Ag and Outdoor 

Nebraska woman bags marriage proposal shortly after killing big buck on hunting trip
Nebraska woman bags marriage proposal shortly after killing big buck on hunting trip

A Nebraska woman bagged a marriage proposal along with a big buck during a recent deer hunting trip.

Outdoor notes: Special Youth Hunt another success in 2023

Outdoor notes: Special Youth Hunt another success in 2023

Nebraska youth got to experience a pheasant hunt as adult mentors took them afield for the state’s Special Youth Hunt on Oct. 21-22.

Appreciation pheasant hunt held in Cheyenne County for military veterans

Appreciation pheasant hunt held in Cheyenne County for military veterans

Big Boy Morning Show Host Hunter Arterburn joined the hunt and caught up with event organizer, Justin Langley, between walks through trees and fields.

Game and Parks stocking lakes, ponds with catchable Rainbow Trout

Game and Parks stocking lakes, ponds with catchable Rainbow Trout

As the weather cools off, the Nebraska Game and Parks in the midst of a yearly fall activity: stocking Nebraska’s lakes and ponds with catchable size Rainbow Trout.

Outdoor notes: Mountain lion lottery application period is Nov. 6 – Dec. 13

Outdoor notes: Mountain lion lottery application period is Nov. 6 – Dec. 13

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept lottery applications for mountain lion permits Nov. 6 – Dec. 13, 2023, for the 2024 hunting season.

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

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

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in November. Here are some opportunities:

Outdoor notes: Commissioners approve nonresident big game permit fee increases

Outdoor notes: Commissioners approve nonresident big game permit fee increases

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved fee increases to several nonresident big game permits at its Oct. 13 meeting at Fort Robinson State Park.

Scottsbluff, Gering moose sightings prompt warnings

Scottsbluff, Gering moose sightings prompt warnings

Nebraska Game and Parks officials are asking people to give space to a moose that has been observed along the North Platte River in Scottsbluff and Gering.

Outdoor notes: Nebraskaland photo contest begins Oct. 1

Outdoor notes: Nebraskaland photo contest begins Oct. 1

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept submissions for the 2023 Nebraskaland Magazine photo contest starting Oct. 1.

Drivers, Ag Producers Share the Road During Harvest Season

Drivers, Ag Producers Share the Road During Harvest Season

Harvest is in full swing across Nebraska and the Nebraska State Patrol encourages all motorists to be aware of agriculture equipment traveling on roads throughout the state.

Outdoor notes: Memorial run raises $9K for Smith Falls trails

Outdoor notes: Memorial run raises $9K for Smith Falls trails

The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and understanding of mental health, raised more than $9,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks state park trails in 2023.

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.

Governor proclaims Sept. 23 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska

Governor proclaims Sept. 23 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska

Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 23, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Nebraska.

Cherry County state park areas, WMAs temporarily banning campfires

Cherry County state park areas, WMAs temporarily banning campfires

Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas in Cherry County are temporarily banning campfires as drought conditions have triggered extreme fire danger.

Outdoor notes: Low water prompts river access reminders

Outdoor notes: Low water prompts river access reminders

As dry conditions persist across much of the state, Nebraska Game and Parks will close river and stream access ramps to vehicles and other traffic as necessary.

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

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

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

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.