NEBRASKA OUTDOOR NEWS

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Governor makes two appointments to Game and Parks Commission

Two new commissioners have been appointed to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Doug Zingula of Sidney and Scott Cassels of Omaha have been appointed to represent District 7 (Panhandle) and District 9 (at-large), respectively. The appointments to four-year terms are effective Jan. 16.

Zingula and Cassels succeed Mark Spurgin of Paxton and Rex Fisher of Omaha, respectively, whose terms will each expire in mid-January after serving two terms on the Commission. Read more online.

Preliminary deer harvest higher than last year

Two running whitetails

Preliminary deer harvest in Nebraska is 3 percent ahead of last year’s pace. From Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, there were 49,923 deer checked, compared to 48,633 in 2016.

Mule deer buck harvest has increased for the fourth consecutive year, with 8,609 taken, compared to 8,499 in 2016. “This bodes well for Nebraska, as mule deer buck harvest in 2016 was the highest on record,” said Kit Hams, big game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Read more.

Archery hunter’s bighorn sheep likely a Nebraska record

There may be a new state record among bighorn sheep harvested in Nebraska. Archery hunter Jason Bruce of Lockeford, California, claimed success during Nebraska’s bighorn sheep season with a massive ram taken on private property in the rocky Wildcat Hills near Gering on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Todd Nordeen, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologist who manages Nebraska’s bighorn sheep program, said the mature ram, estimated to be 10 years old, had a gross score of 195 1/8 and netted 193 5/8 on the Boone and Crockett scale. See full article.

Connect with family, friends during Winterfest

Yule log quest

Throughout the winter season, parks across the state are offering special events to help you connect with friends and family during this special time of year.

Some events offer a taste of old-fashioned Christmas traditions, including hayrack rides, crafts, portraits with Santa and cookie decorating.

Other highlights include yule log quests, special decorations and lights, bird watching, disc golf and painting. See the full lineup and find an event near you on our website.

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