Outdoor News: Firearm deer opener; fishing for muskellunge; Nature Nerd Night

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A white-tailed buck in fall

Nebraska's firearm deer season opens Nov. 13

This weekend, join the thousands of hunters who plan to make memories and take home fresh venison during Nebraska's firearm deer season, Nov. 13-21.

If you haven’t purchased a permit, some over-the-counter firearm unit permits remain available, as are season choice permits and $8 youth permits. Looking for a place to hunt? Consult our Public Access Atlas, available online or in print wherever permits are sold.

Buy Permits

Deer hunter aiming her rifle

Stay safe during your deer hunt with these guidelines

As you head out in the field for the deer opener, keep safety top of mind. Keep you and your hunting party safe with these guidelines: Wear blaze orange; keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction; and know your target and what is beyond it. To learn more about these and other safety tips, visit our website.

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Zebra mussels on a boat propeller

Check boats, lifts, and docks for invasive aquatic hitchhikers

When you remove boats, boat lifts and docks from the water for the winter, check for invasive species; others doing so have led to discoveries of infestations in Midwest lakes. To help keep Nebraska's lakes free of invasive species, always clean, drain and dry your watercraft and report new infestations quickly.

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Two white-tailed bucks running

Stop poachers: Report violators to Wildlife Crimestoppers

Help stop poachers this fall, and report any hunting and fishing violations you see to Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers, a cooperative wildlife law enforcement program. You can remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a cash reward.

To report a violation, call the toll-free Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers hotline at 1-800-742-7627, or contact the nearest conservation officer.

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OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

Woman peering through branches with binoculars

Nature Nerd Night: Stories from the field

Much of our animal knowledge comes from researchers, though that research may not always go smoothly! Join us Nov. 16 for a webinar discussing the comical and sometimes strange side of studying the natural world.

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Park superintendent fishing

Peek into a park superintendent's job

Time for another Conservation Career Chat! This time, we'll be speaking with a Nebraska Game and Parks superintendent and getting a closer look at what the job is really like. Register for this virtual chat on Nov. 17!

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A rooster pheasant

Shoot for the Upland Slam this fall

Pheasant season is going strong. Add some extra fun and challenge to your hunt, and go for the Upland Slam this year! The grand prize could be yours if you can harvest four specific upland bird species in Nebraska.

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POPULAR ONLINE

Man holding up a master angler muskellunge

A look at two apex predator fish

Flathead catfish and muskellunge: They're two of Nebraska's largest, apex predator fish. In his latest blog, Daryl examines the differences between the two — and how you can learn a lot about one by fishing for the other.

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The Crawford hatchery in 1986.

Fort Robinson's rich fishing heritage 

The ponds that attract anglers to Fort Robinson State Park today played part in a rich history. In the 20th century, Crawford and Fort Robinson were integral locations for fish production, feeding people across the Midwest.

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Hunter posing with harvested deer

Taking great photos of your deer harvest

You've just had success in the field and want to preserve that moment with a photo. With a little extra time, effort and creativity, you can take a quality harvest photo that reflects your respect for the animal, and makes a great keepsake.

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