NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/831879
40 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2017 40 NEBRASKAland • JUNE 2017 1929 – The State Park Board was dissolved and merged with the Bureau of Game and Fish to create the Game, Forestation and Parks Commission. The legislation provided that the governor should appoint five commissioners according to districts to serve as the policy-setting board of the agency. The number of commissioners was later increased to seven and now stands at nine. 1929 – In addition to the Chief Warden and a Special Investigator, there were 15 district wardens and additional special deputy wardens serving principally as eyes and ears for the district wardens. District wardens were issued uniforms and furnished with "small automobiles" and camping equipment so they could live in the field when required. 1930 – The Commission began its first fisheries research project: an investigation of the aquatic plant and insects in Cherry County lakes. The agency didn't hire its first fisheries biologist until 1943. 1930 – The Commission began its first wildlife research project: a study of the food habits of the ring- necked pheasant in central Nebraska. 1930 – The hunting season on prairie grouse was closed and would not reopen until 1950. 1930 – The Commission purchased land near Scotts Bluff to create a "big game reserve" today known as the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. 1933 – The Commission had established 26 state recreation areas. 1934 – Because of the drought, seining crews salvaged an estimated 1 million game fish from drying waters throughout the state and stocked them in other suitable lakes and streams. Additionally, 118,000 pounds of rough fish were sold and the revenue used to fund future operations. 1935 – Niobrara State Park at the mouth of the Niobrara River opened to the public after work by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1934 and 1935. 1936 – Ponca State Park along the Missouri River in Dixon County was created with the donation of 200 acres from area residents and developed almost entirely with federal funds through the Civilian Conservation Corps. 1937 – The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, better known as the Pittman- Robertson Act, was passed by Congress establishing an 11 percent manufacturer's excise tax on sporting rifles, shotguns, ammunition, and archery equipment, and a 10 percent tax on handguns. Revenues from the tax are still distributed to state conservation departments to help support wildlife research and management. 1940 – Separate hunting and fishing permits were issued for the first time, with either costing $1 and a combination permit $1.50. 1944 – A 10-day quail season was allowed in four southeastern Nebraska counties, the first since 1918. 1945 – Deer had become so abundant on the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey that a December "experimental season" was allowed. It was the first since the season for deer was closed by the legislature in 1907. 1945 – The Commission began operating Lake McConaughy and other reservoirs in Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District's new irrigation system as state recreation areas. 1949 – Nebraska's second deer season since 1906 was held in the Pine Ridge. There has been a deer hunting season in every year since, and statewide hunting since 1961. 1950 – The Dingell- Johnson Act created the Sport Fish Restoration Program by establishing an excise tax on fishing equipment. The tax, collected by the federal government, is reallocated to the states to enhance sport fisheries. From 1958 through 1962, 1,077 pronghorns trapped in Colorado were released in the Sandhills, restoring the species to its native range. Dr. and Mrs. Wanek of North Platte show off their catch in 1934. Separate hunting and fishing licenses were not available until 1940. NGPC LIBRARY ARCHIVES NGPC LIBRARY ARCHIVES NGPC LIBRARY ARCHIVES