Ag and Outdoor 

Outdoor notes: Mentored Youth Waterfowl Hunt is Oct. 22 at Clear Creek WMA
Outdoor notes: Mentored Youth Waterfowl Hunt is Oct. 22 at Clear Creek WMA

Youth ages 11-15 may register for the Ash Hollow Youth Mentored Waterfowl Hunt, scheduled for Oct. 22 at Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area near Lewellen.

Flood visits Columbus for two celebrations

Flood visits Columbus for two celebrations

A community in Platte County welcomed their first congressional district representative to celebrate their sales pavilion, as well as show him their new community facility. 

Outdoor notes: Dove hunting season opens Sept. 1 in Nebraska

Outdoor notes: Dove hunting season opens Sept. 1 in Nebraska

With the annual dove season opener on Sept. 1, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has some reminders for hunters, as well as recommendations for areas to hunt.

Outdoor notes: Public asked to report dead, sick big game animals

Outdoor notes: Public asked to report dead, sick big game animals

Nebraska wildlife officials say conditions in certain areas of the state are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations.

Outdoor notes: Now is the time to enroll in a hunter education class

Outdoor notes: Now is the time to enroll in a hunter education class

Certified volunteer hunter and bowhunter education instructors across Nebraska host classes throughout the year, but late summer and early fall are when most classes are offered.

Outdoor notes: Commission will consider changes to state park entry fees

Outdoor notes: Commission will consider changes to state park entry fees

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider staff recommendations to increase the fee for state park entry permits when it meets Aug. 4 in Valentine.

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks seeks shooting range participation

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks seeks shooting range participation

Private, club-style and for-profit Nebraska rifle shooting ranges are encouraged to participate in hunter sight-in days this fall.

Outdoor notes: Research seeks answers to Missouri River fishery decline after 2011 flood

Outdoor notes: Research seeks answers to Missouri River fishery decline after 2011 flood

Biologists are continuing to tag and track walleye and sauger in the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake between Fort Randall and Gavins Point dams as part of an effort to understand declines in the fishery following historic flooding in 2011.

Outdoor notes: Know when, where to fish to keep summer fishing edge

Outdoor notes: Know when, where to fish to keep summer fishing edge

Anglers can use all the help they can get in the heat of summer when fishing gets tough.

Outdoor notes: Unlimited quota deer, antelope permits available starting July 10

Outdoor notes: Unlimited quota deer, antelope permits available starting July 10

Hunters may begin purchasing unlimited quota Nebraska deer and antelope permits July 10.

Trees planted at Northeast Community College’s new urban ag farm

Trees planted at Northeast Community College’s new urban ag farm

Prior to the end of the spring semester, several students in various ag programs spent time planting over 100 trees and shrubs on the 10-acre site located on the east side of North Victory Road, across from the college’s main campus in Norfolk.

True Ag & Turf to give more sales, services for growers in Nebraska

True Ag & Turf to give more sales, services for growers in Nebraska

AGCO Corporation announced on Monday they are welcoming True Ag & Turf to its growing dealership network. 

Outdoor notes: Paddlefish snagging permits accepted July 1-14

Outdoor notes: Paddlefish snagging permits accepted July 1-14

Applications for paddlefish snagging permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission from July 1-14.

Outdoor notes: Campers at Lakes McConaughy, Ogallala need reservations

Outdoor notes: Campers at Lakes McConaughy, Ogallala need reservations

With the July 4 holiday weekend rapidly approaching, campers are reminded they will need a reservation to stay overnight at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas.

NEFB working with SpaceX’s Starlink to expand broadband in Nebraska

NEFB working with SpaceX’s Starlink to expand broadband in Nebraska

Nebraska's farmers and ranchers may be moving one step closer to high-speed internet service.

Outdoor notes: With harvest down, Nebraska putting limits on deer permits

Outdoor notes: With harvest down, Nebraska putting limits on deer permits

With Nebraska’s permit quotas reduced for the upcoming deer seasons, hunters may find tags easily obtained in the past will be in limited supply.

NHS garden continues to grow

NHS garden continues to grow

Nine years later, Norfolk High School's garden continues to grow. 

Outdoor notes: Join the Great Park Pursuit for a Nebraska outdoor adventure

Outdoor notes: Join the Great Park Pursuit for a Nebraska outdoor adventure

Part scavenger hunt, part outdoor recreation, the 2023 Nebraska Great Park Pursuit is back for its 16th year.

Plan ahead this Memorial Day weekend

Plan ahead this Memorial Day weekend

With the unofficial kick off to summer rapidly approaching, Nebraska Game and Parks reminds park visitors to plan ahead and be prepared for crowds, construction and other changes at state parks across the state.

Outdoor notes: Boat safe with these 10 safety tips

Outdoor notes: Boat safe with these 10 safety tips

During National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, Nebraska Game and Parks reminds boaters to brush up on safety rules in preparation for peak boating season.

