Family-Outdoors

DNR’s Division of Outdoor Recreation has launched a new interactive ' Where to Paddle ' map that is designed to highlight Indiana’s water trails. The ‘Where to Paddle’ interactive map is a free resource designed to help paddlers who own a boat and those who want to rent one.

Nearly everything about Lake McConaughy is big. At 30,000 surface acres, it is Nebraska’s largest reservoir, its dam is among the largest of its kind in the world, and its fish grow to trophy proportions, accounting for several state records. Even its nickname, “Big Mac,” reflects its size. Located 8 miles northeast of Ogallala, Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is known to most Nebraskans and residents of neighboring states as a great place for outdoor recreation. Lake Mac’s white sand beaches and clear waters are highly valued by those seeking outdoor fun. The lake draws campers, boaters, wind surfers, swimmers, picnickers, scuba divers, hunters and anglers. Located on the east side of Kingsley Dam, Lake Ogallala is known locally as “the little lake” and is small, gentle and sedate at 320 acres. This state recreation area is a well-known family destination, renowned for its fishing, birdwatching, camping and kayaking opportunities. Though it lacks the sandy beaches of its neighbo...

Randall Creek Recreation Area PIERRE, S.D. – The campground at Randall Creek Recreation Area near Pickstown is now open, following a 15-month closure to allow for bridge reconstruction. “We’re excited to get back into the campground, and we know our visitors are too,” said Jon Corey, District Park Supervisor. “We want to thank our regulars for their patience during construction and invite them to come check out the new bridge. I think we’re all looking forward to a summer of camping, fishing and roasting marshmallows.” A flash flood in March 2019 damaged the bridge leading into the campground, closing the campground. The bridge replacement was completed last week and the campground has been seeing good use. Corey says that a good number of campsites at Randall Creek are currently open for summer stays. Reservations can be made up until the day you plan to arrive, and as much as 90 days in advance of your arrival. Reservations can be made online at  www.CampSD.com  or by c...

MADISON, Wis.  – The application period for the 2021 bear hunting season will open July 1 after the successful completion of legislative review.  The application deadline remains Dec. 10, 2020. Applicants are reminded to be aware of the new bear management zone boundaries as their usual hunting grounds may change to a new unit beginning in 2021. State wildlife officials do not know precisely how these changes will specifically affect harvest permit wait times, but they expect there will likely be no significant changes across zones A, B, C and D. There will be no zone changes for the upcoming 2020 bear season. Wisconsin bear hunting is prevalent, and more people apply each year than the number of licenses available. For 2020, more than 119,000 hunters applied for a permit or a preference point for 11,535 available permits. The new zones are part of the  Wisconsin Black Bear Management Plan, 2019-2029 [PDF]  developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources B...

PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (GFP) is reminding outdoor enthusiasts the habitat stamp requirement goes into effect July 1. The habitat stamp was created by the 2020 South Dakota legislature.   “The key to abundant wildlife is habitat,” said Department Secretary Kelly Hepler. “The money raised from this stamp is going to directly benefit our wildlife and all individuals who love the outdoors in South Dakota.” Revenue obtained from the habitat stamp can only be used to develop habitat on public land and waters or to provide public access to private land, as defined by Senate Bill 75. A habitat stamp is required for anyone 18 years of age or older when purchasing or applying for a hunting, fishing or furbearer license. The annual fee for the habitat stamp is $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. A habitat stamp is not required for the one-day hunting or fishing license, youth hunting license, private shooting preserve license, Hunt for Habitat en...

WATERLOO, Iowa –  Heavy rainfall the past several days has caused flooding issues forcing the closure ofGeorge Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County. The park closed on June 22 when water levels made access into the park impossible. The park will likely remain closed through Monday, June 29, depending on any future heavy rainfall.  The DNR has contacted anyone with reservations affected by this closure and issued refunds.

Stay safe when fishing this summer with these tips: Try a new fishing spot — if your regular fishing location is popular and busy, try out a new one that is not so crowded.  Once you find your spot, keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and other groups. Stick with your immediate family, but keep groups to fewer than 10 people. Bring lures from home instead of buying bait to minimize your interaction with other people. Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands often. This weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river within each district, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each distr...