Outdoor News: Bighorn sheep lottery; free wildlife ID guides; the Platte River Water Trail

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nebraska game and parks outdoor news

Bighorn sheep lottery open to Nebraska residents

A full curl ram

Here's your chance to enjoy the hunt of a lifetime: the bighorn sheep lottery is open to Nebraska residents.

Enter for a chance to hunt a trophy ram, with up to four days of free guide service from Game and Parks staff and up to four days and nights of meals and lodging at Fort Robinson State Park. Apply now.

Apply now

Father fishing with daughters

Take someone new fishing, win prizes

You could win a prize simply for going fishing. All you have to do is take someone from your household fishing who's never fished, or hasn't gone in a while, and snap a photo to enter Take 'em Fishing. Remember to practice social distancing and follow CDC guidelines and rules for safe recreation. 

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Field with Open Fields and Waters sign

Open Fields and Waters Program seeking new enrollments

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking to add more hunting and fishing access opportunities through its Open Fields and Waters Program.

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A spread of Nebraskaland magazines

Treat yourself to some good reading

Sometimes a relaxing read is just the thing. Nebraskaland Magazine is the go-to for anyone who loves Nebraska, from its scenic beauty to its history, places to visit and things to do. Enjoy pages of beautiful photography and learn more about outdoor recreation! Subscribe now.

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OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

A pile of duck decoys

Make your next outdoor outing even better

With a little preparation, you can save money and avoid unnecessary problems on your next outdoor outing. Organize and sort your gear with these tips.

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A dragonfly in a vial

Be a part of scientific discovery

Citizen science is a term for programs that use people like you to collect data for scientists to use. It can be surprisingly fun and easy to do! Here's some projects to try.

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Man holding a master angler northern pike

Find a place to fish with the Fishing Forecast

With about 450 lakes and streams open to public fishing, deciding where to fish in Nebraska can sometimes be challenging. The 2020 Fishing Forecast can help.

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POPULAR ONLINE

A male greater prairie chicken

The dance of the prairie chickens

Every year greater prairie-chickens gather on breeding grounds, or leks, where the males will display for mates. Watch their dance.

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A swift fox pup

Free wildlife ID guides available

While you're out enjoying the outdoors, use these free wildlife identification guides to learn more about what you're seeing. 

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A woman kayaking on the Platte

A welcome surprise: the Platte River Water Trail

Eric Fowler had floated many of Nebraska's rivers except one just 30 miles away: the Platte. Once he did, he wondered why he'd waited. 

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