Deer outlook good for 2014 firearm season
 A good season of deer hunting is expected in Nebraska for the Nov. 15-23 firearm season.
“Most hunters should see more deer this year after two good years of fawn production,” said Kit Hams, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s big game program manager. “The number of older bucks should also remain high as hunters have continued to be selective in their harvest.”
Hams estimated Nebraska deer harvest for all seasons may end up similar to 2013 and surpass 45,000. The deer population is recovering from a 2012 outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
Game and Parks reminds hunters to make safety a priority this firearm season. View safety tips and requirements online.
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Hunters should note changes to deer check stations
Nebraska hunters should locate a check station online that they intend to use before the start of the upcoming firearm deer season. The list of check stations has changed since it was first printed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in May.
There no longer is a deer check station in Ralston. A new check station is available at Game and Parks’ Omaha office, 8494 Frederick St. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and the phone number is 402-595-2144.
Diller also no longer has a deer check station. Hunters may check their deer at the new Fairbury check station at Wildlife Creations Taxidermy, 2505 H St. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and the phone number is 402-587-0274. A complete list of 2014 check stations is available online.
Firearm deer hunters and archers harvesting deer during the Nov. 15-23 firearm season must deliver their deer to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season.
Fall crafts, naturalist programs in store at Ponca State Park
 Celebrate the fall season with a day of seasonal crafts and naturalist programs on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Ponca State Park.
The day begins at 10 a.m. for Q-tip painting. Learn why the leaves change color and fall as you paint your own autumn treescape. Then discover the different kinds of trees around the park as you make your own nature vase or pencil holder at 1 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., learn how animals prepare for the winter. Meet some of the park’s critters while naturalists share information on their cold weather survival techniques. All programs are suitable for all ages. Small fees apply to the craft projects, though the naturalist program is free.
For more information, contact the park at 402-755-2284.
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Two free archery events scheduled for December 6
Save the date: Nebraska Game and Parks will host two free archery events on Saturday, Dec. 6. The events, at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex at Platte River State Park and at the Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln, will both feature a day of free archery and other events in celebration of the new Hunger Games movie. Events at both venues will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website to see a full list of activities happening at each location.
Game and Parks projects get boost from AmeriCorps
A special group of workers completed four and a half weeks of sprucing up Nebraska Game and Parks Commission properties in northwestern Nebraska this fall.
Seven AmeriCorps volunteers joined Game and Parks staff in completing a variety of projects to improve Walgren Lake State Recreation Area, Chadron State Park, Metcalf Wildlife Management Area and Chadron Creek Ranch Wildlife Management Area. Learn more about the volunteers and the work they completed on the NEBRASKAland website.
Daryl Bauer gets deep
Readers who follow fisheries outreach manger Daryl Bauer know that he’s a big fan of catch-and-release fishing. But when fishing in waters more than 25 feet deep, anglers need to take special precautions to ensure the survival of their catch. Check out Daryl’s blog for tips on deep-water catch-and-release fishing.
Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
Calamus Reservoir SRA/WMA in fall following summer irrigation drawdown.
Eric Fowler/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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