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Information for:
Antelope Bighorn Sheep Deer Elk
2012
OutdoorNebraska.org
OutdoorNebraska.org | 1
taBle Of cONteNts
Hunting SeaSonS Permit and StamP FeeS YoutH big game Hunting anteloPe bigHorn SHeeP elk deer ConServation oFFiCerS 3 4 8 10 14 15 20 42
VIsIt us ONlINe
Visit OutdoorNebraska.org to: Buy permits Research and register for hunting programs
Research hunting lands Make park reservations Read and post Outdoor Reports Read this and other guides
aBOut tHIs guIDe This publication is only a guide to these regulations and laws. To read the states regulations and laws, visit the following links: Regulations: http://outdoornebraska.ne.org/admin/regulations/regulations.asp Statutes: http://law.justia.com/nebraska/codes/s37index/s37index.html
Any program that receives federal funding from the National Park Service, or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, national origin, age, disability or political affiliation. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, facility, or service, should contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, NE 402-471-0641, the Equal Opportunity Commission, Lincoln, NE 402-471-2024, TTY/TDD 402-471-4693; United States Fish Wildlife Service, Civil Rights Coordinator, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203; Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Code 0008, Washington, D.C. 20240-0001.
HUNTING SEASONS
Restrictions may apply. Check the sections on individual species for details. SPECIES - SEASON Antelope - Archery Antelope - Muzzleloader Antelope - October Firearm Antelope - October Late Doe/Fawn Antelope - November Late Doe/Fawn Bighorn Sheep Deer - Archery Deer - Mule Deer Conservation Area Deer - November Firearm Deer - Nonresident Statewide Buck Deer - Resident Restricted Statewide Buck Deer - Muzzleloader Deer - Season Choice and River Antlerless Deer - Youth and Landowner Deer - Statewide Whitetail Buck Deer - DeSoto Muzzleloader Elk - Bull Elk - Antlerless DATES Aug. 20 - Dec. 31 Sept. 15 - 30 Oct. 13 - 28 Oct. 13 - Nov. 9 Nov. 1 - Jan. 31, 2013 2012 SEASON CLOSED Sept. 15 - Dec. 31 Sept. 15 - Dec 31 Nov. 10 - 18 Nov. 10 - 18 Nov. 10 - 18 Dec. 1 - 31 Sept. 15 - Jan. 18, 2013 Sept. 15 - Jan. 18, 2013 Sept. 15 - Dec. 31 Oct. 20 - 21, Dec. 8 - 9 Sept. 29 - Oct. 28 Sept. 29 - Oct. 28, Dec. 1 - 31
All big game hunters in Nebraska are required to have a species-speci c permit for deer, antelope, elk, or mountain (bighorn) sheep. Except for residents younger than age 16 and residents who hold veteran or 69 or older senior permits, all big game hunters also are required to have a Nebraska Habitat Stamp. A Nebraska hunt permit is not required for big game. A big game permit is valid only for the species-speci c season, weapon and unit or area for which it is issued and may not be exchanged for another permit. Permits are not transferable or refundable.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT e minimum age to hunt with a deer permit is 10 years. e minimum age is 12 for antelope, elk and bighorn sheep. Antelope youth archery hunters and deer archery, rearm and muzzleloader hunters younger than 16 years may purchase a youth permit. (See Youth Big Game Hunting on page 8.)
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suPer tag lOtterY This multispecies permit is valid in 2012 and 2013 for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). The permit is valid in open seasons with the appropriate weapons. One permit is available. The application period is the third Monday in April beginning at 1 p.m. Central Time through the first Friday in July. NeBraska HaBItat stamP Valid statewide and required of all hunters in Nebraska, except residents younger than 16 years of age and residents who hold veteran or 69 or older senior permits. EXCEPTION: Farmers and ranchers who hunt with a landowner permit on land they own or lease for agricultural purposes are exempt. One stamp is required for all hunting in a calendar year, but January deer hunters may use the previous years stamp. WHeN tO BuY Or aPPlY fOr PermIts All application/purchase periods begin at 1 p.m. Central Time. All applications must be received by Game and Parks by 5 p.m. Central Time or online by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the final day of the application period. May 21 - June 1 Residents and nonresidents may apply for one deer permit in any Draw unit (see page 7). Residents and eligible landowners may apply for one elk permit and for one buck or either-sex antelope permit in available units. One application allowed per person per species. July 9 - Close of Season Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining deer and antelope permits. Residents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining elk permits. HOW tO aPPlY fOr a PermIt
At OutdoorNebraska.org during the applicable periods. Mail a completed application to Game and Parks, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE, 68503. In person at Game and Parks permitting offices.
A 2012 Big Game Application. Full name, birth date, address and physical description Last four (4) digits of Social Security number (Non-U.S. citizens are exempt. Call 402-471-5455). Hunter or bow hunter education number, if required. Payment: Credit or debit cards (VISA and MasterCard only), checks, and money orders are accepted as payment. Email address (used to notify successful applicants of permit drawings).
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lImIts ON PermIts (NONlaNDOWNers) Deer No one may have more than two permits that allow the harvest of a buck. Antelope No one may have more than one permit per year. Elk No one may have more than one bull permit in a lifetime, except a Super Tag permit will be allowed. No more than one cow permit every five years. resIDeNcY QualIfIcatIONs The requirements to qualify as a Nebraska resident to buy a hunting license:
Reside in Nebraska continuously for 30 days or more before making application for a permit and intend to become a resident of Nebraska. Residents attending school in another state or stationed outside the state of Nebraska as part of a military assignment that have maintained Nebraska as their state of legal residency. Military personnel and full-time students stationed or attending school in Nebraska for a period of at least 30 days.
