Family-Outdoors

LINCOLN, Neb. — The 2020 Hunting and Fishing R3 Summit is going virtual this year, streaming live over Zoom from 10 a.m. to noon CST Aug. 5. Register at  OutdoorNebraska.org/r3summit  on or before Aug. 2 to receive the  virtual meeting Zoom  link via email. Those unable to attend will be able to watch a recording of the summit online at a later date. “We hope this adjustment will allow more people and organizations to tune in live,” said Jeff Rawlinson, outdoor education manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “This year’s agenda represents an exciting discussion of opportunities for moving hunter and angler recruitment, retention and reactivation forward in Nebraska, with the result of more people supporting our communities and enjoying quality outdoor recreation across Nebraska.” Presentations will focus on building new audiences of committed outdoor recreationists, as well as on growing mentorship. Join the  Nebraska Hunting and Fishin...

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced an additional archery deer hunting opportunity in 2020 through the Illinois Recreational Access Program (IRAP). IRAP has added a third archery deer hunting period December 16-31.  “With archery deer hunting in high demand for IRAP, we asked landowners if they would allow for hunting in December and many were willing,” said IRAP Manager Tammy Miller. IRAP archery deer hunting will now be available this year October 1-15, October 16-31, and December 16-31 for licensed hunters to hunt on private land. There are currently 256 hunting sites available through IRAP in 34 counties across Illinois.  IRAP this year has also added opportunities during the Illinois Youth Firearm Deer Season October 10-12, with at least 24 private-land sites already enrolled in the program.  Applications for IRAP deer hunting are now being accepted through 5:00 p.m. August 24, 2020. A lottery drawing will be held at the end of Augus...

Leftover Big Game Licenses When will the leftover list be posted and when do leftover licenses go on sale? The 2020 leftover list should be available at the beginning of August.  Leftover licenses go on sale  August 4, 2020 at 9AM MT . What are leftover licenses? Leftover licenses are the remaining limited licenses available after the primary and secondary draws are completed. NEW IN 2020:  There will no longer be a leftover draw. The   secondary draw   replaces the leftover draw.  READ MORE

PIERRE, S.D. – At their July meeting, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission made several proposals that would provide more opportunities to hunters in upcoming hunting seasons. The first proposal is a 10 a.m. CT start time for the resident-only pheasant season and the traditional pheasant season in 2020. Also included is an extension of the season to January 31. Currently, the pheasant season ends the first Sunday in January, which fluctuates with the calendar year. “Season extensions like these would allow more opportunity for hunters to get into the field and enjoy South Dakota’s great outdoors,” said Tom Kirschenmann, Wildlife Division Director for GFP. If the proposal is passed, the changes would take effect for the upcoming 2020 season. The commission also proposed an increase to the daily bag limit next season starting December 1, 2021, which would allow hunters to harvest four (4) rooster pheasants per day from December 1 through the end of the season. The posse...

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Visit any fishing tackle store and you might be overwhelmed with the selection of what is “required” to go fishing. There are lures, jigs, plugs and poppers of every color and shape and rod and reels of every price range. The truth is that a stick, string, hook, weight and optional bobber is all it takes to have a fun evening of fishing at the lake. Let’s discuss what you really need. For your stick and string, an inexpensive push-button reel with 6- to 10-pound monofilament string will catch most fish. This type of spincast fishing outfit is widely available for a range of prices. Fishing rod and reel sets for about $30 will last a lifetime. Better yet, most of us know a grandpa, uncle or neighbor who will have one of these sitting in the shop that will be free for the asking. This style of fishing rod seldom wears out and may just need new string and grease. Don’t be shy: That grandpa or neighbor also probably will help and go fishing ...

See your location with our GeoPDF maps Cell service is not needed Don't get lost in the woods, navigate large remote areas using DNR Geospatial PDFs ("GeoPDFs") on your mobile device. Display your current location like Google Maps, but you don't have to be connected to the internet or have cell service while using the maps. Note:  mobile service or internet is required for initial download. DNR GeoPDF maps available Screen Shots DNR Recreation Basemap Most State Parks OHV Trails Water Trails Some State Forests Trout Stream Angling Water Access State Trails Snowmobile Trails   Click to expand thumbnails. Get started Make sure your mobile device is connected to the internet while downloading the application and map. Download the free Avenza Maps app   (link is external)  for your iOS or Android mobile device as outlined below. The app is used to read the GeoPDF and display your location. Download GeoPDFs from our GeoPDF Downloader. Install the Avenza Maps app Avenza Ma...

See Bottom of Page for Links to Knot Video Instruction By Jerry Kane Nebraska Game and Parks Commission A well-tied fishing knot can make the difference between a great day and heartbreak. For a new angler, landing a nice fish knowing the hook is secured by a strong knot is a satisfying feeling. On the other hand, losing that same fish with a subpar knot is disappointing – and unnecessary. Beginner anglers only need to learn how to tie a few knots, but they need to know how and why to tie them correctly. “Tying a good knot is arguably the most important skill the angler can learn,” said Larry Pape, aquatic education specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “The knot is the weakest part of the line and, if poorly tied, could result in a lost lure or fish. A bad knot will either pull loose when pressure is put on it or cinch down tight and sever the line.” Pape says the key to good knots is to practice tying them at home – often – using materials simulating fishing line an...

This year, many of us are not doing as much traveling as usual. One of my obligatory summer trips every year is to Colorado.  I was born there, as was my youngest son, and we lived there before ending up in Missouri.  Our trip last year was a backpacking trip into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. So this year, I am spending some time doing some research so that my next trip will be awesome - but it always is. I stumbled onto a couple of resources that might serve the needs of people traveling to Colorado...and for sure would be great for those lucky enough to be full time residents.  They are in the came locale on the web, and address resources for hiking trails and for those looking to do some bird watching. First navigate to  https://cpw.state.co.us/  When you get there, look to for the part of the page shown below: The first of the two options is for the Colorado Birding Trail.  After you navigate to this page, if you click on the panel shown below, you ...

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has selected season dates and submitted waterfowl hunting zone lines for 2021-2025 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  The 2021-2025 hunting seasons regulations were developed based on a thorough review of scientific information and input from waterfowl hunters and are intended to provide the most opportunity for hunters while protecting waterfowl resources. “Illinois is a large and diverse state that is 400 miles long from north to south and is home to waterfowl hunters with diverse opinions who pursue many different species of waterfowl in different habitats using a variety of methods,” said Randy Smith, program manager, IDNR Wetland Wildlife. “Federal rules on waterfowl season structures and the variable nature of waterfowl migration patterns necessitate Illinois regulations represent a compromise among hunter opinions and hunting styles. Selected regulations may not represent exactly what ind...

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 ...