8/17/2007

Plan to Visit the NGPC State Fair Exhibit - Tom Keith

LINCOLN, Neb. – People attending the 2007 Nebraska State Fair are invited to stop by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission exhibit located near the 17th street entrance to the fairgrounds and talk to a conservation officer, get information on this falls hunting seasons and other exciting outdoor activities.

The Commissions area is a good spot to try the picnic tables, where people can sit for a few minutes and relax in the shade or enjoy lunch with their families. Representatives from the Fisheries, Information and Education, Law Enforcement, Parks, and Wildlife divisions will be located in a central area to answer questions, discuss upcoming seasons and game laws, sell Nebraska annual hunting, fishing and park entry permits, NEBRASKAland Magazine subscriptions and other items.

The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

There will be special subscription offers for NEBRASKAland Magazine subscriptions and the 2008 NEBRASKAland calendar will be available.

The Commission again will offer visitors the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to purchase one of several lifetime resident hunting and fishing permits, combination hunting/fishing permits, and lifetime habitat stamps at one-half the regular fee for Nebraska youths age 15 and under.

People may apply for the half-price permits and stamps for the youngster of their choice by filling out an application form. The application forms will be collected and the winning applications will be randomly drawn after the fair. The winners will be notified and payment for the permit will be accepted at that time. An individual youth may win only one half-price lifetime permit or stamp.

The offer is made possible by a donation from the nonprofit Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation.

If the permit is being purchased for a youth up to 5 years old, the purchasers cost will be: Hunting permit, $63; habitat stamp, $130; fishing permit, $138; hunting/fishing combination permit, $188. If the youth for whom the permit is being purchased is age 6 - 15 years, the purchasers cost will be: Hunting permit, $93; habitat stamp, $130; fishing permit, $163; and hunting/fishing combination permit, $250.50.

New for 2007 is an archery range where archers of all ages and skill levels will be allowed to shoot and learn about the National Archery in the Schools Program and how schools that dont currently offer the program can become involved. The archery range will be open noon-7 p.m. Aug. 25, 26 and Sept. 1, 2 and 3.

Other activities in the Commissions exhibit area include:

– the latest information about Nebraskas state parks and the various activities offered at the areas, such as the Apple Jack Fesitval at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and the Missouri River Expo at Ponca State Park.

-- the popular indoor shooting range at the Hunter Education Building where kids and adults can shoot .22-caliber rifles at targets from noon-7 p.m. each day of the fair.

-- be sure to stop at the aquarium building and the outdoor fish tank where many different species of fish are on display. After seeing the fish, stop by the Fisheries Division information booth in the Hunter Education Building to get the latest information on fishing in Nebraska.

-- try your luck on the virtual fishing simulator located in the north end of the Hunter Education Building, where participants have chance to catch fish on a special rod and reel set- up. The fishing simulator will be in operation each day from noon to 7 p.m.

There will be demonstrations and information from representatives of several outdoor groups, including the Cornhusker Fly Fishers, the Nebraska Fur Harvesters and Wildlife Rescue. The Commissions Greg Wagner will be on hand from noon-4 p.m. to talk with people and answer questions about outdoor subjects.

Be sure to visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission exhibit. Many people say they think it is the prettiest, most educational and entertaining attraction at the fair. Stop by and see for yourself.