Garden County Nebraska

GardenCoNe.com

Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

AAAHHHH! Inspiring sunrise and sunsets, the most gorgeous rising full moons you could wish to see anywhere, clear skies, with stars you can actually SEE, watch and identify! And clean fresh breathable air!

Garden County Nebraska is brimming with outdoor sports and activities. With over 21 lakes in Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the wetlands, Sandhills, the peaceful North Platte River and it's beautiful Valley, Ash Hollow Historical State Park, and numerous creeks, bluffs and canyons, the west tip of Lake McConaughy, benches, flatlands, and rolling hills, the landscapes are breathtaking and diverse.

Wildlife in the area provides ample opportunity for the photographer, the sportsman, the bird watchers, and the angler.

A State Park permit is required for all vehicles before entering State Park Areas. Conservation stamps are required in addition to hunting and fishing licenses. HIP registration is required for hunting some species. Visit http://www.outdoornebraska.com for more details.

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Bird watching:

Garden County Nebraska has the third most documented number of different species of birds in the United States!

Guided Birding Tours are available for the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Platte River Valley, Blue Creek and Lost Creek areas, and several other areas. Information is not yet listed on this site, but will be added as soon as it is available to us.

A list of birds found at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and when they can commonly be found there, is available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A photo blind for observing sharp-tailed grouse on their dancing ground is available on a reservation basis throughout April.

Special group trips (school groups, scouts, etc.) are encouraged. Guided tours may be arranged in advance.

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Fishing

Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge:

Island Lake is open to fishing year-round in accordance with State regulations. Smith and Crane Lakes are open from November 1 through February 15 only. The possession or use of live or dead minnows is prohibited, as is the possession of any fish not taken from the Refuge lakes. However, dead smelt may be used as bait. No overnight shelters are permitted. Fishing is not permitted at any other lake on the Refuge.

Boating and float tubes are permitted on Island Lake ONLY. Internal combustion motors are prohibited.

A list of fish found at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and when they can commonly be found there, is available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

North Platte River:

Blue Creek, Lost Creek

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Hunting:

Large Game, Small Game, Waterfowl and Crow.

Hunting Season Dates for Nebraska Game Animals.

Public Lands

Designated areas of the 45,000 acre Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge are open to the public for hunting. Refuge hunting is permitted in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations. A Nebraska hunting license (or, if appropriate, big game permit) and habitat stamp is required.

Prairie grouse, pheasant, deer, rabbit, coyote, furbearers and waterfowl may be hunted on those portions of the refuge open to hunting during appropriate State regulated hunting seasons. Non-toxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting (upland and waterfowl).

Ducks, geese, and coot may be hunted only on that portion of the Refuge lying east of the closed area and west of the proposed wilderness area (see map).

No other wildlife may be hunted on the refuge.

• Non-toxic shot is required for all shotgun game hunting on the Refuge.
• Blinds and decoys must be removed at the end of each day.
• Organization sponsored hunts are prohibited without prior approval of the Refuge Manager.
• All deer harvested must be checked in at the Refuge Headquarters.
• Grouse and pheasant hunters are asked to participate in an ongoing and valuable population study by providing a grouse wing and pheasant leg from each bird harvested

A list of mammals found at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge is available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

CRP-MAP land is open to public for walk-in access only (no vehicles) for the entire hunting season. Look for the Yellow and Black signs. Be sure to follow the CRP-MAP Hunter Guidelines.

Written landowner permission is not required to hunt CRP-MAP land, but it may be considered a courtesy to let the landowners know you are planning on hunting on their CRP-MAP properties. Never litter. Remember to always clean up any tell-tale signs of field dressing you may have done. Leave the property as clean or cleaner than you found it.

http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/ for more information on the CRP-MAP program and a larger map of the lands in Garden County enrolled in the program.

Private Lands and Hunts

Most of the lands in Garden County and throughout Nebraska are privately owned, and written landowners permission in possession is required to hunt on these lands. It is a good idea to obtain your permission before opening day.

Several Sports Clubs, Hunting Lodges, and private landowners offer hunts or hunting access. Some of these can be found on the GardenCoNe.com Business / Recreation listings.

ALWAYS obtain your written landowners permission BEFORE hunting private non-CRP-MAP lands. You can be fined if you hunt without it.

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Hiking

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Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge Much of the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge is closed to motor vehicle. Hiking is the only option to view much of this National Refuge. Visit the Refuge Headquarter and information center to find the most up to date maps and information on open or closed areas and fishing and hunting. There is also a 2.5 mile marked nature trail near the Refuge Headquarters with information about the flora and fauna posted all along the trail. Great hike for everyone, but especially for families with kids!

Ash Hollow State Park

The 1,000-plus acre Ash Hollow State Park has hiking trails through-out the park. Start on the bluff at the visitors center, and head down to the spring in the bottom of the canyon. Or head off to the old soddy school house. Hike up Windlass Hill trail and view the ruts of the Oregon trail. Visit the Indian Caves. No overnight camping.

With landowner permission:

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Neighboring Counties

Keith- Lake Mac

While staying in Garden County, many of our visitors try to make time to visit neighboring Keith County for an afternoon of fun at Lake McConaughy. Only 10 minutes from Lewellen, 20 minutes from Oshkosh, or 30 minutes from Lisco, you can plan an outing of fun on the beaches and on the water.
Links:
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/ Buy your hunting / fishing license and park permits / user stamps online!