LINCOLN, Neb. – 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.

Dove hunting is a fun activity for many hunters each fall and provides an excellent opportunity to introduce youth and other novice hunters to hunting.

Doves are abundant statewide and, with generous bag limits, provide some excellent wing-shooting opportunities. Doves may be hunted statewide Sept. 1 – Oct. 30, 2021, with daily bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively. Bag and possession limits are for mourning, white-winged and Eurasian collared-doves in aggregate. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

Sunflowers, millet and wheat, which generally provide good food sources and dove hunting opportunities, have been planted on numerous wildlife management areas earlier this year. For a listing of these “dove fields,” view the 2021 Dove Hunting Fact Sheet at Outdoornebraska.gov/SmallGameSpecies.

Preseason scouting is recommended due to changing habitat conditions. All publicly accessible sites throughout the state – including federal, state, conservation partner and private lands enrolled in Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program – are displayed in the 2021-2022 Public Access Atlas, which can be found at OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas. Private lands throughout the state also provide excellent hunting opportunities for doves.

Hunters are reminded that they must obtain landowner permission prior to accessing private lands in Nebraska.

Nebraska residents 16 years and older and all nonresidents are required to have a valid Nebraska small game hunting permit, habitat stamp and Harvest Information Program number. Get the free HIP number at OutdoorNebraska.gov/hip or at any Game and Parks office. Federal and state migratory bird hunting stamps, or duck stamps, are not required to hunt doves. Shotgun plugs are also required, restricting it to no more than three shells.

Hunters who harvest a dove with a leg band should contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at reportband.gov. In addition, randomly selected hunters will be asked to save one wing from each dove during the first week of the season and mail them postage-free to the Service.

Eurasian collared-doves also may be harvested between Oct. 31, 2021 and Aug. 31, 2022, with bag and possession limits of 15 and 45, respectively.

For summaries of hunting regulations, read the Small Game and Waterfowl Guide at Outdoornebraska.gov/guides. Purchase permits at OutdoorNebraska.org.


2021-2022 Public Access Atlas now available

LINCOLN, Neb. – There are more than a million acres of publicly accessible lands throughout Nebraska. The recently published 2021-2022 Public Access Atlas identifies and consolidates these public access resources for the benefit of Nebraska’s hunters, trappers and anglers.

Printed copies of this year’s atlas are available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission headquarters and soon will be available in its district offices and service centers, as well as wherever hunt and fish permits are sold. To request a printed copy of the atlas or other Game and Parks’ guides or publications, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/BrochureRequests.

The Public Access Atlas also is available online at OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas in several different formats: Interactive atlas map, offline atlas (mobile-friendly), digital flipbook, Google Earth KMZ files and downloadable single map sheets.

The atlas is updated annually and displays all publicly accessible lands throughout the state, including state, federal and conservation partner lands.

Private lands enrolled in Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program also are included in the atlas. Open Fields and Waters provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to allowing walk-in, public access for hunting, trapping and/or fishing. Finding places to hunt and fish is a challenge for today’s hunters and anglers but, thanks to Nebraska’s landowners, more than 370,000 acres of private lands are available through this voluntary program.

All buildings at Buffalo Bill Ranch SHP temporarily closed

LINCOLN, Neb. – All of the buildings at Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte are temporarily closed because of a staffing shortage.

The grounds of the historical park and adjacent state recreation area will remain open.

As schools return to session and park staffing levels become more limited, park managers must make adjustments to hours of operation and services as needed. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages its patrons to call ahead before visiting a park to check on activity times and availability to ensure a great park experience.

For more information about Buffalo Bill Ranch SHP, visit outdoornebraska.gov/buffalobillranch.

Ash Hollow State Historic Park presents “Pioneer Song,” a performance by The Great Bear Folk Theater

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. - Join Ash Hollow State Historic Park as they present “Pioneer Song,” a performance by The Great Bear Folk Theater on Aug. 29 from 4 – 5 p.m. MT.

