Commissioners to consider nonresident big game permit fee increases

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider fee increases to several nonresident big game permits when it meets Oct. 13 at Fort Robinson State Park.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. Mountain time in the Buffalo Soldiers Barracks at the park located just west of Crawford at 3200 West Hwy. 20.

If approved, the nonresident permit fee would increase in 2024 to: Deer, $332; Statewide Whitetail Buck, $747; Statewide Buck, $992; Restricted Statewide Buck, $792; Season Choice Antlerless Only, $92; Special Antlerless Only, $92; Landowner Deer, $166; Antelope, $232; Landowner Antelope, $116; Turkey, $140; and Landowner Turkey, $70.

The new fees would help offset the lost revenue from reducing the quota of nonresident deer, antelope and turkey permits. If approved, money from the fees would be deposited into the Game Cash Fund, which supports the wildlife and fisheries divisions and their research, conservation and management efforts.

Commissioners also will consider amendments to sportfishing orders regarding daily bag limits, possession limits, length limits and open areas. Proposals will include:

• changing the bag and length restriction to one channel catfish greater than 30 inches in length to statewide;
• amending bag and size limits on yellow perch and bluegill in several Sandhills lakes;
• opening additional areas below Gavins Point Dam to archery fishing during archery paddlefish season; and
• expanding the time when fishing is allowed on several lakes at Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Commissioners also will consider:

• a mid-biennium budget adjustment for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to accommodate new programs in the budget;
• a recommendation to approve park fees for new cabins at Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks;
• dates and locations for their 2024 meetings across the state; and
• a recommendation to approve a permanent easement request from Custer Public Power District for burying overhead power lines on Victoria Springs State Recreation Area in Custer County.

There also will be updates on antelope research and operations at Fort Robinson SP. Regional staff also will give an overview of happenings in the Northwest Region.

To view a complete agenda, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for Public Notices.