Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

06/19/2026

Researchers recently banded this Western warbling vireo — the first definitive banding record of the species in Nebraska.🎉

The Western warbling Vireo only recently was recognized as a species separate from the Eastern Warbling Vireo, and prior to this capture, Nebraska had just one definitive record of the bird.

This bird is known for its squeaky, boisterous song and has a slightly smaller bill and more white coloring above its eyes than its eastern counterpart.

During this same research period, biologists also recaptured several ovenbirds that were banded in previous years. Male ovenbirds typically live about 2½ years, but several birds in this study are at least 6 years old!

Photo courtesy Stephen Brenner

06/18/2026

It's National Go Fishing Day!

Whether you fish to relax, spend time with friends and family, enjoy the outdoors, or bring home dinner, there's always a good reason to cast a line. Why do you fish?

Can't make it out on the water today? Check out one of our many Community Fishing Events, like the one featured in this reel: https://brnw.ch/21x3sFr

Video by Nick Sauvageau

06/17/2026

Who's ready to go swimming? 🌊

Keep safety top of mind with these tips:

𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 — Always swim with a buddy, no matter your age. Children should always be accompanied by an adult.

𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 — Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, according to the American Red Cross. Staying watchful — even of strong swimmers — is encouraged and the best way to respond quickly should an accident occur.

𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗷𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 – Children especially should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, while swimming or wading in water, including swim areas at Nebraska state parks. Life jackets should be snug and should not pop up around the ears.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 — Lakes, rivers and streams often have murky water, potentially hiding underwater hazards such as logs, currents or changes in water depth. Be prepared for the unexpected.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 – Sudden changes in weather can lead to rocky water and potential lightning strikes, both of which put swimmers and boaters at risk. Check the weather in advance and monitor it during the day, if necessary.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 — Know the signs of downing. Consider getting water safety and CPR trained, and if an emergency occurs, remember to call 911 for help.

𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 — Boaters and swimmers can become impaired with less alcohol than motor vehicle drivers due to heat and dehydration. Boating Under the Influence also is a criminal violation and is enforced actively in Nebraska.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 — It’s never too late to learn foundational swimming skills. By learning how to float and other swimming basics, drownings can be reduced.

📷 Eric Fowler

06/16/2026

Fort Robinson State Park has partially reopened as the South Fork Fire threat moves north.

Guests can once again enjoy the park's lodge, cabins, activity center, Sutler Store, restaurant, Post Playhouse and historical tours. The Fort Robinson History Center and Trailside Museum of Natural History also have reopened.

Some areas of the park remain closed. Visitors should check with park staff before exploring and avoid entering closed areas. Nebraska Game and Parks staff have been in daily communication with emergency management incident command officials, who are aware of the limited reopening of the park.

Horse trail rides, stagecoach rides, jeep rides, tube rides, bison cookouts and hiking trails remain closed. Fire operations continue in some areas, access remains limited in others, and staff must complete additional safety assessments before reopening these amenities. We will post reopening updates at https://brnw.ch/21x3oUn as conditions allow.

The fire did not damage Fort Robinson's main complex, including the historic fort buildings, lodging facilities, Mare Barn, stables, Sutler Store, museums, Post Playhouse, campgrounds and livestock.

Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3oUm

While portions of the park remain closed, the lodge, cabins, activity center, Sutler Store, restaurant, and historical tours are now open.

06/16/2026

On this National Waterfall Day, go chasing waterfalls! Visit Smith Falls State Park to view Nebraska's tallest waterfall. Or hit Platte River State Park and hike the revamped trail to the Stone Creek Falls, one of our quainter cascades.

No matter which you choose, our waterfalls captivate in every season and from every angle. Share your favorite Nebraska waterfall photos in the comments!

📷 Nebraskaland Magazine

06/15/2026

Your camera roll if you’re a fisheries biologist and it’s spring sampling season.

Each year, we sample water bodies across the state so we can assess our fish populations — and your fishing opportunities. We want to know:

• how many fish there are
• how big they are
• how much they’ve grown since the last time we sampled
• how healthy the population is

This helps us know where — and what kind of — fish need stocked where, what habitat needs addressed, and more.

Dig into the data at https://brnw.ch/21x3mdJ by searching for “fish sampling reports.” Or take the easy path and read our Fishing Forecast, a distilled version of the data that clearly lists the best lakes for quality fishing opportunities by Nebraska’s top fished-for species.

We’re still in peak fishing season, so grab your pole and a few worms and get out there. Then drop us a photo in the comments below from your favorite fishing hole.

Photos by Blake Logan and fisheries staff

Video: A collage of images highlight fish sampling at various locations around Nebraska

06/14/2026

Show us your campsite or RV setup in the comments!⛺📸⬇

06/13/2026

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

06/12/2026

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:

The start of the archery, youth shotgun and regular shotgun seasons are moved to reduce the chance harvest will affect reproductive success.