Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

The mulberries are ripening! This flavorful, nutritious fruit has so many uses, from baking to dessert and salad toppings. Here are a few tips for how you can use your mulberry harvest. Read to the end to find the pie recipe.

Find "The Many Uses of Mulberries":
https://brnw.ch/21x3jWq

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved wildlife orders that move the start of the spring turkey season at its meeting June 12 in North Platte.

The change to orders will:

• Move the start of the spring archery season to the Saturday closest to April 8.

• Move the start of the spring youth shotgun season to the Saturday closest to April 15.

• Move the start of the spring regular shotgun season to the Saturday closest to April 22.

Delaying harvest at the start of the spring turkey season will reduce the likelihood of harvest negatively affecting reproductive success. The later start will better align the seasons with the timing of turkey dispersal from their winter flocks and breeding and nesting activities.

Commissioners amended the recommendation to reduce the nonresident spring season personal permit limit to one. It remains at two.

In other business, commissioners indefinitely tabled the recommendation to change the personal deer permit limit regarding antlered deer.

In addition, commissioners also tabled recommendations for mountain lion regulation changes for the 2027 season until the August meeting so that landowner permit regulation recommendations could be included.

Commissioners approved wildlife orders that moved the close of squirrel season from Jan. 31 to the last day of February to align it with other seasons.

Read more:

Commissioners approve changes to start of spring turkey season | Nebraska Game & Parks Commission The start of the archery, youth shotgun and regular shotgun seasons are moved to reduce the chance harvest will affect reproductive success.

While sampling for paddlefish this spring, Nebraska Game and Parks fisheries biologists netted a 70-pound lake sturgeon near Gavins Point Dam.

Sampling crews handle thousands of fish each year, but lake sturgeon are a rare catch in Nebraska, where the species is listed as threatened. When we do net one, it's never this large.

This particular sturgeon traveled 681 miles upstream from where it was tagged in Missouri in 2017. After measuring and weighing it, we released it back into the river so it could just keep swimming.

Read more about this prehistoric fish's journey: https://brnw.ch/21x3j0x

Photos by Nebraska Game and parks fisheries staff

Did you know Nebraska has 20 species of bumble bees and four of those are Species of Greatest Conservation Need? Did you know you can play a role in bee conservation efforts?

Join the Midwest Bumble Bee Atlas effort (formerly the Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas) by getting trained and then spotting bees. These observations help us better understand our bee populations and habitat needs.

Register for a training session today: https://brnw.ch/21x3h3z

Nebraska Game and Parks has temporarily closed Fort Robinson State Park and Peterson Wildlife Management Area in Dawes and Sioux counties as the South Fork Fire burns in the area.

The wildfire, which started in the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area of the Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge Ranger District on June 9, is 0% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The park and the WMA will remain closed until further notice to support firefighting operations and protect public safety.

People should avoid the wildfire area and not enter active fire zones or closed areas as emergency responders actively manage the fire. Game and Parks strongly discourages recreational viewing of burned areas.

Stay up-to-date with current wildfire conditions by visiting https://brnw.ch/21x3fvk and clicking South Fork Fire.

Learn more about the closures: https://brnw.ch/21x3fvj

Experience Nebraska from the saddle!

Horseback riding is one of the best ways to slow down, take in the scenery and explore the diverse landscapes of Nebraska’s state parks.

Bringing your own horse? Many state parks offer equestrian campgrounds and trail access.

Don't have a horse? Several locations offer guided trail rides and horse rentals, making it easy to enjoy the experience.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3f99

Photo by Eric Fowler

How many Trail Trek locations have you checked off so far?

Through Sept. 30, explore 50 trails and museums across Nebraska, find the Trail Trek sign, snap a photo with Kit the Raccoon and submit your entry online.

The more locations you visit, the more chances you'll have to win prizes, including outdoor gear, a Nebraskaland Magazine subscription, a two-night cabin stay and more!

Get started at YourParksAdventure.com

Photo submissions (clockwise):
1) Cary Lodl
2) Amy Hunt
3) Brian Johnson
4) Jill Case

Step into the history and rugged beauty of Fort Robinson State Park!

Nestled in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge, this 22,000-acre park offers dramatic landscapes, Old West history and endless opportunities for adventure.

Explore miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, cast a line, take a scenic trail ride, or stay the night in historic lodging, cabins or campsites.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3btp

Photos by Nebraskaland Magazine photographers

It's National Fishing and Boating Week!

Take time to cast a line, hit the water, and celebrate the great outdoors. This week is all about encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy the fun and relaxation that fishing and boating bring.

Learn more about recreational activities like fishing and boating at https://brnw.ch/21x39Hg.

Photo by Eric Fowler