Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Camp & Treat at Red Willow SRA

Enjoy discounted camping rates and Halloween family fun Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at Red Willow State Recreation Area’s Camp & Treat.

Nov. 1, kids ages 14 and younger are invited to bring their artistic skills and compete in a pumpkin painting contest at 4 p.m. There will be a camper/campsite decorating contest and judging at 5 p.m., followed by camper-to-camper trick-or-treating.

All weekend, the camping rates will be $5 off the posted rate for electrical sites and tent sites, with restrooms and water available, weather permitting.

Enjoy Candlelight Tour at Fort Atkinson Nov. 1

Come to the Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on Nov. 1 for the Fort Atkinson Candlelight Tour.

Each stop along the way will reveal another part of the evening’s theme, “The Eve of Sgt. Winningham’s Wedding and the Return of the 1825 Treaty Expedition.”

This unique walking tour among the historic buildings and around the grounds of the park at Fort Calhoun will take approximately 1½ hours.

Reservations for this event, from 6-10 p.m., are required and can be made by visiting the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Non-refundable payments must be received within seven days to confirm reservations.

Proceeds will help support the Living History Program at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. The cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $15 for ages 12 and under.

Flash photography, flashlights and pets are not allowed.

Veterans Appreciation Day at Platte River SP

Nov. 8 is Veterans Appreciation Day at Platte River State Park’s Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the first 50 visitors with any military ID will receive a token for one free shooting activity. Instructors will be available for the following activities: trap shooting, .22 rifle target shooting, pellet gun target shooting, archery, tomahawk throwing and slingshots.

Families are invited. Naturalists will be on hand for outdoor learning activities.

1875 Grand Thanksgiving Ball at Fort Hartsuff

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Fort Hartsuff with a recreation of the 1875 Grand Thanksgiving Ball.

On Nov. 15, from 5:30-8 p.m., the Enlisted Men’s Barracks will be cleared and decorated for a period-correct catered light supper, music and dancing.

Activities happening earlier in the day at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park include a dance rehearsal, shooting demonstration and more. Daytime festivities are open to the public with paid admission: $5 (ages 13 and up), $1 (ages 3-12), no charge for under age 3.

The front desk, gift shop and historical buildings will be open from noon to 4 p.m.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

Mountain lion lottery application period is Nov. 3-Dec. 10

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept lottery applications for mountain lion permits Nov. 3-Dec. 10, 2025, for the 2026 hunting season.

Permits are available only to Nebraska residents, who may have one permit per calendar year. The bag limit for each permit is one mountain lion of either sex.

Three units will be open to hunting: Pine Ridge Unit, Niobrara Unit and Wildcat Hills Unit.

Season 1 in all three units will take place Jan. 2, 2026, through the end of February. The season will end immediately in a unit if the annual harvest limit or female sub-limit is reached. The Pine Ridge harvest limit is 12 mountain lions with a sub-limit of six females, the Niobrara limit is six mountain lions with a three female sub-limit, and the Wildcat Hills limit is three mountain lions with a two female sub-limit.

An auxiliary season that allows the use of dogs would be March 14-31 if the annual harvest limit or female sub-limit were not reached during Season 1 in that unit. The auxiliary season would end immediately in a unit if the annual harvest limit or female sub-limit is reached before the end of March.

A number of permits equal to the number of lions remaining in the limit would be issued by lottery to unsuccessful permit holders from that unit who apply for the auxiliary season.

Applications will be accepted from 1 p.m. Central time Nov. 3 through 5 p.m. (11:59 p.m. if applying online) Dec. 10. Starting Nov. 3, visit GoOutdoorsNE.com to apply online. To download an application, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Hunting Applications.” A nonrefundable application fee must be submitted with each application.

Mountain lion hunting in Nebraska is managed to provide sustainable harvest opportunities that maintain healthy mountain lion populations in balance with available habitat.

To read more mountain lion hunting regulations, go to OutdoorNebraska.gov; search “Mountain Lions.”

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.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks, except one is not required to park in the Schramm Education Center parking lot. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Flock to Birds of a Feather on Nov. 4

Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A birding topic is introduced in each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area.

On Nov. 4, the topic for the free, bird-related program for all ages will be what birds eat. Participants will discover the diets of common birds in the area then make their own suet cookie or recycled bird feeder to take home for bird feeding.

Schramm hosts Little Saplings on Nov. 5

Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna.

The 2025 series, which occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, continues Nov. 5 at 9 and 10 a.m. The topic will be rocks. The program is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregivers. The cost is $5 per child and $5 per adult.

