LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a staff recommendation to approve a proposed 2019 mountain lion season when it meets June 22 in Ogallala.
The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Mid-Plains Community College conference room, 512 East B St. A public hearing on the mountain lion recommendation will begin at 9 a.m.
The proposed season would provide a harvest opportunity for up to eight mountain lions in two sub-units within the Pine Ridge of northwestern Nebraska. The proposed season would allow the population to remain resilient and healthy, while halting growth or moderately reducing the population size. This would initiate a reduction of the population density in the Pine Ridge to one similar to that of other states that allow mountain lion hunting.
For more information on mountain lions in Nebraska, go to outdoornebraska.gov/mountainlions.
In other business, the Commission will consider recommendations to:
— ban the importation and possession of mouflon and aoudad, or any of their hybrids or subspecies, in Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan and Sioux counties after June 22, 2018. Mouflon is a sheep species from southwestern Asia. Aoudad is a goat-like mammal native to North Africa. This recommendation includes a provision for grandfathering possession, as well as a protocol for escaped animals.
— establish fees for select future Venture Park activities at Louisville State Recreation Area and Platte River State Park, including a floating playground, paddle sport equipment rental and water cycle rental.
Also on the agenda is a public hearing for input regarding the listing and delisting of state threatened and endangered species in the Commission’s District 7 in western Nebraska.
The meeting also will include reports on the recreational resources in the Lake McConaughy region and environmental issues.
A complete meeting agenda is available at outdoornebraska.gov/commissioners.
Attend Carp-O-Rama June 23 at Branched Oak SRA
LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers of all ages interested in learning all aspects of carp fishing are invited to attend Carp-O-Rama on June 23 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA). This free event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Liebers Point.
Carp caught by anglers will be used in demonstrations on cleaning, preparing and cooking the fish. The cooked fish then will be served as a free lunch. Other activities include fish printing and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations. Loaner fishing poles will be available.
Carp is an excellent fish for beginning anglers to pursue because they are plentiful statewide, and the required equipment is relatively simple. The strong-fighting fish also is not restricted by bag, possession limits or size limits.
The north and east sides of Liebers Point will be chummed with corn the day before the event to attract carp to the area. Canned, whole kernel corn and dough baits are good bait options for catching carp.
A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering Branched Oak SRA, located 4 miles north of Malcolm in Lancaster County. A fishing license is required of anglers age 16 and older. Both permits may be purchased at the park.
For anglers in western Nebraska, there will be a Carp-O-Rama on July 14 at Lake Maloney Reservoir SRA south of North Platte.
Vote to support Lake Ogallala as a top U.S. fishing destination
LINCOLN, Neb. – Send in your vote to nominate Lake Ogallala as one of the Top 10 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat in the Nation.
The Top Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat was created for moms, by moms in partnership with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). RBFF worked with moms across the nation to select one lake from each state that offers everything a family needs to experience the outdoors.
Lake Ogallala made the list, and now it is time to vote. Cast your vote at Takemefishing.org/momapproved. The top 10 finishers will enjoy local and national exposure, and voters will be entered into a contest to win a family fishing trip in Florida.
Lake Ogallala is a well-known fishing destination, especially for rainbow trout, located in Keith County. Yellow perch, channel catfish and an occasional largemouth bass also may be found in its waters. Shielded from the wind by Kingsley Dam, the lake also is popular with boaters. Along with fishing and boating, visitors come to camp, hike and enjoy the scenery.
One vote is allowed per day. Voting ends June 29 and the top 10 list will be announced in July. Learn more about Lake Ogallala at Outdoornebraska.gov/lakeogallala.
Branched Oak SRA Area 1 dump station closed
LINCOLN, Neb. – The dump station at Area 1 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) is currently closed.
The dump station is closed for extensive repairs to the area’s septic system. Park staff anticipate the closure to last for some time.
Dump stations in areas 4 and 11 remain open. Park staff recommend campers plan for longer waits than normal.
Branched Oak SRA is located in Lancaster County. A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park. More information is available at outdoornebraska.org/branchedoak.
Road work to cause road closures near Wagon Train SRA
LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to Wagon Train State Recreation Area (SRA) should expect detours beginning this week.
Lancaster County is replacing a culvert at the corner of South 96th Street and Hickman Road. The park will remain open during construction, but visitors to the popular area should watch for detour signs. Construction is expected to last approximately eight days.
Wagon Train SRA is located 2 miles east of Hickman in Lancaster County. A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering the park. More information is available at outdoornebraska.org/wagontrain.
Deadline for multispecies lottery permit applications is July 6
LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters have until July 6 to apply for a 2018-2019 multispecies lottery permit. Two types of permits are available: Super Tag and Combo.
The Super Tag permit is valid in 2018 and 2019 for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). The permit is valid in open seasons with the appropriate weapons.
One Super Tag permit is authorized for residents only, and one permit is authorized for residents/nonresidents. Persons may apply for the residents-only permit once per year for $25. Persons may apply for the resident/nonresident permit multiple times per year for $10. Winners require a Habitat Stamp.
The Combo permit is valid in 2018 and 2019 for one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). The permit is valid in open seasons with the appropriate weapons.
One Combo permit is authorized for residents only, and one permit is authorized for nonresidents only. Qualifying persons may apply multiple times per year for $10. Winners require a Habitat Stamp.
Mail and over-the-counter applications must be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by 5 p.m. on July 6. Online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on July 6. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org to apply.
