Nebraska hunters are encouraged to fine-tune their gear and skill at shooting ranges across the state as hunting season approaches.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has compiled an updated list of available public and private ranges to help hunters prepare for their hunting seasons.

“Sighting in your firearm or bow isn’t just about hitting your target, it’s about being a responsible hunter,” said Kyle Gaston, Nebraska Hunter Education coordinator. “A little preparation now will make a big difference in having a safe and a successful hunt.”

To see a list of participating shooting ranges, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/prepare-to-hunt/sight-in-days. The site includes dates, locations and hours of operations for Game and Parks and partner ranges, any associated costs, and any other special requirements.

Give feedback on updated outdoor recreation plan

The public is invited to share their feedback on the 2026-2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: Guiding Success in Nebraska Outdoor Recreation between Sept. 17 and Oct. 2 online.

Read the updated plan at OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “SCORP;” then provide comment via the feedback form or by emailing erin.l.johnson@nebraska.gov.

SCORP is a resource for Nebraska communities, recreation professionals and government agencies planning for outdoor recreation opportunities. It provides guidance on the development, improvement, renovation or acquisition of park lands and shares information on outdoor recreation trends and Nebraska demographic information.

The plan is required in order for the state to receive federal Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars, which then are distributed to select grant applicants for recreation projects. To remain eligible for access to LWCF funds, the plan must be updated every five years.

Since 1964, the fund has contributed more than $53 million for Nebraska outdoor recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, sports fields and aquatic centers, as well as hiking, camping, fishing and wildlife viewing areas.

The plan is developed by Nebraska Game and Parks staff with public involvement. The plan has been undergoing its revision process since 2023 and will be submitted to the National Park Service by the end of this year.

 

Waterfowl hunters can prevent spread of aquatic invasive species

Waterfowl hunters are urged to be cautious to help prevent the spread of damaging aquatic invasive species this fall.   

Zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, brittle naiad and other aquatic invasive species can “hitchhike” on hunting gear and be spread by droplets of water or even tiny plant fragments.

Once spread, aquatic invasive species cause irreparable harm to aquatic ecosystems and waterfowl habitat, severely impeding hunting, fishing and boating for future generations.

Aquatic invasive species are spread by boaters, anglers and hunters not taking sufficient precautions against them. To prevent invasive species spread, Nebraska Game and Parks regulations require anglers, hunters, and boaters to conduct clean, drain, and dry procedures before leaving a water body. Hunters must remove any visible plants or mud from their gear and be careful to avoid using invasive plants, such as phragmites, in their hunting blinds. They are also required to ensure all water is drained from equipment before leaving and to let gear dry for at least five days or wipe it down with a towel before re-using.

Nebraska is one of the few states in the Midwest left without widespread zebra mussel invasions. The only water bodies in the state that have established zebra mussel populations are the Missouri River, Lewis and Clark Lake/Lake Yankton, Beaver Lake in Plattsmouth, and Offutt Air Force Base Lake. Observations of invasive aquatic plants have been on the rise in surrounding states and Nebraska.

Nebraskans hunting outside of the state should be especially cautious to not return with and introduce invasive species into Nebraska waters.

“We urgently need the public’s help to keep our waters invasive-free and stop these critters in their tracks,” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks’ Aquatic Invasive Species Program manager. “Take a few moments to Clean, Drain and Dry your gear, and choose camouflaging plants wisely for your blind to help stop the spread of these aquatic invasive species.”

Visit stopaquatichitchhikers.org/prevention/#waterfowl-hunters for details and for more information on aquatic invasive species. For information on aquatic invasive species infestations in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/aquaticinvasivespecies.

Report any suspected observation of zebra mussels or other aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 402-471-7602 or at ngpc.AIS@nebraska.gov.

Lake Wanahoo PATH sites open for reservations

The Passing Along the Heritage mentored youth hunting program sites at Lake Wanahoo now may be reserved.

Lake Wanahoo, a mile north of Wahoo in Saunders County, has seven hunting sites totaling 1,067 acres.

The PATH program is for mentored youth hunts where experienced mentor hunters can “pass along” their knowledge to youth, who must be aged 17 or younger to be eligible to hunt. Mentors may not hunt. This allows mentors to focus their attention on the youth, ensuring a safe and successful hunt.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District manages the habitat in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. There are five upland sites that allow for hunting of deer, upland birds, and waterfowl and two waterfowl-only sites. Sites range in size from 135 to 200 acres.

Interested mentors must create an account at apps.OutdoorNebraska.gov/PATH before they can reserve a PATH site. After choosing an available PATH property and reserving a date, a mentor will be able to print a permission slip, which must be carried during the hunt. Mentors may have no more than five reservations per youth hunter annually.

Learn more about PATH and its other hunting sites, including Chat Canyon Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County and Rowe Sanctuary in Buffalo County, at the program’s website.

The program is made possible by a partnership between the Game and Parks, National Audubon Society and Nebraska landowners.

Paddlefish snagging season opens Oct. 1 on Missouri River

Paddlefish snagging season on the Missouri River opens Oct. 1, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several reminders for anglers hoping to fill a tag.

During the season, which runs through Oct. 31, anglers may snag paddlefish and nongame fish from Gavins Point Dam downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River at mile marker 734. Legal fishing hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More about the season:

Closed Areas – Snagging is not allowed off the north wall and in the area immediately below Gavins Point Dam powerhouse discharge canal. All inland waters remain closed to paddlefish harvest.

Permits – Snaggers must have an unfilled paddlefish tag and a valid fishing permit, if required, in their possession while fishing. From Gavins Point Dam downstream 0.6 miles, anglers must hold either a Nebraska resident or nonresident snagging permit, or a South Dakota resident permit. South Dakota nonresident permits are valid only downstream of this stretch. A total of 1,600 tags have been authorized, with 1,530 going to residents.

Regulations –

  • Only one hook may be used, with a gap no wider than one-half inch.
  • Paddlefish between 35 and 45 inches (eye to fork length) must be released immediately.
  • Daily bag and possession limits equal the number of tags issued to an angler.
  • All anglers must cast for and hook their own fish.
  • Gaff hooks or penetrating landing devices are prohibited.

Tagging and Processing – Harvested paddlefish must be tagged immediately in the dorsal fin. Tags must not be altered or locked before attachment. Fish may be processed into two whole fillets only after the fishing trip is complete and upon leaving the river, with the tag and permit kept with the fillets.

Nongame Fish – Discarding nongame fish on the bank is unlawful.

Gavins Point Dam Water Management – Projected dam releases are available here: nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/rcc/reports/twregfcast.pdf and on the USACE Omaha District’s Facebook page.

For more information about paddlefish snagging regulations, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Fly-fishing, fly-tying class to be held at Chadron SP

Curious anglers can participate in a Beginner’s Fly-Fishing and Fly-Tying Class at Chadron State Park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mountain time Oct. 4.

They can learn the basics of fly tying that will prepare them to catch trout and panfish next spring. The workshop is open to new and experienced fly fishers and will include all fishing equipment, materials and tools needed.

The class will be limited to the first 25 participants, preferably of sufficient age to comfortably and confidently handle a 9-foot, 5- or 6-weight fly rod. Children younger than age 12 may have difficulty handling a fly rod of that length and weight.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host this workshop, which will be led and taught by members of the Cornhusker Fly Fishers Club. The cost is $25 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register and to find more information.