Harvesting Potential: Winside Public Schools breaks ground on investment in FFA

Harvesting Potential: Winside Public Schools breaks ground on investment in FFA

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday, with students, construction managers, and administration in attendance.

Ash Hollow SHP closed due to flooding

Ash Hollow SHP closed due to flooding

Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen is closed until further notice due to flooding from heavy rains and runoff.

Outdoor notes: Train to survey for monarchs and regal fritillaries

Outdoor notes: Train to survey for monarchs and regal fritillaries

Help document rare butterflies across Nebraska by getting trained to monitor for regal fritillaries and monarchs at one of two upcoming events.

Column: Why grazing before pastures are ready can have lasting impacts

Column: Why grazing before pastures are ready can have lasting impacts

Although near record snowfall this winter brought many challenges in areas of Nebraska, the moisture the snow provided was welcomed after three years of below normal precipitation.

Outdoor notes: Discover great birdwatching at these 8 wetlands

Outdoor notes: Discover great birdwatching at these 8 wetlands

Surveys by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission show many Sandhills lakes fared better than expected after a harsh winter led to fish kills.

Norris’ Hennecke wins Cornhusker Cup

Norris’ Hennecke wins Cornhusker Cup

Zach Hennecke lost one shoot-off Saturday in the 53rd Cornhusker Trap Shoot, but he made the next one – the one that really counted.

Hettler is individual champ at 16 yards at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Hettler is individual champ at 16 yards at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Mason Hettler of Grand Island Northwest broke 74 of 75 targets and won a shoot-off Friday to capture the individual title in the 16-yard competition at the 53rd Cornhusker Trap Shoot at Doniphan, Nebraska.

Allard wins junior high ladies title at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Allard wins junior high ladies title at Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Sara Allard, of Sidney 4-H, shot a 94, one shot better than defending champion Sara Thiellen of Ashland, to win the Junior High Championship at the 53rd Cornhusker Trap Shoot Thursday in Doniphan, Neb. 

Cornhusker Trap Shoot sets record numbers, expects 2,500 total shooters

Cornhusker Trap Shoot sets record numbers, expects 2,500 total shooters

The trap shooting season is going out with a bang.

Outdoor notes: Outdoor recreation grants accepting applications

Outdoor notes: Outdoor recreation grants accepting applications

Two federal grant programs administered by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are accepting applications starting May 1 from communities across Nebraska for recreation improvements.

Students tackle global food insecurity in Nebraska competition

Students tackle global food insecurity in Nebraska competition

Students studied food insecurity in various countries and presented their findings and solutions to a panel of PREEC researchers.

53rd Annual Cornhusker Trap Shoot set for this weekend

53rd Annual Cornhusker Trap Shoot set for this weekend

More than 2,400 students in grades 6-12 are expected to compete in the 53rd Annual Cornhusker Trap Shoot April 27-29 on the home grounds of the Nebraska Trapshooting Association in Doniphan, Nebraska.

Nebraska Cattlemen set up disaster fund for wildfire relief

Nebraska Cattlemen set up disaster fund for wildfire relief

The Nebraska Cattlemen are putting out the call for donations to help farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires. 

Outdoor notes: Practice responsible recreation on waterways

Outdoor notes: Practice responsible recreation on waterways

While you enjoy the great outdoors floating, take precautions to avoid trespassing.

Outdoor notes: Another season of family fun scheduled with Community Fishing Events

Outdoor notes: Another season of family fun scheduled with Community Fishing Events

Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for another spring and summer of fun with Community Fishing Events.

Outdoor notes: Safe turkey hunting is no accident

Outdoor notes: Safe turkey hunting is no accident

Spring turkey youth shotgun season opens April 8 and Hunter Nikolai, Nebraska hunter education coordinator with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, reminds hunters to always practice the four basic rules of firearm safety.

Southwest Nebraska state parks get improvements

Southwest Nebraska state parks get improvements

Guests at southwest Nebraska state park areas were treated to some improvements in 2022, with more set to be completed in 2023. The following is a roundup of those improvements and projects:

Recruiting the next generation of the ag industry

Recruiting the next generation of the ag industry

Over 400 students and 130 parents attended the farm day held at the Northeast Community College’s Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex during the morning and the afternoon.

FNBO invests in the future of ag with $41,500 donation

FNBO invests in the future of ag with $41,500 donation

It was announced on Monday that the First National Bank of Omaha is investing in the future of agriculture by supporting FFA with donations. 

Outdoor notes: Catch these Game and Parks education events in April

Outdoor notes: Catch these Game and Parks education events in April

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in April.

Northeast partners with CVA to launch new apprenticeship program

Northeast partners with CVA to launch new apprenticeship program

Northeast Community College and Central Valley Ag have created a new chemical applicator apprenticeship program that offers a pathway for students or adults who are looking to break into a new career field.

Outdoor notes: Public meeting set March 27 on Lake McConaughy walleye

Outdoor notes: Public meeting set March 27 on Lake McConaughy walleye

A public informational meeting about the walleye fishery at Lake McConaughy will be March 27.

