Why It Matters: Every year, many state fish and wildlife agencies consider updates to their hunting permit allocation and adjustments to their hunting seasons. Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners (NGPC) are currently discussing changes to the number of deer tags that limits the number of personal deer tags an induvial hunter can receive, and changes to the mountain lion hunting season. It is critical for hunters to stay up to date on any potential regulatory changes to ensure they are hunting legally when they hit the field.
Highlights:
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners are considering reducing the personal deer hunting permits.
- Commissioners are also considering changes to the mountain lion hunting season that would open more hunting areas in the Niobrara Unit and adjust harvest limits.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) maintains that state fish and wildlife agencies, like the NGPC, are the entities best equipped to make wildlife management decisions.
Deer hunting is one of the most popular seasons in Nebraska, and changes may be coming to that season. Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners are discussing reducing the number of personal deer hunting permits from two antlered deer down to one permit per person per calendar year. If enacted, these changes would not take effect until the 2027 deer season.
Additionally, NGPC is considering changes to the mountain lion hunting season by expanding the Niobrara hunting region by opening additional areas within the region to hunting. In addition to potentially expanding the Niobrara Unit, NGPC is also considering increased harvest limits in the Niobrara, Pine Hills, and Wildcat Hills Units. This is not the first time NGPC has made changes to the mountain lion hunting seasons. In 2023, the Niobrara Unit was opened for the first time, followed by the opening of the Wildcat Hills Unit in 2024.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation will continue to monitor developments and encourage any potential decisions to be made in the interest of sound, science-based wildlife management.