OutdoorNebraska

6 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2018 Annual Report COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH ince the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission launched its first website back in the 1990s, we have been committed to using technology to reach stakeholders all across the state. In 2018, social media – particularly Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube – played a big role. We used these channels to share information about hunting seasons, fishing opportunities, outdoor tutorials, park events, wildlife viewing opportunities, photography tips, and updates to regulations and orders. Video, especially, proved to be a valuable tool. We introduced many of our new Venture Parks features through videos and produced video tours of some of our most popular state parks. In 2018, Game and Parks also reached customers through video live- streams. We hosted several Facebook Live events in which the public could ask biologists questions about fishing and other activities. We also live-streamed a big game meeting on YouTube, so hunters and landowners who wanted to attend but couldn't make the drive had the opportunity to ask questions of our big game managers. We also reached out to customers through more traditional means. Over the course of the year, we hosted public meetings, sent hundreds of news releases and held workshops, day camps and other events to help the public develop a range of outdoor skills. These activities, combined with our online presence, allowed us to reach thousands of Nebraskans in 2018: • Outdoor Discovery Programs: 5,478 • Hunter Education: more than 9,000 • Fort Kearny Expo: 3,000 • National Archery in the Schools Program: 35,000 • Becoming an Outdoors-Woman: 476 • Mentored Hunts: 750 • Facebook: 106,000 • Instagram: 18,000 • Twitter: 23,000 This section includes summaries of other ways – both innovative and tried-and-true – that Nebraska Game and Parks worked to instill the public with an understanding of conservation and Nebraska's unique outdoor recreation opportunities in 2018. FAMILIES VISIT THE SKY FORT AT THE NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION'S OUTDOOR EXHIBIT AT THE NEBRASKA STATE FAIR S

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