The theater group, consisting of a husband, wife and daughter trio, will be presenting an hour-long production, adapted from the play “Pioneer Song.” The play recounts the perilous journey many emigrants faced while traveling the Overland Trail in the mid 1800’s.

The Great Bear Folk Theater, based out of Rexburg, Idaho takes their passion for Oregon Trail history on the road to share their creative storytelling across the nation. The theater, ran by Lori and Ohmar Hansen, produces numerous plays, musicals and storytelling venues yearly.

“Doing the concert version captures the spirit of the musical, with the various women’s stories to tell, but allows us the ability to take it on tour to places and people that might not otherwise be able to experience it,” said Lori Prescott Hansen. Pioneer has been performed many times to an outstanding audience response.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for kids, ages 3 and under are free. Tickets are available now at the Ash Hollow park office or by phone at 308-778-7708. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event. Ash Hollow State Historical Park Visitors Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Dogs must be on a leash. A vehicle park entry permit is required at the park.

Ash Hollow is located 5.6 miles south of Lewellen on US-26W.

Commissioners to consider 2022 bighorn sheep season at Aug. 27 meeting

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a staff recommendation to authorize one lottery and one auction permit for the 2022 bighorn sheep season when it meets Aug. 27 in Gering.

The meeting will start at 8 a.m. Mountain time at the Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail.

Staff reports there are 75 adult bighorn rams available for possible harvest in the state. If approved, the bighorn sheep season would be Nov. 29-Dec. 22, 2022.

Commissioners will draw the winner for the 2021 bighorn sheep lottery permit.

The Commission also will consider recommendations to amend aquatic invasive species (AIS) regulations that would:

• add five plant species and recategorize some species on the AIS list;

• define that boat drain plugs must be removed when leaving a Game and Parks launch site;

• define that aquatic plant material and any lake water cannot be present on vessels or trailers when entering or leaving a Game and Parks launch site; and

• address inspection requirements and decontamination procedures when AIS are found

Additionally, the commissioners will hear a report on water issues, including instream flow appropriations. They will hear updates on addressing depredation issues, the agency’s media and social media efforts, and a report on fishing permit sales in 2021 compared to 2020.

A complete agenda is available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/commissioners.

Lake Mac spots still available; reservations required

LINCOLN, Neb. — There’s still plenty of camping spots available — even over Labor Day weekend — at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas.

Campers are reminded they will need a reservation to stay overnight, and reservations should be made before leaving home.

Reservations can be made online at NebraskaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com, via mobile app RA Camping, or by phone at 308-284-8800 during business hours. Same-day reservations may be made online or by phone until 5 p.m. Mountain time, if sites remain available.

Campers must arrive and check in with park staff, in-person, at the Visitor Center or at a staffed entrance booth between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Day-use activities, such as fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and bird watching remain available with no capacity limits. Learn more at OutdoorNebraska.org/LakeMcConaughy.

A park entry permit is required on all vehicles entering the recreation areas, including those with advanced camping reservations.

For faster entry into the park areas, visitors are encouraged to purchase one in advance online at OutdoorNebraska.org or at a permit vendor; find a local vendor at OutdoorNebraska.org/PermitVendors.

Those searching for alternative lodging options, including private campgrounds, hotels or cabins, should visit ILoveLakeMac.com.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission park areas across the state also will offer holiday opportunities. As schools have returned to session and park staffing levels have become more limited, hours of operation to services may be adjusted as needed. Call ahead before visiting a park to check on activity times and availability to ensure a great park experience.

Upland Slam challenge begins Sept. 1

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters again are challenged to go afield with family and friends this fall to complete the Nebraska Upland Slam by harvesting all four of Nebraska’s primary upland game bird species.

The challenge of the Upland Slam, a partnership among the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever, is to harvest a ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken and northern bobwhite quail in Nebraska this season.

Successful hunters upload a photo of each harvested bird through an online platform and provide details about their hunt. Those who complete the Slam will receive an official certificate and pin and be entered into a drawing to win one of several grand prizes, including a Dickinson Arms Hunter Light 28-gauge over/under shotgun.

