Construction begins on Wildcat Hills shooting complex
 Construction has begun on a new, family-friendly shooting
complex at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area near Gering.
The facility will accommodate beginners and novices who want
to learn, as well as enable shooting sports enthusiasts to further hone their shooting
skills.
The facility will include a 50-yard small-bore rifle range
for .22 caliber rifles with 10 shooting stations, a 100-yard rifle sight-in
range, a 60-yard archery range with 24 shooting stations, a 5-station trap
range with 5-stand shotgun range, and an indoor, 10-yard pellet gun range with
10 shooting stations. More information on the new complex is available on our
website.
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Mahoney seeking applications for new food service provider
Game and Parks is seeking a new food service provider at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
The former food service provider, Mahoney Grille, opted to not extend their contract, and the restaurant operation closed on January 4th. The Mahoney Grille provided food, beverage and catering services, in conjunction with the restaurant located within the Peter Kiewit Lodge since 2012.
A Request For Proposals (RFP) was advertised on March 4; Game and Parks staff plans to have a new contracted food service open by the summer park season. The park’s kitchen and dining facilities will undergo renovations in the meantime.
Those interested in submitting a proposal for consideration should contact Jolene Kumpula at 471-5400. The RFP document can be viewed online.
Family Fishing Fundamentals courses to be offered at SCC
 Southeast Community College is offering a family Fishing Fundamentals course in April to provide anglers with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to begin fishing.
The course includes three classroom sessions and a guided fishing trip. Class times are 6-7:30 p.m. The cost is $29 per family.
Course dates and locations are: Auburn – April 7, 14, 21, 28; York – April 7, 14, 21, 25; Plattsmouth – April 7, 14, 21, 28; Nebraska City – April 9, 16, 23, 30; Lincoln – April 7, 14, 21, 28
Equipment is provided and local experts will share their knowledge. Students over age 15 will need a valid fishing permit. Class size is limited.
For more information, visit the Southeast Community College website or contact Lindsey Chizinski at 402-471-5591.
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Birding events scheduled across Nebraska throughout March
 Nebraska is a popular layover spot on the Central Flyway, a ribbon of North America spanning from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico trafficked by many species of migrating birds. For this reason, Nebraska is a great birding state, and there are opportunities throughout the spring to learn about our avian visitors.
Sandhill Crane migration season is now underway, and the visitor center at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area will be open March 6 through April 6 as a resource for those looking to view the cranes. Additionally, Ponca State Park is offering guided birding during Marsh Madness, scheduled for each Saturday this month.
More information on these and other birding events is available on our website.
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Spring turkey hunting workshops scheduled statewide
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host six spring turkey hunting workshops across the state to help prepare hunters for the upcoming seasons.
The free, two-hour workshops are open to all turkey hunters, regardless of experience and will feature Game and Parks specialists covering strategies, equipment, biology and tips to becoming a successful turkey hunter.
The workshops will take place March 7 near Gretna, March 17 in Lincoln, March 18 in Grand Island and Chadron, March 19 in North Platte, and March 28 in Norfolk. Visit our website for details and to register. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Outdoor Education Center plans Spring Break events
 Students home on spring break can take advantage of special archery shoots March 9, 10 and 13 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln.
These Afternoon Archery Fun Shoots, running from noon to 3 p.m., are geared toward students but open to all ages. The archery and firearm ranges will be open and there will be fun and challenging targets available.
The cost is $5.50 per person, and all equipment will be provided. No registration is required. The center is located at 4703 N. 44th St.
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State record update from Barbs and Backlashes
 It has been a few years since Nebraska has had any state record fish that have been caught through the ice. We had a couple of fish caught and released through the ice last winter that were state record, but none in recent years that have been certified as state records. Until now. Daryl Bauer writes on his blog this week about a crappie that was caught through the ice this winter, and that has a bit of an interesting backstory. Read more on his blog.
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A beginner’s guide to fishing
If you are interested in getting started fishing and want to learn the basics, you’re in luck. This month’s NEBRASKAland features a how-to on everything you need to get your start. Visit the NEBRASKAland website to learn more.
Follow your favorite parks on Facebook
 Interested in what's happening at state parks close to where you live? Learn about family events, watchable wildlife opportunities, road races, special events and other state park happenings in your area by following our regional state parks pages on Facebook. Follow the link to learn more about these pages and the state parks in your area.
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Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
A red-tailed hawk keeps a sharp eye on its surroundings while perched on a dead branch near Whitney.
Justin Haag/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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