See the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.

James Family Conservatory to host Wise and Wild

Wise and Wild is a program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 3 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s new James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On Nov. 11, the topic for this free event will be what birds eat. Discover the diets of common birds in the area, then make a suet cookie or recycled bird feeder to take home for bird feeding.

Discover ‘Science of’ pronghorns

Explore the world of pronghorns in Nebraska as Nebraska Game and Parks’ popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns.

On Nov. 13, learn about the fastest land animal in North America, its unique adaptations and keen eyesight.

In this series, on select Thursdays at 3 p.m. Central time, Game and Parks educators discuss some of the science behind common things regarding nature and animals.

The hourlong webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. See the calendar event entries at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for registration links.

Wildcat Hills homeschool program will focus on turkeys

Discover wild turkeys and celebrate the season with activities about gratitude and nature Nov. 13 during the homeschool program at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

The free program meets once a month at 10 a.m. Mountain time at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center. Certified staff will lead various programs each month that showcase a different theme, focusing on ecosystems, animals, adaptations and habitats found only in western Nebraska.

For more information contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-K Herpetology Days coming to Mahoney SP

It is never too early to begin appreciating reptiles and amphibians. At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Pre-K Herpetology Days, young ones may meet an animal ambassador, create animal art and more.

This program, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center, is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver.

Wildcat Hills preschool program is Nov. 18

Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will host the free, monthly Wildcat Tales preschool program Nov. 18 with the theme turkeys and thankfulness.

The program will meet at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. Mountain time. It will include a lesson plan, story and hands-on activity specifically targeted for children ages 2-6 years.

For more information, contact the Nature Center at 308-436-3777. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Homeschool Hikes set for Nov. 19-20 at Schramm

Homeschool families are invited to join an outdoor educator on a guided hike at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during the Homeschool Hikes program at 9 a.m. Nov. 19 and 1 p.m. Nov. 20. This month's theme is Dutch oven cooking.

During the program, participants may ask questions, draw, observe, and make discoveries in nature. They will have the opportunity to observe local phenomena, plants, and animals while exploring concepts such as patterns, cause and effect, and structure and function.

Homeschool Hikes is a monthly nature exploration program hosted by the Schramm Education Center geared toward homeschool families and ages 5 and up.

Participants are encouraged to RSVP in advance through the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Schramm to host Fly-Tying for Beginners

The Schramm Education Center near Gretna and the Cornhusker Fly Fishers will host Fly-Tying for Beginners at 10 a.m. Nov. 22.

Learn to tie fishing flies using materials such as feathers, thread, metal and beads. These are tied to a hook with the goal of imitating an insect or other small prey item of fish. Tie dry flies, which float on the surface, or wet flies, which sink just below the surface.

Fall has great opportunities for anglers

Even though summer is over, don’t put away the fishing gear yet. There are plenty of opportunities for excellent fall fishing in Nebraska.

The summer pattern of fish behavior gives way to the fall pattern when the air and water temperatures cool and the days shorten. Fish become more active and aggressive. Fall is the time for fish to fatten up – and become more susceptible to a lure in the process.

“Those fish know winter is coming,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Fisheries Outreach Program Manager Daryl Bauer. “A lot of species are starting to develop eggs and milt for next spring so they need that extra energy, and that means they are going to keep feeding right through the fall. That’s one reason why fishing in the fall can be so good.”

Bauer said there is less natural prey in the water during the fall, compared to the peak of summer. “That means those fish are looking a little harder for food,” he said. “And that means it’s a little more likely they’re going to find my bait or lure when I’m out on the water.”

As fall approaches winter and the water gets colder, fish will slow down. Anglers should slow their presentation, as well.

Here are some of Bauer’s tips for better fall fishing:

Fish behavior – Fish generally still can be found shallow in the early fall, especially during stable, warm weather. Later, baitfish and larger sport fish start moving deeper. Still, warm afternoons may see some fish moving shallower again.

Where to find them – Structures with areas where shallow water is close to deep water tend to hold many fish. Fast-breaking points, creek channel bends, humps, or any areas where shallow water is near deep water tend to be spots where fish are likely to be found in the fall.

Big fish like big baits – This is especially true in the fall. Not only have baitfish grown throughout the summer, predator fish, with the need to take in as much energy as possible, can gain more of that energy by eating larger prey items.