Nebraska is renowned as a mixed-bag hunting destination and is a great place to pursue a variety of bird species across diverse habitats. “Participation in Nebraska's Upland Slam has increased in recent years and this has been a great way to promote what our state has to offer in terms of upland hunting opportunities,” said John Laux, Game and Parks’ upland habitat and access program manager.

All participants who submit at least one harvest to the Nebraska Upland Slam will be automatically entered into monthly drawings for prizes sponsored by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Prizes include Scheels Gift Cards, hunting vests, Yeti Cups, wall art, memberships to the two conservation groups and more.

Resident hunters 15 or younger are encouraged to participate in the slam to be entered into a separate 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 first three seasons of the Upland Slam were a great success, with more than 850 hunters participating, and more than 330 first-time harvests (first time in someone’s lifetime to harvest that species).

Hunters can begin working on their 2021-2022 Slam on Sept. 1, when the seasons for sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie-chicken open. The seasons for pheasant and bobwhite begin Oct. 30. The seasons for all four species close Jan. 31, 2022.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.org/UplandSlam for more information, official rules and entry details.

Duck Slam returns to challenge Nebraska waterfowl hunters

LINCOLN, Neb. – You love it: being in the blind, setting up the spread, turning a flock, watching them cup, taking the shot and seeing a great retrieve. Duck hunting is time well spent.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Ducks Unlimited are proud to bring back the popular Nebraska Duck Slam, a challenge for duck hunters to take advantage of Nebraska’s great duck hunting opportunities.

The Duck Slam challenges hunters to harvest a teal (blue-winged or green-winged) of either sex, as well as drakes of three other species: an American wigeon, a mallard and a northern pintail. All ducks must be harvested in Nebraska, and hunters must upload a photo of each harvest at OutdoorNebraska.org/DuckSlam.

Those who successfully complete the slam will receive an official certificate, a Duck Slam pin and Central Flyway bragging rights. Additionally, all hunters who complete the Slam during the 2021-2022 season will be registered to win one of several great prizes generously donated by Ducks Unlimited. A drawing for the grand prize, a Special Edition Ducks Unlimited Franchi Elite 20-gauge shotgun, will take place next February.

The Duck Slam officially opens on Sept. 4, the first day of early teal season, and runs through Jan. 26, 2022, when duck and coot season ends in zones 2 and 3. Season dates vary by species and zones.

Hunters can find detailed season dates and a link to the Small Game and Waterfowl Guide at OutdoorNebraska.org/DuckSlam. Hunters can view land open to public hunting in our Public Access Atlas at OutdoorNebraska.gov/PublicAccessAtlas.

New for landowners in 2021 is Special Landowner Deer Season

LINCOLN, Neb. – Starting this fall, a new Special Landowner Deer Season gives a qualifying landowner a three-day season on their own property preceding the regular firearm deer season.

The $8 Special Landowner Deer Permit is valid only for the three-day season: Nov. 6-8, 2021. It is not valid for the November firearm season and it may not be used as a Limited Landowner Permit.

A landowner may not apply for or purchase more than one Special Landowner Deer Permit per calendar year.

The qualifying landowner may buy up to four of these permits to designate themselves or immediate family to hunt on his or her property on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the opening of the November firearm deer season, and no more than two permits can be issued to persons older than age 19 and two permits to persons younger than 19.

More details about the permit and season:

• The bag limit is one whitetail or mule deer of either sex. The permit counts against the two-buck permit maximum.

• Only weapons legal for archery and firearm seasons may be used.

• Permits are valid only on the land owned or leased by the qualifying landowner that is listed on the permit.

• Resident qualifying landowners must own or lease at least 80 acres of farm or ranch land used for agricultural purpose. No more than one permit can be issued per 80 acres of land owned or leased.

• Nonresident qualifying landowners must own at least 320 acres of farm or ranch land used for agricultural purpose. Leased land does not qualify. No more than one permit can be issued per 320 acres.

