Outdoors notes: Archery paddlefish applications to be accepted March 1-14
By Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
By News Channel Nebraska
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications from March 1-14.
The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time on March 1. Postal mail applications must be received in Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m., and online applications by 11:59 p.m., March 14.
A nonrefundable $7 application fee is due at the time of application. Applicants supplying valid email addresses will be notified when the draw is complete. Those not providing valid email addresses will be responsible for monitoring their status online.
The draw results will be made available by March 20. Payment for awarded permits is due by 11:59 p.m. April 5.
Permits will be awarded from a random drawing based on preference points; applicants with the most preference points will receive the highest priority. Permits awarded but unpaid will result in the applicant losing preference points and forfeiting the permit. Unpaid or unawarded permits remaining after the drawing will be made available to the next resident applicant.
An applicant will receive a preference point if he or she is not awarded a permit in the drawing. An additional preference point will be added each year when he or she is unsuccessful in the drawing. Any person who is issued a paddlefish permit and any person who does not apply at least once during five consecutive years will lose all accumulated preference points. In lieu of participating in the draw, anglers may purchase one preference point per season during the application period. The cost is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, plus a $7 application fee for each.
Also:
Two people – both residents or both nonresidents – may submit a joint application. That application will be assigned to the applicant with the fewest preference points.
A person may have no more than two archery paddlefish permits per year: one earned via application and one bought over the counter, if unsold permits remain.
Permits and their accompanying tags are not transferable.
Anyone fishing with an archery paddlefish permit also must have a valid Nebraska fish permit.
For more information, refer to the 2026 Nebraska Fishing Guide.
The 2026 archery paddlefish season is June 1-30. To apply for a permit, visit a Game and Parks office, OutdoorNebraska.gov, or use the form in the 2026 Nebraska Fishing Guide.
Continuous, General CRP signups announced
Agricultural producers and private landowners may sign up for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program from Feb. 12-March 20, 2026, or the General CRP from March 9-April 17, 2026.
This conservation opportunity gives producers tools to conserve wildlife habitat while achieving other conservation benefits, including sequestering carbon and improving water quality and soil health.
The competitive program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.
As one of the largest private lands conservation programs in the United States, CRP offers a range of conservation options to farmers, ranchers, and landowners. It has been an especially strong opportunity for farmers with less productive or marginal cropland, helping them re-establish valuable land cover to help improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife habitat.
Under the Continuous CRP signup, according to the FSA, environmentally sensitive land devoted to certain conservation practices may be enrolled at any time. Offers are accepted automatically if the land and producer meet eligibility requirements and enrollment levels are not met. Unlike CRP enrollments under General CRP signups or Grassland CRP, offers for Continuous CRP are not subject to competitive bidding during specific periods.
General CRP helps producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recognizes the importance of CRP for wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. When managed appropriately, CRP provides cover for pheasants, quail, and other grassland species. Additional incentives through the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program may be available to CRP participants who are interested in going above and beyond minimum CRP requirements or providing public hunting access.
Read more about the Berggren Pheasant Plan or Open Fields and Waters Program at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
To learn more about CRP, interested landowners and producers should contact their local USDA Service Center, where they can apply for the program before applicable deadlines.
Road over Sherman Dam to close temporarily
The road across Sherman Reservoir Dam will be closed temporarily starting Feb. 16 for repair work on the dam.
Recent favorable weather will allow contractors for Farwell Irrigation District to begin concrete repairs on the face of the dam ahead of the peak recreation season.
During the project, which is expected to last one to two weeks, Sherman Dam Road will be closed from 791st Road to 792nd Road. Those planning to access the Marina Bay boat ramp or Trade Winds Marina should take 790th Road east, then 480th Road north, then 792nd Road.
All park areas on the south side of Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area will be accessible during this closure.
The District appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during the project.