The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider changes to big game permit application periods when it meets Jan. 19 in Lincoln.
These proposed wildlife regulation changes would 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 would add new nonresident deer draw units.
The meeting will start at 8 a.m. Central time at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St.
Also on the agenda are staff recommendations to:
- amend wildlife regulations to allow up to six people to apply on one application for certain big game draw permits, allow for internet and telephone checking of deer harvested during the November firearm season as an option to check stations, and clarify it is illegal to possess or sell, due to recent statute changes, any badger, bobcat, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, opossum, raccoon, red fox, or skunk without a valid fur harvest permit.
- amend wildlife regulations to allow for elk hunting on the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area portion of the Garden County State Game Refuge and restrict weapons allowed to be used at Bur Oak WMA in Seward County.
- approve grant awards for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program.
- approve outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program.
- approve changes in dates for the Commission’s 2024 meeting schedule.
The following reports will be presented to the commissioners:
- Summary of 2023 efforts to minimize depredation issues
- Strategic Plan: Next Steps, Year Two 2024
- Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (of hunters and anglers) progress report and summary of 2023 R3 Summit
- National Archery in the Schools Program update
- Lake McConaughy creel surveys
- Salt Creek tiger beetle reintroduction efforts
- Chronic wasting disease testing
- Big game harvest
The commissioners will elect their officers for 2024.
To view a complete agenda, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for Public Notices.