• Land leased for hunting or recreational purposes does not qualify for landowner permits.

• Applications are online at OutdoorNebraska.gov/landownerpermits and must be mailed or brought into Nebraska Game and Parks Commission district offices to complete permit purchases.

• Those holding Limited Landowner or Antlerless Only permits may hunt Nov. 6-8 using archery equipment only; firearms are not permitted.

The Special Landowner Deer Season was created by the passage of LB 126 in the Nebraska Legislature’s 2020 session.

For more information, visit OutdoorNebraska.org or read the Nebraska Big Game Guide at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Guides.

‘The Dark Widow’s Deceit’ melodrama opens at Mahoney SP Aug. 27

LINCOLN, Neb. – The melodrama “The Dark Widow’s Deceit” opens at the Denman and Mary Mallory Kountze Memorial Theatre in Eugene T. Mahoney State Park at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27.

Performances will take place each Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. through Oct. 17.

Julie Eschliman wrote this story about a deceptive woman who has been terrorizing bachelors. Her next target, a millionaire, plans to marry the woman’s sister. The Dark Widow has other plans, though, and the only thing in her way is true love and a bumbling detective.

Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for ages 12 and under. Call 402-944-2523, ext. 7122 for reservations. A park entry permit is required.

Wetland water conditions currently fairly poor across much of Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. – Wetland water conditions throughout much of the state are currently fairly poor, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, so hunters should be prepared to scout ahead of teal season. Some wetland pumping is planned ahead of the teal opener.

The conditions recently were observed by biologists on the ground. To view the Aug. 25 report on wetland conditions and pumping plans, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov/waterfowlchecklist, where updates will be posted regularly throughout the duck seasons.

Waterfowl hunting in Nebraska begins with early teal season Sept. 4-12 in the High Plains Zone and Sept. 4-19 in the Low Plains Zone. See an interactive zone map at maps.outdoornebraska.gov/WaterfowlZones.

In addition to providing places to hunt waterfowl, wetlands are pumped when needed to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and other water birds, and to provide areas for people to observe wildlife.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more information on waterfowl hunting or to purchase permits and stamps and register for the Harvest Information Program.

Lake Wanahoo and additional PATH sites open for reservations

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Passing Along the Heritage program mentored youth hunting sites may now be reserved.

Lake Wanahoo, in Saunders County, has seven sites totaling 1,067 acres available for mentored youth hunting. In Buffalo, Cass, Cherry, Johnson and Lancaster counties, there are nearly 800 additional acres of PATH lands available across six sites.

PATH is an online reservation-based program that provides Nebraska youth and their mentors access to hunt on private lands and selected public lands. Only youth under the age of 18 may hunt on this land. The mentor is there to help the youth and ensure a safe hunting experience.

To locate and reserve a site as well as and obtain a permission slip, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/PATH using the Internet Explorer browser. A mentor must have a permission slip at all times of the youth hunt. Each mentor is only allowed up to five site reservations during the 2021-2022 hunting seasons.

The program is made possible by a partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and its partners, including the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, National Audubon Society and Nebraska private landowners.

Commission approves 2022 bighorn sheep season

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved the authorization of one lottery and one auction permit for the 2022 bighorn sheep season when it met Aug. 27 in Gering. The 2022 bighorn sheep season will be Nov. 29-Dec. 22.

Commissioners also drew the winner of the 2021 bighorn sheep lottery permit. The winner is Tait Knutson of Niobrara.

The Commission also amended aquatic invasive species regulations to:

• add five plant species and recategorize some species on the AIS list;

• define that boat drain plugs must be removed when leaving a Game and Parks launch site;

• define that aquatic plant material and any lake water cannot be present on vessels or trailers when entering or leaving a Game and Parks launch site; and

• address inspection requirements and decontamination procedures when AIS are found

Additionally, the commissioners heard a report on water issues, including instream flow appropriations. They heard updates on the progress of the depredation program, the agency’s media and social media efforts, and a report on fishing permit sales in 2021 compared to 2020.

