OutdoorNebraska

Recreation 31 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2025 Annual Report Learning outdoor skills through experience Nebraska Game and Parks helps Nebraskans of all ages gain outdoor skills through hands-on programs, safe instruction and memorable experiences. Outdoor Discovery Programs introduced 3,979 elementary students to kayaking, fishing, archery, wildlife identification and nature hikes at Fort Kearny, Platte River, Ponca and Wildcat Hills state parks. Special programs like the Nebraska Archery in the Schools Program brought students of all backgrounds together in both the in-school program and to compete in local, regional and state tournaments; this year 332 schools participated and 14,831 students received instruction. Nebraska Game and Parks also cohosted 20 competitive and recreational shooting events, where 4,364 students tested their marksmanship skills. Learn to Hunt workshops and mentored hunts provided 481 beginners with hands-on instruction in firearms, safety and field techniques, while partnerships like Pheasants Forever's Next Steps programs offered first upland hunt experiences. The Nebraska Ladies Hunting Cohort, now in its second year, and the Becoming and Outdoors-Woman program continued to foster a supportive environment for about 480 women to share hunting experiences, learn strategies, and gain insights from experienced facilitators and guest speakers. Across all programs, participants gained skills, practiced safety and created memories that last a lifetime. Missouri River Outdoor Expo celebrates 20 years The Missouri River Outdoor Expo at Ponca State Park celebrated a special milestone — its 20th anniversary — highlighting two decades of inspiring connections to Nebraska's parklands and wildlife. Drawing thousands from the tri-state region and beyond, the event featured over 100 free, hands-on activities for all ages, including engaging wildlife encounters, archery, shooting sports, fishing instruction, live music and outdoor entertainment, and popular boat tours. Beyond fun and adventure, the Expo is an excellent long-standing partnership with the Ponca community and the Better Ponca Foundation, who make the event possible. Thanks to dedicated partners, volunteers and sponsors, this beloved celebration continues to ignite a passion for nature and outdoor exploration. Historic celebration brings community together Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park recreated the 1875 Grand Thanksgiving Ball on Nov. 15, 2025, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience in Nebraska history. The event combined period music, guided dance instruction, and interactive demonstrations, inviting families and community members to step into frontier-era social life. This distinctive program highlights the park's commitment to engaging experiences that connect communities with Nebraska's rich cultural heritage. Katherine Minarik of Papillion practices shooting a bow from a tree stand during the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend workshop at Fort Robinson State Park. ERIC FOWLER Thousands attended the 20th Missouri River Outdoor Expo, where they participated in outdoors skills programming from touching a fish to shooting a firearm. ERIC FOWLER

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