Fish aquatic vegetation – On waters that have submerged aquatic vegetation, especially small and medium-sized flood-control reservoirs, pits and ponds, and Sandhills lakes, that vegetation is very productive and full of a variety of prey during the summer. It dies back in the fall, exposing small fish, aquatic insects and other organisms to increased predation.

Follow the frogs – Leopard frogs spend much of the summer in wet meadows and marshy habitats, but as the weather cools, they migrate back toward larger, deeper bodies of water. In some places, especially on warm, fall evenings, you may notice frogs along shorelines or beaches adjacent to marshes or wet meadows. If you see even a few frogs hopping along the shoreline, fish it.

Trout stocking – Rainbow trout are being stocked by Game and Parks at urban waters across the state to enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used.

Bauer has these suggestions for places to fish this fall:

Irrigation reservoirs – Large reservoirs are best for open-water fish like walleyes, wipers, white bass and others. As baitfish begin to gather in deeper water for the winter, anglers can experience some great fishing for those following and preying on them. In the fall, anglers are successful vertically jigging baits that imitate stressed and dying baitfish on McConaughy, Merritt, Sherman and others.

Pine Ridge trout streams – Located in the canyons and valleys between the Pine Ridge buttes are cold-water streams containing reproducing brown and brook trout. Try both the middle and south fork of Soldier Creek on the Soldier Creek Wilderness area, the White River or Big Bordeaux Creek.

Cooler waters – The cooler waters in northern and western Nebraska offer anglers options such as yellow perch, walleye, northern pike and even some muskellunge. Many spring-fed streams support year-round populations of brown, rainbow and the occasional brook trout. Stocking has provided even more trout, with cutthroat and tiger trout lurking in a few waters. Adventurous anglers can prospect those waters in pursuit of a Trout Slam.

2025-2026 Stubble Access Guide now available

Wheat and milo stubble left tall following harvest provides excellent cover and hunting opportunities for pheasants and other wildlife. The 2025-2026 Stubble Access Guide displays these and other adjacent habitats open to public, walk-in hunting across portions of western Nebraska.

Through the Open Fields and Waters program, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission works with landowners to increase public hunting, trapping and/or fishing access on private lands. Tall wheat and milo stubble fields are enrolled in Open Fields and Waters following harvest each year to ensure quality cover is provided.

The Stubble Access Guide complements the atlas and highlights an additional 33,400 acres of upland habitat open to public access in western Nebraska. It displays these recently enrolled tracts, as well as other publicly accessible lands. Many stubble fields include adjacent cover types and valuable habitat to watch for.

The Stubble Access Guide is available where hunt permits are sold throughout parts of western Nebraska. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov, then search “Stubble Access Guide” to view the guide online, as well as the digital versions of the Public Access Atlas, such as the interactive atlas map or the mobile-friendly offline atlas. These versions also display tall stubble sites and are updated throughout the hunting season.

Hunters in 4 units can request a free CWD testing kit

Hunters in the chronic wasting disease testing zone for this year’s firearm deer season will have two options to test their deer: in-person check stations or a free mail-in sampling kit.

Testing in the Platte, Frenchman, Buffalo or Republican units is part of the continued surveillance of chronic wasting disease and its occurrence across Nebraska. Testing and access to results are free of charge to hunters who check their deer in person or submit a sample using a kit.

Nebraska Game and Parks will provide kits only to those intending to Telecheck their harvested deer in one of the four test units.

Hunters may request one at OutdoorNebraska.gov by searching for “CWD” and filling out the “Request a CWD Sampling Kit” form. Hunters will need to select the deer management unit they intend to hunt and provide their permit number to complete the form and receive a kit.

Once processed, the kit with supplies, instructions and a free return shipping label will be mailed to the hunter through the U.S. Postal Service; shipping should take three to seven business days.

Hunters should sample their deer within three days of harvest, and samples kept frozen until mailed back using the free FedEx shipping label. Hunters should not ship samples on Fridays or Saturdays to ensure quality samples for testing.

About 2,000 kits will be available and issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

The kits are being provided as part of a study comparing CWD testing methods as Telecheck becomes more common.

For hunters wishing to check their deer in person, a list of participating check stations will be provided closer to the firearm season at OutdoorNebraska.gov on the Deer Hunting page.

Those outside of the testing zone may pay to have their deer tested through the Nebraska, Kansas or Wyoming veterinary diagnostic centers. Find details at OutdoorNebraska.gov on the Chronic Wasting Disease page.

Since 1997, Game and Parks has tested more than 58,000 deer, with 1,347 deer testing positive for CWD in 68 counties.

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