Nebraska Outdoor News

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Give us your input on Nebraska’s conservation officers

Conservation officer badge

Nebraska Game and Parks is seeking your valuable input on the quality of service being offered by Nebraska Conservation Officers. This research project is being conducted in conjunction with a student research project at the University of Nebraska-Omaha to help us improve our quality of service.

This survey will only take a few minutes and all responses are completely anonymous.

This survey can easily be completed on a computer or your mobile device. Take the Conservation Officer survey now!

Thank you for helping us protect our natural resources.

Bald eagle nest numbers surpass 200 in 2017

Bald eagle in its nest

In 2017, a record 209 active bald eagle nests were estimated in Nebraska by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The total exceeds 2016’s record of 162 active nests.

Bald eagles were on federal and state endangered species lists as late as 2007 and 2008, respectively. In a little more than quarter century the species has gone from a nonexistent breeding species in the state to one that is relatively numerous, according to Joel Jorgensen, Nebraska Game and Parks’ nongame bird program manager. Read more.

Become a certified youth fishing instructor

Volunteer youth fishing instructor with a boy.

Pass on your fishing expertise to a new generation and become certified as a youth fishing instructor at an upcoming workshop in Bellevue on March 3 or in Lincoln on April 21.

Fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct youth fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to Nebraska Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events, as well as receive program incentives. They also are encouraged to volunteer for such Game and Parks programs as Family Fishing Nights and the Outdoor Expos.

Teaching young people how to fish is rewarding, said the youth fishing instructors featured in a recent Omaha World-Herald video. Instructor Kenneth Whisenhunt commented, “I like to see a kid catch a fish. Something about the expression on their faces I enjoy.”

Tim Olin added: “We like to get kids off their electronic devices and get them outside to do things like this.”

To reserve a spot in a workshop, contact Larry Pape at [email protected].

Time together beats flowers and chocolates

Family playing by the water at sunset

Flowers, chocolates, jewelry. Not a bad gift idea for Valentine’s Day, but what about something that gives you more quality time with the people you love?

Give them the gift of a hunting, fishing or park permit, and you’re set for an entire year of new outdoor experiences together. Fishing trips, hunting trips, an afternoon by the beach at Lake McConaughy, horseback riding at Fort Robinson — you’re only limited by your imagination for things to do.

Head to our website to pick up a permit, and enjoy!

Sampling of deer results in 203 positives for CWD

The presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer has been detected for the first time in the southwestern Nebraska counties of Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Frontier and Franklin, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The Commission conducted a CWD sampling operation in its Northwest and Southwest District deer check stations during the 2017 November firearm deer season.

There were 203 positives from 1,807 deer sampled primarily in the Frenchman, Platte, Republican, Pine Ridge, Upper Platte and Plains management units. Both whitetails and mule deer were sampled. Learn more.

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