive

Some Mobile Hunting and Fishing Permits Now Available

Posted on April 10, 2014

LINCOLN – Some Nebraska hunting and fishing permits now may be purchased, accessed or displayed on a mobile device.

The image of a mobile permit may be displayed and saved on a device such as a phone or tablet. The mobile permit fulfills the requirement of carrying a permit while eliminating the need to carry a paper version.

Mobile permit purchase options are currently limited to hunt (small game), fish, and resident fur harvest permits, as well as associated stamps. Mobile big game permits and park entry permits are not available.

Users should remember that Internet service is required to access a mobile permit or the mobile site. Precautions, such as saving the image of the permit to your device, should be made in the event Internet service is not available in the field. A paper copy of a permit could be a backup, as well.

To access or purchase a mobile permit, a user must first have created a profile in Game and Parks’ electronic permitting system. A profile cannot be created on a mobile device. On the mobile site, permits may be purchased with a credit or debit card. Previously purchased permits and stamps also may be displayed and saved on mobile devices.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a link to the mobile site on the bottom of the home page, where users can view information and instructions on accessing mobile permits.

National Walk at Lunch Day to Benefit Nebraska Trails

Posted on April 9, 2014April 9, 2014

LINCOLN – On April 30, Nebraskans from across the state will make time to walk for 30 minutes at lunchtime.

In doing so, they’ll take part in National Walk at Lunch Day, an annual event intended to encourage participants to engage in healthy lifestyle choices. Participants will also help raise money for the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation.

For every organization that registers walkers for the annual event, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska will contribute $20 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation and the Special Olympics Nebraska. The Foundation will use donations to develop and improve hiking and biking trails. The $8,000 generated last year for Game and Parks led to the construction of new trails at Platte River State Park.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is dedicated to promoting healthy living across Nebraska,” said Kathy Nellor, wellness business consultant at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. “As a result, it makes sense to support the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation and its biking and hiking statewide trails system.”

All together, the Game and Parks statewide system offers more than 1,200 miles of trails.

“The Game and Parks Foundation is grateful for the support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska and this annual event,” said Roger Kuhn, Parks Division Administrator for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “National Walk at Lunch Day helps enhance our trails, which in turn enhance our state park system.”

Schools, businesses, organizations and individuals can visit nebraskablue.com to register. Participants can choose a convenient time and place to walk – perhaps one of the state’s many trails.

In 2013, more than 57,000 Nebraskans registered to take a 30-minute walk at lunch. Most walked with their business or school, and in all, more than 360 organizations participated. This year, Blue Cross and Blue shield of Nebraska is hoping to register 62,700 walkers, a 10 percent increase from last year.

Walking is part of a healthy lifestyle that can lower the risk of heart disease, increase weight loss and improve sleep.

Family Fishing Events Scheduled for 2014

Posted on April 9, 2014

LINCOLN – Another spring and summer of family fishing fun is scheduled with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Family Fishing Events.

Family Fishing Events provide opportunities for people of all ages who have never fished or have not fished in years to learn and enjoy the activity. Rods and reels, as well as bait and fishing instruction, will be available for free. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer at each site. Appropriate fishing and park permits are required.

All events are from 6-8 p.m., unless otherwise noted. The schedule is:

April 28 – Terry’s Pit, Scottsbluff, 5-7:30 p.m.; May 10 – Fort Kearny State Recreation Area (SRA), Kearney, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; May 28 – Lake Halleck, Papillion;May 29 – Holmes Lake, Lincoln

June 3 – Skyview Lake, Norfolk; June 4 – Pawnee Park East, Columbus; June 7 – Yanney Park, Kearney, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; June 10 – Fremont Lakes SRA No. 3, Fremont; June 11 – Benson Park Pond, Omaha; June 11 – Recharge Lake, York;June 17 – Walnut Creek Reservoir, Papillion; June 18 – Bowling Lake, Lincoln; June 21 – Carp-O-Rama, Pawnee SRA, Emerald, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; June 24 – City Pond, North Platte; June 25 – Cottonmill Lake, Kearney; June 26 – Mormon Island SRA No. 1, Grand Island

July 8 – Johnson Lake, Fremont; July 9 – Holmes Lake, Lincoln; July 10 – Lake Halleck, Papillion; July 12 – Carp-O-Rama, Maloney Reservoir, North Platte, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; July 15 – Skyview Lake, Norfolk; July 16 – Pawnee Park East, Columbus; July 22 – Bowling Lake, Lincoln; July 23 – Benson Park Pond, Omaha

Aug. 6 – City Pond, North Platte; Aug. 7 – Mormon Island SRA No. 1, Grand Island;Aug. 8 – Fort Kearny SRA, Kearney; Aug. 12 – Lake Halleck, Papillion; Aug. 13 – Holmes Lake, Lincoln; Aug. 14 – Recharge Lake, York; Sept. 20-21 – Missouri River Outdoor Expo, Ponca State Park, Ponca, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Three New Multispecies Big Game Lottery Permits Available in 2014

Posted on April 3, 2014

LINCOLN – Three new multispecies big game hunting permits are authorized for 2014, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Each of the three permit recipients will be drawn in a lottery.

Those new permits are:

— One Super Tag permit for residents or nonresidents. This permit is valid for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys.
— One Combo permit for residents only. This permit is valid for one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys.
— One Combo permit for nonresidents only. This permit is valid for one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys.

Each of the new multispecies permits allows qualifying persons to apply multiple times a year at $10 per application. Each is valid for 2014 and 2015 in open hunting seasons with the appropriate weapons. The turkey bag limit allows only toms and bearded hens to be taken in the spring.

