Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1207206
12 2019 Annual Report • Outreach and Education T A K E ' E M F I S H I N G A N D H U N T I N G Recruiting more outdoors men and women is critical because these activities fund conservation. Money generated through the sale of hunting and fishing permits and stamps support habitat conservation, as well as public access programs for hunters and anglers alike. In April of 2019, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission launched Take 'Em Fishing, a new program aimed at introducing new people to the sport of fishing. Game and Parks asked experienced anglers to take a pledge that they would take someone new fishing between April 15 and Sept. 15, 2019. Once they took someone fishing, took a photo of their fishing trip, and uploaded it on Game and Parks' website, they were entered into a drawing for great prizes donated by partners including fishing rods, reels and other gear; guided fishing trips; gift cards to SCHEELS and Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops; and the grand prize – a BassTracker Classic fishing boat. Take 'Em Fishing got people excited about fishing and sharing their passions. More than 4,700 anglers participated in the program, creating more than 2,000 new anglers in the process. Anglers shared stories of the great times they had taking kids, grandkids, parents and friends. The program got people across the state talking about fishing. After the success of Take 'Em Fishing, Game and Parks created a similar challenge for experienced hunters. Take 'Em Hunting asked hunters to first take a pledge to take a new or novice hunter along between Sept. 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020. Just as with Take 'Em Fishing, those who took someone new hunting, took a photo of their trip, and uploaded it to the Game and Parks website were entered into a drawing for prizes including gear, gift cards from SCHEELS and Cabela's/Bass Pro Shops, and the grand prize, a John Deer UTV from Plains Equipment Group. As of December 2019, more than 1,800 hunters had taken someone new. Hunters and anglers who participated in the Take 'Em Hunting and Take 'Em Fishing programs created new memories and enjoyed time with loved ones. Indeed, the Commission believes that hunting and fishing are important components of our heritage. It will take us all – the Commission, conservation partners, industry and our hunters and anglers – to help grow outdoor pursuits to ensure the health and vitality of Nebraska's natural resources for generations to come. Outreach and Education Doug Risseeuw and daughter Raelee. Brandon Hansen with daughter Khloe and son Kyler.