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Jerry Kane
Public Information Officer | jerry.kane@nebraska.gov
| 402.471.5008
Several Hunting Seasons Opening in Early September
LINCOLN – September in Nebraska means football – and hunting. The first day of the month brings the opener of several hunting seasons, including dove, grouse and archery deer.
Dove hunters should be reminded that they are required to have a Harvest Information Program number. They can obtain one at outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hip or by calling 1-877-634-8687. The 2015 Dove Fact Sheet is a good source of information for the season and may be found at outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/guides/upland_game/pdf/dovefactsheet.pdf.
A resource for grouse hunters is the 2015 Upland Game Hunting Outlook, available at outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/guides/upland_game/pdf/UG_Nebraska_Forecast.pdf.
Archery deer hunting is available under the authority of several different permit types, although statewide archery permits are unlimited in number. Read the 2015 Big Game Guide at digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/502872-big-game-guide-2015 for more information.
Sept. 5 brings the opening day of early teal season in the Low Plains zone. The season opens in the High Plains zone on Sept. 12, and seasons in both zones run through Sept. 20.
The teal season in the northern portion of Nebraska is on an experimental basis. Continuation of the teal season in that area depends on hunters’ ability to distinguish teal from other duck species. During this experiment, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will evaluate the rate at which nontarget species are shot at or taken. If the rate is considered unacceptable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the northern portion of Nebraska will lose its teal season. In addition, those who take or attempt to take ducks other than teal will be subject to prosecution.
Other hunting seasons opening Sept. 1 are cottontail, jackrabbit, snipe, rail, raccoon and opossum.
A companion for every hunter should be the 2015 Nebraska Public Access Atlas. This free publication details sites enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters program, which allows public walk-in hunting, trapping and fishing access on private lands. The atlas also includes public lands. It is available wherever permits are sold and at digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/554204-public-access-atlas-2015.
Public hunting lands listed in the 2015 Hunting Guide now reference maps in the atlas that show their location. This publication is available at digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/550928-hunting-guide-2015.
Permits may be purchased at Game and Parks permitting offices or at OutdoorNebraska.org.
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Reminders for Hunting Seasons
LINCOLN – Preparation is key to safe and enjoyable hunting trips. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters of several things to accomplish and be aware of as hunting seasons begin.
Buy Permits and Stamps – Hunting (small game), big game and turkey permits, as well as appropriate stamps, may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org or Game and Parks permitting offices across the state. Before purchasing a permit, know what may be harvested with it, what weapons may be used and where you may hunt with it.
Register with Harvest Information Program (HIP) – This is required of residents age 16 and older and all nonresidents who hunt migratory game birds (doves, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots and woodcock) in Nebraska between Aug. 1, 2015 and July 31, 2016. Register for the free program at OutdoorNebraska.ne.gov/Hip/ or call toll-free at 877-634-8687.
Know the Regulations – It is the individual’s responsibility to know the hunting regulations. Regulations may be viewed in complete or in summarized forms at OutdoorNebraska.org.
Find a Place to Hunt – View the Nebraska Public Access Atlas and the Public Hunting Lands section of the 2015 Hunting Guide at OutdoorNebraska.org to find public hunting grounds as well as private lands that offer public, walk-in access.
Follow Firearm Safety Tips – Always: 1) treat a firearm as if it is loaded; 2) point the muzzle in a safe direction; 3) know your target and what lies beyond it; and 4) unload guns when not in use and store guns and ammunition under lock and key.
Equipment Check – Make sure your gear is clean, safe and in proper working condition. This includes weapons, tree stands, tools and clothing.
Accommodations – Make plans for places to stay during a hunt. Find lodging or campgrounds. Buy a park entry permit, if needed.
Be an Ethical Hunter – Never take more game than can be used; take only good shots; get landowner permission to hunt private land; leave private land as it was found; and pack out any trash.
Field Care – Know the proper field care for the game you plan on harvesting. Visit http://outdoornebraska.org/hunting/How_2_hunt.asp for information on field dressing big game.
Share Your Photos – Follow Game and Parks on Facebook and Twitter and share photos of your hunting trips.
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Living History Scheduled Sept. 5-6 at Fort Atkinson SHP
LINCOLN – Life at an 1820s military post will be depicted at Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP) on Sept. 5-6.
Rooms in the fort will be open for viewing from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and interpreters in period clothing will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate various skills and crafts of that time period. Demonstrations will include the trades of blacksmithing, carpentry, tinsmithing and coopering, as well as crafts such as quilting, spinning and weaving.
In addition, a military timeline activity will be held, in which groups and individuals will represent numerous eras of military history from the French and Indian War through the Vietnam War.
Fort Atkinson SHP, the first military post west of the Missouri River, is seven blocks east of U.S. Highway 75 near Fort Calhoun. A park entry permit is required. Admittance to the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-12.
Contact the park for more information at 402-468-5611 or ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.gov.
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