Outdoor notes: Fort Kearny offers excellent crane viewing, resources for visitors

Outdoor notes: Fort Kearny offers excellent crane viewing, resources for visitors

Every spring Nebraska’s central Platte River valley hosts one the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in North America: sandhill crane migration.

Outdoor notes: Register for Memorial Run to help boost mental health awareness

Outdoor notes: Register for Memorial Run to help boost mental health awareness

Registration is open for the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health that also acts as a fundraiser for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails.

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors across state

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks will certify youth fishing instructors across state

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors at workshops in five locations across the state in the coming months.

Outdoor notes: Campground electricity among Chadron State Park improvements

Outdoor notes: Campground electricity among Chadron State Park improvements

Campers at Chadron State Park soon will have more power — more electrical power, that is. Later this year, workers are scheduled to upgrade 44 campsites to 50-amp electricity.

Outdoors notes: Expanded equestrian amenities coming to Fort Robinson

Outdoors notes: Expanded equestrian amenities coming to Fort Robinson

Horseback riders are among those sure to appreciate upcoming improvements to Fort Robinson State Park.

Outdoor notes: Try these six nature adventures

Outdoor notes: Try these six nature adventures

Looking for your next date idea? Or maybe a fun afternoon you can enjoy with family, friends, or just yourself?

Nebraska ranchers fear stressful rest of winter

Nebraska ranchers fear stressful rest of winter

While the hay shortage is nationwide, Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers have felt its biggest impact due to the ongoing drought. Nebraska has been in a drought state since June 2020.

Seven ways to enjoy the outdoors this winter

Seven ways to enjoy the outdoors this winter

Don’t let the cold stop you from getting outdoors and having fun this winter.

Schuyler teacher receives award for ag education

Schuyler teacher receives award for ag education

A Schuyler kindergarten teacher received the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award.

Outdoor notes: Landowners should visit NGPC site to provide parcel ID

Outdoor notes: Landowners should visit NGPC site to provide parcel ID

Improvements to the Nebraska Game and Parks online permitting system require landowners to submit their parcel identification number as part of their user account profile.

Outdoor notes: Mountain lion season ends with two females harvested in Pine Ridge

Outdoor notes: Mountain lion season ends with two females harvested in Pine Ridge

The 2023 mountain lion hunting season in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge closed Jan. 8 when the harvest sublimit of two females was met.

Ag notes: Ivan Rush presenting at the Nebraska Cattlemen Meeting in Chadron on January 17

Ag notes: Ivan Rush presenting at the Nebraska Cattlemen Meeting in Chadron on January 17

Ivan Rush, producer and Emeritus UNL Beef Nutrition Professor, will discuss the past, present, and future of beef industry at next week’s Nebraska Cattlemen Northern Panhandle Affiliate meeting.

Input sought on possible changes to elk unit boundaries

Input sought on possible changes to elk unit boundaries

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input on potential changes to elk management unit boundaries.

Outdoor notes: Learn ice-fishing at four events in January

Outdoor notes: Learn ice-fishing at four events in January

Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at three Discover Ice-Fishing clinics this month.

Outdoor notes: Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2023

Outdoor notes: Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2023

Anglers need to be aware of fishing regulation changes in Nebraska that take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Outdoor notes: Celebrate the new year with First Day Hikes

Outdoor notes: Celebrate the new year with First Day Hikes

Ring in the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1.

Outdoor notes: Hunters successful in Nebraska bighorn harvest

Outdoor notes: Hunters successful in Nebraska bighorn harvest

Nebraska’s bighorn sheep hunting season ended Dec. 6 when a hunter from the eastern end of the state punched his tag, one of the two permits issued for the season.

Ag students involved in planning at new Acklie Family College Farm facilities

Ag students involved in planning at new Acklie Family College Farm facilities

Agriculture students at Northeast Community College are getting real-world, hands-on training as they help plan the workflow and other tasks at the new Acklie Family College Farm livestock facilities.

Outdoor notes: November firearm deer harvest lower than last year

Outdoor notes: November firearm deer harvest lower than last year

Three boat ramps at Sutherland Reservoir and Enders state recreation areas will reopen to the public Nov. 29 after several improvements were completed.

Outdoor notes: Indianola man seriously injured in hunting incident

Outdoor notes: Indianola man seriously injured in hunting incident

An Indianola man was seriously injured in a deer hunting incident at about 5 p.m. Nov. 20 in Red Willow County.

Outdoor notes: Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area boat launch area to reopen

Outdoor notes: Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area boat launch area to reopen

Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area’s boat launch access will reopen Nov. 10 after several improvements were completed.

Abortion rights advocates, farmers create crop art near Neligh

Abortion rights advocates, farmers create crop art near Neligh

As election day arrives, a group of farmers in northeast Nebraska is expressing support for abortion rights.

Outdoor notes: Locate check station before hunting during firearm deer

Outdoor notes: Locate check station before hunting during firearm deer

Deer hunters are reminded to locate their nearest in-person check stations prior to hunting during the nine-day firearm season this year.