Outdoor notes: Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2021

LINCOLN, Neb. – Anglers must be aware of fishing regulation changes that take effect Jan. 1, 2021, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The changes are:

Smallmouth Bass – Big Elk Lake (WP 7) and Portal Lake (WP 6), Sarpy County reservoirs under construction in 2020, each will have a smallmouth bass daily bag limit of two fish and 12-inch maximum length limit to protect larger smallmouths and allow harvest of smaller ones.

Yellow Perch – Big Elk Lake (WP 7) and Portal Lake (WP 6) each will have a yellow perch daily bag limit of five fish.

Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge – Pelican Lake on the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge will have a muskie and tiger muskie daily bag limit of three, including not more than one fish 34 inches or greater in length. A possession limit of three also is established for those species at Pelican Lake.

Northern Pike – Hershey I-80 Lake Wildlife Management Area no longer will have a 34-inch minimum length limit in place on northern pike. Statewide regulations will apply (daily bag limit of three, including not more than one fish 34 inches or greater in length).

No live baitfish – The following areas are added to the list of waters where no live baitfish may be used or possessed: Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area, Dundy County; Avocet Wildlife Management Area, Grant County; Wilbur Reservoir, Saline County; Big Elk Lake (WP 7), Sarpy County; and Portal Lake (WP 6), Sarpy County.

Crane Lake – Fishing will be permitted at Crane Lake on Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge during daylight hours from Nov. 1 through Feb. 15.

Anglers can read the 2021 Fishing Guide when it is available in January at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Ice-fishing safety always begins with ice thickness

By Jerry Kane
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. — Catching fish through the ice can be a fun way to spend a winter day. Winter days are shorter, so any time spent outdoors is a bonus. But with ice-fishing, safety always should come first.

It always starts with ice thickness. When is the ice thick enough to go out for some ice-fishing? It depends.

One thing is certain: It’s more fun when fishing with a friend. From a safety standpoint, it’s especially smart when ice-fishing.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has some tips for a safe ice-fishing outing on the lake.

• A minimum of 3 inches of clear, blue lake ice will support a single angler; 5 inches will hold several anglers in single file.

• Slush ice is about half as strong as clear lake ice, so anglers should double the minimum thickness figures when encountering such conditions. Ice weakens with age, and late in the season, when it becomes dark and honeycombed, it is time to quit fishing for the season.

• Be especially careful on any lake that has moving water in it. Water movement hinders freezing, often leaving hard-to-detect thin spots.

• Materials imbedded in the ice, such as weeds or logs weaken ice. Large objects on the ice, such as duck blinds or ice shacks, can absorb the sun's heat and weaken ice. Ice near shore may be weakened by heat from the ground.

• Use an ice chisel or spud bar to strike the ice and evaluate conditions as you venture out.

• Wear ice picks around your neck in case the worst happens and you need something to grip the ice to pull yourself out of the water.

• Wear ice cleats on your boots for traction.

• Have a long throw rope with you in case of emergency.

Drowning is one immediate danger from falling through the ice, but hypothermia, a rapid, drastic lowering of body temperature that causes loss of the use of limbs, disorientation, unconsciousness, and heart failure, is the real threat.

Dress warm, be safe and have fun on the ice this winter.

For more on ice-fishing safety, watch a video at outdoornebraska.gov/howtofish.

Anglers can learn the basics of ice-fishing or pick up a few new tips from experienced anglers at virtual Discover Ice-Fishing clinics in Jan. 16 and 19. Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Fish and Game Association will host the classroom clinics via Zoom. Register to attend one or both sessions by going to the calendar event entries at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov.

Multispecies lottery permit applications accepted beginning Jan. 2

LINCOLN, Neb. – Applications for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 2, 2021.

The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid 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). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be 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 per application.

The Combo permit will be valid 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). One permit will be authorized for residents only, and one permit will be authorized for nonresidents only. Qualifying persons may apply multiple times per year for $10 per application.

These multispecies lottery permits will be valid in 2021 and 2022 in open seasons with the appropriate weapons. Winners of these permits will require a Habitat Stamp.

Applications will be received beginning at 1 p.m. Central time on Jan. 2. They must be received by Game and Parks by 5 p.m. (11:59 p.m. if applying online) on July 2. Beginning Jan. 2, visit OutdoorNebraska.org to apply.

Game and Parks to offer virtual 'Birds and Books' workshop Jan. 19

LINCOLN, Neb. – Educators for preschool-aged children are invited to the virtual “Birds and Books” educator workshop Jan. 19, which focuses on using literature books to teach science concepts.

This free, virtual workshop will be from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will receive bird-related and science-focused lesson ideas, bird-related literature books, Birds of Nebraska Field Guide and two hours of approved in-service.

Registration is required. See the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.org for the registration link.

Nebraska is home to more than 450 species of birds. From farm to ranch, small town to large city, birds can be found in nearly every habitat. Birds are easy to see and fun to watch, creating a fantastic opportunity to learn about science.

For more information, contact Jamie Bachmann at [email protected].

Explore the science behind common nature finds in six-part “Science Of” series

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Hibernation. Protective fur, feathers or scales. Lichens.

On the surface, these topics may all seem unrelated, but each is a part of a six-week virtual webinar series, “The Science Of”, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The series, taught by Game and Parks educators, starts Jan. 14 and will take place at 3 p.m. CST via Zoom.

