Outdoors notes: Game and Parks closed for customer service on Veterans Day

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, including customer service offices, will be closed on Veterans Day.

Offices that will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 include Game and Parks’ headquarters in Lincoln, district offices in Norfolk, North Platte, Kearney and Alliance, and service centers in Omaha and Bassett.

For hunters looking to purchase deer permits for the November firearm season, the offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Nov. 12.

Permits also may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.gov 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The 2025 firearm deer season is Nov. 15-23.

Conservation officers conduct special patrols to promote safety

Conservation officers with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, among their many duties, work to keep visitors to Commission-managed properties safe.

Officers recently conducted special enforcement patrols at state recreation areas and other properties to help ensure visitors have a safe, enjoyable experience on Commission lands and waters.

Focused enforcement operations, which were aimed at reducing serious and fatal vehicle and boating accidents, resulted in numerous arrests and citations. Officers made 12 arrests for driving under the influence and two for boating under the influence. They also issued 23 citations for drug possession, four for driving during suspension, eight for open alcohol containers, and 19 for minors in possession of alcohol. 

From Memorial Day weekend through August, these special patrols allowed conservation officers to contact an additional 1,000 park visitors, enhancing public safety and compliance with state laws.

“These enforcement efforts are an important part of keeping our parks and recreation areas safe for everyone,” said Tim McCoy, director of Game and Parks. “By increasing visibility and focusing on high-risk behaviors, our officers help ensure families can enjoy Nebraska’s outdoor spaces responsibly.”

The overtime patrols were made possible by a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.

 

Still time to participate in Nebraska Upland Slam

Several hunters already have accepted and completed the challenge, but there’s still plenty of time to take part in the Nebraska Upland Slam.

The Slam invites hunters to pursue and harvest a ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken, and northern bobwhite quail within a single season in Nebraska.

Now in its eighth year, the Nebraska Upland Slam is a collaboration among the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever.

Hunters who take all four of Nebraska’s primary upland gamebird species should upload a photo of each harvested bird online. Those who complete the Slam will receive an official certificate, a pin and be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize: a Winchester SX4 Upland Field 12-gauge shotgun.

The second-place prize is the Print of the Year with Medallion: Mr. Pheasant by Christa Dawn. The third-place prize is a Scheels $100 gift card.

Resident hunters 15 or younger who complete the slam will be automatically entered into a drawing for a resident youth lifetime hunt permit. Additionally, upon the fourth and final bird submission, hunters can acknowledge their hunting dog’s achievement by uploading a photo of their dog afield to receive an official Top Dog tag and certificate.

The seasons for sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie-chicken opened Sept. 1, and the seasons for pheasant and bobwhite began Oct. 25. The seasons for all four species close Jan. 31, 2026. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Upland Slam” for more information, official rules and entry details.

Begin buying 2026 Game and Parks permits Nov. 15

Don’t wait to begin buying Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permits for the upcoming year.

The 2026 annual hunt (small game), fishing, fur harvest and state park entry permits are available online, at district offices and state park areas beginning Nov. 15. These permits are valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

A Nebraska vehicle park entry permit is an affordable way to have fun outdoors. Access more than 75 state park, recreation areas and state historical parks for an entire year or explore miles of trails, watch wildlife and get in touch with nature. Find your first at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Parks/Find-a-Park.

Hunt, fishing and fur harvest permits are valid statewide and provide an array of opportunities across Nebraska’s landscape. View the 2025-2026 Small Game and Waterfowl Guide and 2025 Fishing Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov to discover available possibilities.

Spending time outdoors is good for one’s physical and mental well-being, and it’s an investment in Nebraska’s natural resources for the future.

Age and residency restrictions apply to some permits. Stamps also may be required. For more information on permits, including how to purchase them, visit OutdoorNebraska.govor a Game and Parks office.