A regulation that states no person may have more than one bull elk permit in a lifetime does not apply to lottery and auction permits.

In addition to the new permits listed above, Game and Parks currently has a Super Tag permit (elk, antelope, deer and turkey) for residents only that allows one $25 entry per person each year.

The application period for these multispecies permits is April 21 – July 4, 2014.

Nebraska Game and Parks Marketing Grant Application Deadline Extended

Posted on March 30, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The application deadline has been extended for marketing grants from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The agency is offering $100,000 in marketing grants to promote outdoor recreation to spur tourism and economic development.

Public-private partnerships, nongovernment agencies and political subdivisions are eligible.

The deadline has been extended to Wednesday. The grants will be awarded April 30.

While all projects, events and campaigns must promote outdoor recreation, preference is given to marketing campaigns promoting hunting, fishing and Game and Parks’ public areas.

The individual grant amounts to reimburse winning events and projects will range from $2,000 to $25,000.

Boating Safety Course at North Platte

Posted on March 20, 2014

North Platte, Nebr. A boating safety course will be held at the Nebraska Game and Parks Office in North Platte on Saturday, April 5, according to Scott Eveland, Boating Safety Officer for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

According to Eveland, the Nebraska Boating Safety course is required of all power boat operators born after December 31, 1985, which includes operators of personal watercraft and all other motorboats. The minimum age to operate a motorboat in Nebraska is 14.

The course covers everything from equipment requirements to safe boat operation and accident prevention, and is a great course for both new and experienced boaters. Boat owners who complete the class may qualify for insurance discounts. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children and boaters of all ages are welcome. Students must be at least 14, or turning 14 this calendar year to be certified. The homestudy with proctored exam option allows students to study online, then attend a shortened review and test session. That session will be offered April 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. There is a $10 fee for this course. Preregistration is required and there are minimum student requirements for the class to be held.

To register for the class call the NGPC office at (308) 535-8025, or for additional information, contact Boating Safety Officer Eveland at (308) 289-0017 or [email protected] For information on additional classes in Nebraska, visit www.boatsafenebraska.org.

Family Trout-Fishing Events

Posted on March 19, 2014

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will be holding several Family Trout-Fishing events

that will be in conjunction with the Commission’s March trout stocking in area lakes.

Dates and times for the separate events are as follows:

Family Trout-Fishing at McCook/Barnett Pond, Tuesday, March 25 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm CDT

Family Trout-Fishing at Curtis/Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course Pond, Wednesday, March 26 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm CDT

Family Trout-Fishing at Ogallala/Lake Ogallala, Thursday, March 27 2014, 5:30pm to 7:30pm MDT

The free events are open to the public – individuals, friends and families are invited to come learn about trout fishing, tackle, equipment and experience trout fishing fun.

Those wishing to attend and are 16 years of age and older must have a valid Nebraska fishing permit. Permits are available online or at local vendors.

Two ATV Jamborees Scheduled for Lake McConaughy SRA

Posted on March 18, 2014March 18, 2014

LINCOLN – Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (SRA) will host ATV riding events April 4-6 and Oct. 3-5.

Each weekend will include open riding, Poker Run, dealer displays, food vendors and live entertainment. Organizers are planning to add Sand Drag Races and Kids’ Barrel Races to the lineup.

The event is open to all ATV/UTV riders age 18 and older. Riders younger than age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have a signed and notarized release. Helmets are required for all riders 14 and under, and eye protection is required for all riders.

Registration is $50 per vehicle for the weekend and is limited to the first 500 vehicles registered. Register at explorekeithcounty.com or call 800-658-4390.

A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering the SRA. Camping will be available at all modern campgrounds; however water availability will be limited.

ATVs will not be allowed at Lake McConaughy at any other time. Only registered ATVs are allowed and are considered a part of the event.

New Pine Ridge Mule Deer Survey Improves Population Data

Posted on March 18, 2014March 18, 2014

LINCOLN – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission employees used a bird’s-eye view of the rugged high country of the Pine Ridge last month to obtain more accurate deer population data for northwestern Nebraska.

During five days in early February, Game and Parks staff members boarded a contracted helicopter and surveyed eight areas of the Pine Ridge Management Unit, which encompasses 429 square miles. The project marked first time Game and Parks has used a helicopter to survey mule deer. In all, staff members counted 862 mule deer – 68 bucks, 477 does and 317 fawns.

Todd Nordeen, northwestern district wildlife manager, said the survey’s findings will be valuable in setting hunting regulations and other management strategies for mule deer, a species that biologists suspect to be struggling in some areas because of disease and other challenges.

The aerial survey is expected to take place annually for at least five years, providing the agency with accurate population counts and helping identify growths or declines in herds.

In addition to mule deer, the 11 staff members counted 659 white-tailed deer, 96 elk and 11 bighorn sheep during the flights.

Private Pond Owners Encouraged to Report Winter Fish Kills

Posted on March 18, 2014

LINCOLN – Private pond owners are encouraged to report severe winter fish kills to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission following ice-out.

Winter fish kills occur when oxygen levels fall too low to support fish under the ice. Ice prevents the direct absorption of oxygen from the atmosphere, so oxygen produced by plant photosynthesis is crucial. Oxygen levels drop because of plant decomposition and respiration by aquatic organisms. Shallow ponds with heavy vegetation are particularly susceptible.

Once the ice is gone, pond owners should check their shorelines for dead fish and note the species, size and quantity. If hundreds of dead fish are observed, owners may call Jeff Blaser, Game and Parks’ private waters specialist, at 402-471-5435, to discuss options for restoring the fish community.