Commission approves trail projects for federal funding
 The Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission approved outdoor trail projects for 2016 federal funding
through the Recreational Trail Program at its meeting Jan. 14 in Lincoln.
The
Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program is a
program administered by the National Park Service for outdoor recreation
projects. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, baseball
fields, soccer fields, swimming pools, picnicking facilities,
playgrounds, park acquisition and development, shelter houses and
related support facilities.
A full list of grant recipients, as well as details on other action take at the commission meeting is available online.
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Montana receives Nebraska turkeys
Wild turkeys from Nebraska received a one-way trip to Montana last week, courtesy of the states’ wildlife management officials.
Montana wildlife officials were in Crawford on Friday to retrieve 125 wild turkeys that were captured in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission employees caught the birds Thursday in netted enclosures on private property near Whiteclay.
Learn more on the NEBRASKAland blog.
Big game will be discussed at public information meetings
 Hunters and landowners
are invited to discuss big game issues with the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission at upcoming public informational meetings across the state.
Commission
biologists will explain issues and take questions on topics such as
deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless
harvest, trophy management, and diseases. Antelope and elk issues may be
discussed at meetings located in areas where these species occur. All
meetings begin at 7 p.m.
Read the official news release for details regarding the meeting schedule.
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Ice safety tips from Nebraska Game and Parks
Stay safe on
the ice this winter while enjoying a day of ice fishing. Follow these
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission tips for safety on the ice:
- There should be at least 4 inches of clear, solid ice before an angler ventures onto a frozen lake or pond.
- Commercial
or homemade ice picks should be worn around your neck in case you fall
through the ice and need something to grip the ice and pull yourself
out.
- Use an ice chisel or spud bar to check ice thickness every step of the way.
- Keep a long rope with you so someone can help rescue you if you break through the ice.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages. These affect your judgment and increase your chances for hypothermia.
Discover Ice Fishing clinic in Kearney cancelled
The Discover Ice Fishing on-ice clinic scheduled for Jan. 16 at Kearney’s Yanney Lake has been canceled because of a lack of safe ice. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will not reschedule the clinic.
Still scheduled is the Nebraska Fish and Game Association’s classroom clinic at Yanney Heritage Park’s Environmental Resource Center, 2020 W. 11th St., from 8 a.m. – noon. Registration is requested. Email Harold Fankhauser to sign up.
Cold Day, Warm Hearts event Jan. 23 at Mahoney State Park
Bring the family to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland for the
Cold Day, Warm Hearts and Family Fun event on Jan. 23.
This event from 3 – 6 p.m. at Owen Marina will include archery and ice
fishing, if conditions allow. Learn how to build an outdoor shelter, as well as
get information on outdoor survival. Children will make winter crafts and roast
hot dogs and s’mores over a bonfire.
Meals and s’mores kits will be available for a small fee. Visit our website to learn more. A park entry
permit is required.
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Spend Valentine’s Day at a Nebraska State Park
Valentine’s dining specials are offered at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on Feb. 12 – 14 and at Platte River State Park on Feb. 13 – 14. In addition, Mahoney State Park has a lodging discount on Feb. 11 and special Valentine’s packages available for those who reserve a cabin or lodge room between Feb. 11 and Feb. 14.
Birds and Breakfast is the theme of the Valentine’s weekend Feb. 13 – 14 at Ponca State Park. This package includes participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count, as well as breakfast, lodging discounts and other activities.
Visit our Calendar for more information or to make a reservation. A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area.
Peregrine falcon news from Iowa
 Winter has now settled in and while cold temperatures may dissuade some birders from getting out, those that do are sometimes rewarded in a big way.
Cary Smithson was out photographing raptors just across the Missouri River from north Omaha in western Iowa on Tuesday, Jan. 12 when he came across an adult Peregrine Falcon. The falcon was very accommodating and allowed Cary to capture some great photos of the bird and also the bands it was sporting.
Read the full post and view photos on the Nongame Bird Blog.
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The splendor of solitude in the outdoors
From Greg Wagner's perspective, an occasional solo
outdoor excursion allows the body and, perhaps more importantly, the mind space
and time to just be in the moment, experiencing it with a person’s full
attention and focus.
Visit Greg's blog for his take on why time alone outdoors is restorative and enjoyable.
Jan./Feb. issue of NEBRASKAland Magazine now available
The digital version of NEBRASKAland magazine is now available for
readers to access online. Flip through a copy on our website.
Featured stories include a glimpse into family hunting traditions, a photo journey through Nebraska during wintertime and the romantic origin of the naming of many of Nebraska's rock formations.
Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
Children enjoy the new sled run at Chadron State Park in Dawes County.
Justin Haag/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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