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LINCOLN — Anglers who have received a mailed survey about Nebraska fishing — or the text or email version — are encouraged to complete it. Their responses will help shape the decisions Nebraska Game and Parks makes about fisheries management.
Nebraska’s fisheries are constantly changing, as are its anglers. Game and Parks periodically surveys anglers to learn how their activities, opinions and desires change over time. The information is used to adjust the agency’s approaches to managing the state’s fisheries.
The comprehensive survey was sent to 10,000 randomly selected 2025 Nebraska fishing license holders. That means each survey respondent represents more than 20 other anglers in the state.
Game and Parks is joined by the Bureau of Sociological Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in conducting this survey.
Area residents urged to celebrate with First Day Hikes
LINCOLN — Start the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1.
These annual guided hikes give the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Or choose any state park and create your own hiking adventure.
Activities include a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park, a guided tour at Fort Hartsuff SHP, winter art activities at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, and tours of the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Branched Oak SRA will host a 5- to 6-mile First Day Trail Ride for equestrian riders.
Hikes are planned at: Ash Hollow SHP Chadron SP Eugene T. Mahoney SP Fort Hartsuff SHP Fort Kearny SRA Indian Cave SP Johnson Lake SRA Lake Ogallala SRA Mormon Island SRA Platte River SP Ponca SP Red Willow SP Rock Creek Station SHP Schramm Park SRA Wagon Train SRA Wildcat Hills SRA Windmill SRA Parks will have different activities. Check the details at each park, including start times for all First Day Hikes, at OutdoorNebraska.gov. A Nebraska state park permit is required for all vehicles entering park areas; 2026 permits are available at park offices or at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Multispecies lottery permit applications accepted Jan. 2
LINCOLN — Applications for multispecies Super Tag and Combo lottery permits will be accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning Jan. 2, 2026.
The Super Tag lottery permit will be valid for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). One permit will be authorized for Nebraska residents only, and one permit will be authorized for residents/ nonresidents. People may apply for the residents-only permit once per year for $29. People may apply for the resident/nonresident permit multiple times per year for $11.50 per application.
The Combo permit will be valid for one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). One permit will be authorized for Nebraska residents only, and one permit will be authorized for nonresidents only. Qualifying persons may apply multiple times per year for $11.50 per application.
These multispecies lottery permits will be valid in 2026 and 2027 in open seasons with the appropriate weapons. Winners of these permits will require a Habitat Stamp.