The series is designed to explore the science behind everyday things people see or hear about nature or animals — even sometimes those found in their own backyard.

This series will feature:

• Jan. 14: The Science of … Hibernation
• Jan. 21: The Science of … Body Coverings
• Jan. 28: The Science of … Turtles
• Feb. 4: The Science of … Mosses and Lichens
• Feb. 11: The Science of … Threatened and Endangered Species
• Feb. 18: The Science of … Wetlands

The webinars are free, but require pre-registration. Sign up for one or all of the webinars at calendar.outdoornebraska.org or through the Game and Parks’ Facebook page at Facebook.com/NEGameandParks. Those registered will receive a confirmation email with a password to login to the webinar at the specific date and time.

Unable to attend a live event? Each virtual webinar will be recorded and posted to the Nebraska Game and Parks Education channel on YouTube. Search “Nebraska Game and Parks Education” on YouTube and subscribe for future videos.

For more information, contact [email protected].

Nebraska Game and Parks to celebrate parks’ centennial in 2021

LINCOLN, Neb. — In 2021, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is celebrating 100 years of inspiring outdoor adventures at our state park system, which began when Chadron State Park was established in 1921.

Now, Nebraska’s 76 state, historical and recreation parks are top destinations for Nebraskans and visitors from around the world to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and abundant recreation opportunities.

The centennial celebration, themed “Your Memories, Your Adventures, Your Parks,” honors the park system’s legacy while also looking to its bright future. Throughout the year, Game and Parks will host 100 centennial events; coordinate 100 hours of volunteer projects; host a parks adventure challenge and a video competition for youth; share Nebraskans parks stories; and much more.

“We are looking forward to celebrating with Nebraskans across the state, because without them and their passion for the outdoors, our parks system wouldn’t be as amazing as it is today,” said Jim Swenson, Parks Division administrator. “We hope this centennial year will be an opportunity to inspire another generation to preserve, protect and enjoy your park system.”

Explore centennial opportunities at parks100.outdoornebraska.org.

WAYS YOU CAN JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Buy the commemorative state park permit. This year’s state park permits got an eye-catching upgrade, featuring a sweeping view of Chadron State Park in western Nebraska. Get yours at outdoornebraska.org.

Visit a state park for a fun event. The centennial year will kick off with self-guided First Day Hikes set for Jan. 1 to 3 at parks across the state. Learn more at calendar.outdoornebraska.org.

Share your story. Game and Parks invites Nebraskans to share their parks memories via social using the hashtag #NEParks100 or filling out the online form at parks100.outdoornebraska.org.

Get involved. The centennial celebration will include 100 hours of coordinated volunteer projects to build community relationships through giving.

Challenge yourself. A new challenge, Your Parks Adventure, set to begin in late spring, will inspire guests to share their park experiences and build lifelong memories with the chance to win exciting experiences and prizes.

Watch engaging stories about our parks’ history. Tune in to a special documentary on Nebraska Educational Television showcasing Nebraska’s state historical parks, expected to air in late spring 2021. Stay tuned for more information on the show.

Play games to win prizes. In collaboration with Nebraska Lottery, a new scratch lottery ticket celebrating the centennial will be available in late spring 2021. Players have a chance to win up to $40,000. Lottery funds benefit the Nebraska Environmental Trust, which invests in conservation.

Celebrate history. A traveling history trailer featuring artifacts from the state park system will share a hands-on experience of the parks system’s rich history at events across the state. A time capsule recording the state parks system as it is today also will be sealed in a commemoration ceremony, to be opened in 100 years. The capsule will remain on display at a state historical park location.

Take advantage of opportunities for students. Educational programs for students will highlight the relationship between outdoor recreation and the natural world.

Learn about nature. Habitat tours across the state will give an in depth look at the ecology of the state park lands that Nebraska Game and Parks manages.

Throughout the year, additional opportunities will become available. Keep up-to-date with the latest centennial plans at parks100.outdoornebraska.org.

New specialty license plates benefit conservation, Nebraska trails

LINCOLN, Neb. – Starting Jan. 1, Nebraskans will have four new specialty license plates to choose from for their vehicles to show their conservation pride.

The newly designed plates, which will be available at the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, celebrate Nebraska’s diverse wildlife and recreation opportunities.

The three wildlife options include a Nebraska bighorn sheep, sandhill crane and ornate box turtle. The fourth option, championed by Bike/Walk Nebraska, includes a trail scene and the words “The Good Life is Outside.”

The alpha-numeric specialty plates are $5 per year and custom message specialty plates are $40 per year. Revenue from the wildlife plates will benefit the Wildlife Conservation Fund, which supports conservation of Nebraska’s at-risk, threatened and endangered species. Funds from the trail plate will benefit trail maintenance at Nebraska’s state parks.

The new plates join a fifth by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission featuring a mountain lion, which was introduced in 2016 and benefits Game and Parks’ conservation education fund.

“Our native wildlife and recreation opportunities are an important part of our lives and heritage here in Nebraska, and these plates reflect that,” said Game and Parks director Jim Douglas. “We’re excited that Nebraskans can show their pride for wildlife and help fund conservation at the same time.”

To order a plate online, visit dmv.nebraska.gov/services. Applications also may be submitted in person or through the mail at the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

To see the plate designs and learn more about the causes they support, visit Outdoornebraska.org/licenseplates.