Donald (Tad) King made a special donation in memory of his late wife, Linda, to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation in support of the bighorn sheep program. The Nebraska Big Game Society also was recognized for its donation to the Commission for big game conservation.

Two Game and Parks staff members each received an Employee Enterprise Award. Sam Wilson, carnivore and furbearer program manager, was recognized for his innovative mountain lion research. Monica Macoubrie, an outdoor education specialist, was honored for developing high-quality education programs and resources, especially during the pandemic.

Public asked to report dead, sick big game

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska wildlife officials say conditions throughout much of the state are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations and are asking the public to report unexplained death or illnesses of deer, pronghorn, elk and bighorn sheep.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, often causes high fever, internal bleeding, swelling, lesions, lethargy, increased heart rate, dehydration, salivation, incoordination and loss of fear of humans. The symptoms and spread are similar to bluetongue disease, another disorder that can kill certain wildlife and domestic livestock.

Both are labeled hemorrhagic diseases and are indistinguishable without laboratory analysis. While the diseases do not affect humans, they can be destructive to big game populations.

“We’ve started to see a little bit of exposure already this year,” said Todd Nordeen, big game research and disease program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The diseases are most prevalent in late summer until the first frost. For both illnesses, certain tiny midges or gnats bite a host and move the virus to nearby animals. When animals congregate at water during drought, the insects have potential to spread the virus to more animals. Additionally, infected animals often seek water for relief and die in or near it.

“In 2012, when we had such severe drought conditions, we saw this and lost about 50 percent of our whitetail population in some areas of the state,” Nordeen said. “It can be pretty devastating during drought conditions. Hopefully we won’t see it that extreme this year.”

The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor dated Aug. 24 shows more than 86 percent of Nebraska ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought.

Observations of unhealthy big game animals or unexplained deaths should be reported to the nearest Game and Parks office. Locations include Alliance, Bassett, Kearney, Gretna, North Platte, Lincoln, Omaha and Norfolk.

“Of course, any time of year, we want to hear from the public about anything they’re observing with the wildlife,” Nordeen said. “It’s especially important this time of year when we have these diseases and viruses out there.”

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Learn to Hunt Dove workshop is Aug. 30

LINCOLN, Neb. – New and experienced hunters are encouraged to participate in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Learn to Hunt workshops this fall. The series begins at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 with Learn to Hunt Dove, a Facebook Live event.

These free, one-hour workshops cover basic hunting strategies, proper equipment, permit requirements and where to hunt for a variety of Nebraska game species. Novice hunters interested in picking up new skills or current hunters seeking to diversify the game they pursue would benefit from these workshops.

Some workshops will be online while others will take place at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. Registration is required for all in-person workshops. All workshops begin at 7 p.m. and may be viewed on Facebook Live through the Hunt Nebraska Facebook page.

Other upcoming workshops are: Learn to Hunt Waterfowl: Early Teal – Aug. 31; Learn to Hunt Deer: Archery – Sept. 15; Learn to Hunt Small Game – Sept. 22.

For a full list of fall Learn to Hunt workshops and to register, visit outdoornebraska.gov/workshops.

Watercraft access limited, swimming beach closed at Summit Lake

LINCOLN, Neb. – A planned water-level drawdown of Summit Lake is underway, prompting the closure of the swimming beach and creating limited access for watercraft launching.

A sediment basin maintenance project prompted the need to lower water levels at the Burt County reservoir. Water levels will be kept 6-8 feet below normal pool levels during construction, scheduled to be completed by spring 2022.

A temporary boat launch was explored, but depths and slopes are not be adequate for safe trailered boat launching. Hand-launch watercrafts, such as kayaks, canoes, small jon boats and float tubes, are encouraged for anglers seeking to fish offshore this fall.

“We hope anglers and boaters are understanding during this maintenance project as we work to protect and enhance Summit Lake for future recreational use,” said Jeff Schuckman, Northeast District fisheries manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Contact Schuckman for more information at 402-370-3374.