Commissioners approve changes to big game permit application periods

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved changes to big game permit application periods at its meeting Jan. 19 in Lincoln.

The approved wildlife regulation changes will simplify the application and purchasing process for deer, elk and antelope permits by collapsing eight purchasing periods to four and harmonizing elk and antelope landowner permit application periods. The changes also will add new nonresident deer draw units.

Once approved by the offices of the attorney general and governor, the regulation changes would look like this:

Landowner Applications – Monday closest to May 21 through the Friday closest to June 1. Application period for landowner elk and antelope draw permits.

General Applications – First Monday in June through the closest Friday to June 15. Application period for general deer, antelope and elk permits. All general and landowner draw results will be available to the Friday closest to June 22.

Resident Permit Purchase Period – Starts on the Wednesday closest to July 11. For residents purchasing elk, deer, and antelope permits, including those undrawn from the General Applications Period. For resident landowners to begin purchasing any limited landowner antelope and elk permits.

Nonresident Permit Purchase Period – Starts on the Wednesday closest to July 25. It is the beginning of the buy period for nonresidents. For nonresident landowners to purchase any limited landowner antelope and elk permits.

Remaining Permit Purchase Period – Starts on the first Wednesday in August. For all remaining permits from previous periods (forfeited permits would move to this period). For all remaining limited landowner permits to be sold to eligible landowners.

All application and permit sales periods begin at 10 a.m. Central time.

Successful applicants in the general and landowner draw must complete their purchase by the Monday closest to July 9, with undrawn permits going to Resident Permit Purchase Period and Nonresident Permit Purchase Period, and any forfeited permits going to Remaining Permit Purchase Period.

Mule Deer Conservation Area permits are renamed to include the name of the unit and “any deer.” The following nonresident “any deer” units are added to the draw: Buffalo, Sandhills, Upper Platte, Plains, Calamus West, Republican, Loup West, Archery and Muzzleloader. Pine Ridge is removed from the resident draw.