Deer hunters enjoy higher opening weekend success
 The opening two days of the Nebraska’s firearm deer season saw more hunters fill their tags than last year, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The season opened Nov. 14.
Scott Taylor, the Commission’s wildlife division administrator, said “although final harvest figures won’t be available until after the season closes on Nov. 22, hunters got off to a great start this weekend.” Mild weather, dry roads, higher deer numbers, and widely-available deer permits are thought to have led to the increase in hunter harvest, about 30 percent.
Read more online.
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Pheasants to be released at 10 Wildlife Management Areas
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will release rooster pheasants at 10 wildlife management areas in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The pheasants will be released to increase hunting opportunities over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and to encourage families to go afield together.
The
pheasant season runs until January 31st. Purchase your permit here. Read the full release here.
Remember river antlerless permits in southwest Nebraska
 The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wants to remind hunters about the River Antlerless permits that remain available. These $10 permits allow the harvest of 2 antlerless whitetail deer in the state’s river corridors on private lands. The permits are designed to help control deer populations in those areas where they are the highest and lead to landowner concerns.
Populations along the Republican River from Orleans west to the state line remain at high levels. Game and Parks encourages deer hunters to harvest additional antlerless whitetail deer in this area. Don't forget to ask for permission when hunting on private land.
Read more suggestions regarding the River Antlerless permits on the NEBRASKAland blog.
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Learn to Hunt workshops to be held in Lincoln
 The final two Nebraska Game and Parks Commission workshops are planned to be held in Lincoln on Nov. 24 and Dec. 2 for novice hunters and trappers.
The
free workshops, which are open to anyone, are intended to build
confidence and expand knowledge for those with little to no experience.
Game and Parks specialists will share their experiences and skills for
using successful strategies, equipment, biology, techniques and other
topics. The workshops run from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited and preregistration is required.
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Holiday shopping Twitter chat
Are you still unsure what to get the hunters and anglers on your
shopping list this holiday season? Join NGPC staff live on Dec. 11
from noon - 1 p.m. on Twitter for a special holiday gift chat. Follow our account on Twitter and tag your question with #NEHolidayChat.
Two free family archery events planned for December
 Learn more about archery under the supervision of knowledgeable NGPC staff at Archery on Fire. There will be two events on Dec. 5 at Platte River State Park and Dec. 12 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln.
Participants will have access to archery, 3-D archery, crossbows, and tomahawk throwing. Other activities include a half-price youth lifetime permit drawing, kids' crafts, and a campfire to gather around to cook s’mores and drink hot chocolate!
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Celebrate Winterfest at Nebraska's State Parks
Celebrate this beautiful season and maybe even create a new tradition at a Nebraska State Park! Parks across Nebraska will offer hayrack rides, holiday crafts, visits with Santa, bonfires, fruitcake flings, yule log hunts and general holiday cheer throughout the season. Read on to find a holiday event near you.
Whooping Cranes at Branched Oak Lake
 Branched Oak Lake is well east of the Whooping Cranes’ traditional migration corridor through central Nebraska. The strong low pressure system which brought gusty west northwest winds across our area on last week is the type of weather system that has blown Whooping Cranes east in the past, including as far east as Iowa and Missouri.
Other easterly Whooping Cranes were reported in Knox and Seward County on Friday. There have also been several reports of Sandhill Cranes in eastern Nebraska the past two days. The five whooping cranes spotted at Branched Oak is only the second time Whooping Cranes have been documented in Lancaster County.
Visit the Nongame Bird Blog to learn more about this rare sighting.
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Hunting for traditions
Aaron Hershberger, an Outdoor Education Specialist, believes a big chunk of hunting doesn’t involve shooting something and sometimes doesn’t even take place in the field. Some of it happens back at the cabin, farmhouse, camp or the local diner when the gun, or bow, are safely put away. In its best form it starts before opening morning and runs well after evening shooting hours close.
It is our hunting buddies who we plot and plan with. It is grandad’s knife we proudly carry to the field each year. It is the bowl of chili and cinnamon rolls served for lunch every opening day. It is listening to the football game on the radio. It is the pitch game that keeps us up too late. It is the fire that warms us and makes us drowsy. It is traditions that fuel our hunts and keep us looking forward to the adventure.
Reflect on your own favorite hunting traditions while you read the full article.
 $5 Fridays at the Outdoor Education Center
The Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln boasts state-of-the-art outdoor and indoor archery ranges as well an indoor firearm range. Along with the many events and daily deals offered at the center, the recreation center offers $5 Fridays, which covers regular fees. Check out the website for waivers, directions, and event details.
NEBRASKAland’s Santa Special
 Just in time for holiday giving – NEBRASKAland is offering the Santa Special: a 1-year subscription and a 2016 calendar for only $15. (A $12.95 savings.)
Full of information and breathtaking photographs, NEBRASKAland is your guide to the Nebraska outdoors. It’s chalk full of ideas on places to go, things to do and helpful ‘how to do it’ tips.
Get the NEBRASKAland offer here, or online at OutdoorNebraska.org by selecting the 1-year subscription and calendar “bundle” and entering “Santa1” in the promo code box. (Offer ends 12/31/15.)
For more gift ideas, visit our online catalog.
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Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
A peaceful fall stroll through the prairie on a ranch in Saline County.
Jeff Kurrus/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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