OUTDOOR NEWS

0
552

Calling all anglers: Catch four species and earn a Trout Slam

Trout in a fishing net

Nebraska Game and Parks challenges anglers to catch all four species of trout available in Nebraska and earn recognition for doing so through the new Nebraska Trout Slam.

Beginning in spring 2018, anglers who catch all four species of trout – rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat – can earn a certificate, pin and bragging rights.

Most of Nebraska’s year-round, cold-water trout fisheries are found in the northern and western parts of the state – often in scenic areas well worth visiting. Additionally, Game and Parks stocks catchable-size rainbow trout at dozens of locations across the state each year.

Complete contest rules and regulations, as well as a link to the entry form, is available at the Game and Parks website. The web page also provides links to resources for identifying trout and an interactive map showing where various species of trout may be found across the state.

Sip Nebraska wine and craft beer festival set for May 11-12

A vendor pouring wine tasting for guests

The fifth annual Sip Nebraska festival, featuring tastings of wine, craft beer and spirits made in Nebraska, will return to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park May 11-12.

The event will feature over 100+ tastings from Nebraska wineries, breweries and distilleries. In addition, visitors can enjoy live music, food, and artisan and craft vendors. Yoga classes, educational sessions, trolley tours of the park, and salsa, hip-hop and line dancing lessons will also be offered.

Ticket prices include park entry permits. A limited number of cabins, lodge rooms and campsites are being held for festival guests.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the event website. Call the festival organizers at 402-882-2448 to reserve lodging.

It’s easy to contribute to wildlife conservation

Monarch butterflies sipping from milkweed

Nebraska residents: As you’re finishing up your taxes, remember that you have an opportunity to help out wildlife and habitat conservation in Nebraska.

On Line 45, next to the peregrine falcon symbol, you may contribute all or part of your tax refund to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, which has helped the thousands of non-game species that call Nebraska home since 1984. Read more about the fund online.

Donated dollars have a big impact, since Wildlife Conservation Fund dollars are matched with other grants, so that a dollar donated becomes four dollars for helping wildlife.

Already finished up your taxes and would like to contribute? You can donate at our secure website.

It’s time to take hunter and boater certification courses

Now is a great time to get certified for all your hunting and boating adventures this year. You are required to complete an education course if:

  • You are a Nebraska hunter ages 12 through 29 hunting any species with a firearm or air gun. Additionally, Bowhunter Education is required for all Nebraska hunters ages 12 through 29 who hunt deer, elk, antelope or mountain sheep with bow and arrow or crossbow.
  • You were born after December 31, 1985, and will be operating a boat or personal watercraft in Nebraska.

Classes are available in a variety of formats. Visit us online to sign up for boater safety or hunter safety. And of course, you’re welcome to take these courses at any age to learn more about how to stay safe as you’re out having fun.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here