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South Shore boat ramp work delayed at Lewis and Clark
CROFTON — For the protection of the federally endangered pallid sturgeon, work to reopen the South Shore boat ramp at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area has been delayed.
A federal permit to remove the sediment deposited in the South Shore area inlet has been approved, with the condition work cannot begin until after June 30 when pallid sturgeon spawning season ends.
A contractor will begin removing sediment the first week of July, weather depending, with work expected to take less than a week.
“We know this boat ramp is highly used during our peak season and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to balance recreational needs with conservation ones,” said Jonathan Voelker, Lewis and Clark SRA park superintendent.
Boaters can use alternative boat ramps at Lewis and Clark SRA/Weigand Marina, Bloomfield Campground Area and Miller Creek Campground Area. Signage has been posted at the site, and updates will be shared as conditions change.
Pallid sturgeon were listed as a federally endangered species in 1990 because of extensive habitat modification, a lack of successful reproduction, commercial harvest and hybridization with the shovelnose sturgeon.
Learn more at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Commissioners to consider 2026 mountain lion season
LINCOLN — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for a 2026 mountain lion hunting season at its June 13 meeting in Sidney.
The meeting begins at 8 a.m. Mountain time at the Country Inn and Suites, 664 Chase Blvd.
Staff will recommend a mountain lion season in the Pine Ridge, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills units, with adjusted harvest limits compared to the 2025 season.
The harvest limit in the Niobrara Unit would increase to a maximum of six mountain lions, with a sublimit of three females; the maximum harvest in the Wildcat Hills Unit would decrease to two, with a sublimit of one female; and the harvest limit in the Pine Ridge Unit would remain at 12 with a sublimit of six females.
Adjusted harvest limits are based on changes in mountain lion populations in the units, with the Niobrara population likely expanding, and the Wildcat Hills population likely significantly reduced compared to the previous season due to a high number of documented mortalities from various causes in that unit.
The objective for each unit is to provide a harvest opportunity for mountain lions that allows the population to remain resilient and healthy, while reducing the population in the Pine Ridge, keeping the population stable or slowing growth in the Niobrara Valley, and maintaining the present population in the Wildcat Hills.
Season 1 in all three units would take place Jan. 2, 2026, through the end of February. The season would end immediately in a unit if the annual harvest limit or female sub-limit were reached.
Up to 960 permits could be issued by lottery in the Pine Ridge Unit, up to 480 permits in the Niobrara Unit, and up to 160 permits in the Wildcat Hills Unit. Permits are available to residents only.
An auxiliary season that allows the use of dogs would be March 14-March 31, 2026, if the annual harvest limit or female sub-limit were not reached during Season 1 in any unit, and also would close immediately if either the limit or female sublimit for the unit is met. A number of permits equal to the number of lions remaining in the limit would be issued by lottery to unsuccessful permit holders from that unit who apply for the auxiliary season.
Staff also will recommend the Commission approve to modify Duck Zones and Goose Units for submission to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Changes would not become effective until the 2026-27 waterfowl season. Recommendations are based on federal criteria in conjunction with feedback from hunters who gave input on boundaries and their proposed modifications in 2024 and 2025.
In other business, commissioners will hear about the agency’s website and recent improvements; a report on Memorial Day weekend in Nebraska state parks and an outlook for summer; and updates on agency projects and programs in the Panhandle region.
To view a complete agenda, visit OutdoorNebraska. gov and search for “public notices.” To view proposed changes to Commission regulations and orders, search for “regulations.” To read the waterfowl recommendations, search for “waterfowl rezoning process.”
Dogs temporarily restricted on WMAs
LINCOLN — Nebraska Game and Parks reminds outdoors enthusiasts that dogs are not allowed on state wildlife management areas from May 1 through July 31, except in “authorized dog training areas.”
The seasonal restriction aims to protect wildlife during breeding and nesting season.
Authorized dog training areas are marked by signage; other than in these designated areas, it is unlawful to exercise, run, train or hunt with dogs on the property.
Game and Parks manages more than 250 WMAs across Nebraska in partnership with state and federal partners. These areas are maintained to provide quality habitat, so native and migratory species have a safe place to breed, rest and feed.
While WMAs are open year-round for hunting, trapping, fishing and other outdoor activities, Game and Parks staff urge everyone to follow these guidelines to contribute to conservation efforts that are in balance with recreation needs.
Learn more about WMAs or dog training regulations at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search “WMA.”
2025 Neb. Fishing Guide is now updated online
LINCOLN — The 2025 Fishing Guide has been updated online to reflect regulation changes regarding aquatic invasive species and bait collecting.
The changes include: Fisheries regulations relating to aquatic invasive species, including listing invasive species, inspections, decontamination, impoundments and restriction; and fisheries regulations regarding rules relating to bait collection by anglers and bait dealers, including listing of legal bait species, harvest methods and limits.
The updated guide is available for download at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search “Fishing Guide.”
Niobrara SP pairs cabin discount with one-of-akind opportunities
NIOBRARA — Experience sunrise trail rides and exceptional dark skies at Niobrara State Park, all while saving money on your cabin reservation.
The Nebraska Game and Parks has put together a special rate in June. Book a cabin stay for June 8-11, 15-18 or 22-25 and save 30%.
These discounts are automatically applied online, so no code is needed. Cabin discounts in summer are rare and spots fill quickly, so don’t wait.
Make your visit even better with these new opportunities: Sign up for a wrangler-led sunrise trail ride June 10, 17 and 24. Atop the river bluffs, riders will experience amazing views of the Niobrara and Missouri rivers. Rides cost $30 per person and spots are limited. Book your ride ahead of time.
