Deer season in Nebraska officially closed Jan. 15 when the late antlerless seasons ended.

The river antlerless season was shortened due to reduced deer numbers across much of the state. That season now aligns with the rest of the antlerless seasons, and all of them closed Jan. 15.

Final deer harvest results will be available late next month at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search “wildlife surveys”.

Hunters interested in learning more about the 2024 season, big game research and management will be able to view a recording of the online big game informational session via Nebraska Game and Parks’ YouTube channel.

Find additional information about deer management, harvest success and other hunting opportunities at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Commissioners to consider funding for community outdoor projects

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider awarding funds for community outdoor projects when it meets Jan. 24 in Lincoln.

Commissioners will consider staff recommendations to approve grants for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program.

The meeting will start at 8 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.

The commission also will consider approval of the Nebraska’s Third Aquatic Habitat Plan: 2025-2040. The plan identifies and outlines 71 anticipated aquatic habitat restoration and angler access projects on water bodies across the state. It also provides the flexibility to add projects that align with the goals of the Aquatic Habitat Program.

Also on the agenda are staff recommendations to:

  • Approve the Nebraska Game and Parks Employee Recognition Program.
  • For Commission designation of 593 acres of Bureau of Education Land and Funds property as an addition to the Williams Gap Wildlife Management Area in Banner County.
  • Approve to relinquish irrigation water rights on the Chet and Jane Fliesbach WMA.

Commissions also will hear reports on:

  • Game and Parks’ depredation work with landowners in 2024.
  • Fisheries Human Dimensions research and how to apply it.
  • Agriculture Program update about the Farm Bill and other projects.
  • Cowboy Trail 30th anniversary events planned in 2025.

The commissioners will elect their officers for 2025.

Support Nebraska wildlife conservation this tax season

Nebraskans receiving an income tax refund this year have an opportunity to support wildlife and habitat conservation.

On Line 56 of the Nebraska state income tax form, 1040N, individuals may donate $1 or more of their tax refund to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, which is used to help several hundred species in Nebraska that are rare, endangered or threatened.

Tax refund donations have benefited native wildlife, fish, and plants over the years, including the Blanding’s turtle, swift fox, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, songbirds, blowout penstemon and at-risk pollinators like monarch butterflies and bumble bees. Donations are used to monitor, maintain and improve habitat for these and many other fish and wildlife species, as well as to provide wildlife viewing and other educational opportunities for Nebraskans. Additional information is available at NebraskaWildlifeFund.com.

For taxpayers not entitled to a state tax refund, contributions can be made at NebraskaWildlifeFund.com or by mail to: Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE 68503.

Enjoy Valentine’s specials at state parks

Whether it’s a nice Valentine’s Day dinner or a cozy stay in a warm cabin, you can find them in February in Nebraska’s state parks.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter Nebraska Game and Parks state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Enjoy a Valentine’s getaway at Niobrara SP

Niobrara State Park will host a special Valentine’s getaway Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16.

During their two-night-minimum stay, guests can get a 30% discount on lodging, with early check-in and late check-out. They also will get a complimentary package from more than a dozen local businesses.

Call the park at 402-857-3373 to make reservations.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day cabin getaway at Lewis and Clark

Reserve a lake-view cabin for a minimum two-night stay at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area on Feb. 7-9 or 14-16 and get a 30% discount.

A Sweetheart Package can be added on for $35. This includes early check-in and late check-out, waived pet fee, beverages, snacks, flowers, sweet treats, wine glasses and more.

Reserve your stay by calling the park office at 402-388-4169.

Birds and Breakfast set for two weekends at Ponca SP

Ponca State Park’s Birds and Breakfast, a two-weekend, two-night getaway package focused on the Great Backyard Bird Count and Valentine’s Day, is for lovers and bird lovers. It is scheduled for Feb. 7-9 and Feb. 14-16.

Guests receive a 30% lodging discount, complimentary bottle of wine or cider in their cabins, and hot breakfast in the Resource and Education Center.

Expert birders with the Loess Hills Audubon Society and Bluebirds across Nebraska will assist Ponca naturalists with birding programs throughout the day. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, there will be plenty to learn and do for all ages.

For more details and to reserve your spot, contact the park at 402-755-2284 or at [email protected].

Platte River SP hosting Valentine’s Day dinner, brunch

Visit scenic Platte River State Park for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner or brunch at the Walter Scott Jr. Lodge and Restaurant.

On Feb. 14, guests can enjoy a dinner from 4-9 p.m. featuring choices of steak, chicken, fish, appetizers, a salad bar and more. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to see the menu. To make reservations, call 402-234-2217.

A Valentine’s weekend brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 15. The menu includes egg casserole, French toast, biscuits, mashed potatoes and more, as well as a salad bar and desserts. View the full menu and prices at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. The brunch is walk-in only; no reservations will be accepted.

Enjoy a Valentine’s Day meal at Mahoney SP

Bring your loved ones to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park this Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, for a fantastic meal at Carl’s Restaurant.

The park restaurant, located in Peter Kiewit Lodge, will offer entrees including steak, salmon, chicken, shrimp and sea bass from 4 to 9 p.m. View the menu at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov and make reservations by calling 402-521-5711, ext. 6.

Mahoney SP will host Valentine’s special

Reserve a select cabin or lodge room Feb. 14-15 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and celebrate Valentine’s Day.

The two-bedroom cabins are $180-200 before tax, and the lodge rooms are $100-120 before tax. For another $55, get the optional Valentine’s Package. Contact Group Functions at 402-944-2901 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily to make a reservation.

The Valentine’s Package includes an embroidered travel tote, sparkling juice, two wine glasses, Baker’s chocolates, specialty popcorn, raffle tickets for prizes, tickets to activities and a 2025 Nebraskaland calendar.

Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to see more details and activities.