NOTE: A new resident should be prepared to provide documentation of residency (drivers license, voter registration, etc.) to an officer when in possession of a resident permit. laNDOWNer PermIts Residents and nonresidents: Eligible family members may hunt together on the described land.
Eligible family members are not required to live in the same household.
Residents: Owning or leasing 80 acres or more of land dedicated to agricultural production may receive a limited landowner permit for antelope and deer.
Hunting activities are restricted to the land owned/operated by the owner and described on the application. Spouse or child of owner or leaseholder. The maximum number of landowner permits allowed for one farm or ranch is determined by the size of the property in acres divided by 80. For example, a farm of 240 acres could have a maximum of three landowner permits issued, but each person may hold no more than one landowner permit per species per year.
Nonresidents: Owning 320 acres or more of land dedicated to agricultural production may receive a limited landowner permit for deer.
Only one permit will be issued per 320 acres. Spouse or child of owner or siblings sharing ownership is eligible.
DraW uNIt Or BuY uNIt? Nebraska issues big game permits as Draw units or Buy units. The following are DRAW unit permits: antelope firearm
antelope muzzleloader antelope landowner Republican Mule Deer Frenchman and Frenchman Mule Deer Conservation Area (MDCA) Platte and Platte MDCA DeSoto December Muzzleloader deer All elk Determined by the overall demand on the units permits. Established to provide equal opportunity to obtain permits in the units. May be applied for during the draw unit application period. (May 21 - June 1) Residents get preference over nonresidents Units that typically dont sell out quickly or have an unlimited number of permits available, such as statewide archery deer. Issued on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 9. May be purchased online during applicable periods, by mail or at Game and Parks permitting offices.
BuDDY aPPlIcatION
Hunters who want to ensure that both or neither of their party will draw a permit in the same unit should apply as buddies. If one person fails to draw a permit, both will be excluded. Must be submitted during the May 21-June 1 period for draw units. (Later applications treated on a first-come, first-served basis.) Only two persons may submit applications together as buddy applicants. If applying by mail, both applications must be marked as buddy and submitted in the same envelope. One check is allowed for payment. If paying by credit card, buddies must use same credit card. Preference based on the individual with the fewest preference points. A buddy permit does not allow party hunting. Each permit holder must harvest his or her own animal.
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NOtIfIcatION Of success All applicants for permits in draw units will be notified of the results of the drawing. Check your success at OutdoorNebraska.org after the draw. Click on "Buy a Permit", then "Check Draw Results." Persons will be notified before July 9 to give all applicants who do not receive their permit of choice time to obtain a permit in an unfilled unit. Do not call Game and Parks offices to inquire about your success.
PermIt sellOut Dates Information on current permit availability may be found at OutdoorNebraska.org. Click on "Buy a Permit," then "Remaining Permits." See deer sell-out dates for 2011 on page 28. PrefereNce Applicants who did not receive a deer permit in a Draw unit in 2011 will be given preference in the 2012 permit drawing.
Deer Age Requirement: Youth age 10-15 may hunt with a youth deer permit. Youth may apply for a draw unit permit at age 9 provided they are age 10 by the start of the season. Youth age 16 may hunt on youth deer permits provided they were age 15 when they apply and provided they were age 15 on Sept. 15 (start of the season) of the calendar year. Youth Permit Fee: $6, for residents and nonresidents. Youth Permit Limit: Two per youth, but only one may allow the harvest of a mule deer. Youth Permit Types:
*Youth Whitetail - valid for one whitetail and one antlerless whitetail for residents and nonresidents. *Resident Youth Deer valid for any deer and one antlerless whitetail. *Nonresident Restricted Youth Deer valid for any deer and one antlerless whitetail.
Area Open: Statewide, except the Nonresident Restricted Youth permit is not valid in the Frenchman, Platte and Republican units. Seasons: Youth Deer permits are valid in these seasons:
Archery: Sept. 15 Dec. 31 November Firearm: Nov. 10 - 18 Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 - 31 Late Firearm Antlerless: Dec. 26 Jan. 18, 2013 (antlerless only)
Habitat Stamp: Required of nonresident youth. See page 5. Hunter Education: See page 40. *A buck may not be taken in January and bucks taken Dec. 26-31 are archery and muzzleloader only.
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aNtelOPe
2012 fOrecast Antelope populations are doing well, and harvest is at a 25-year high. Buck and doe/fawn permits have been increased to provide more hunting opportunity and to control populations. NeW IN 2012
Late antlerless season added in Box Butte West unit. Late antlerless seasons are Nov. 1 - Jan. 31, 2013, in Box Butte East, Box Butte West and North Sioux units.
legal DescrIPtION Of aNtelOPe Buck Antelope with horns longer than its ears. Doe/Fawn Antelope with no horns or with horns shorter than its ears. PermIt DetaIls (alsO see Page 4) Firearm Issued for specific units during October Firearm, October Late Doe/Fawn or November Late Doe/Fawn seasons for use with firearms and archery equipment. Bag limit varies by unit. See map on page 13. Resident $35* Nonresident $155.50* (doe/fawn only) **Archery Valid statewide, except for Fort Robinson State Park, Fort Robinsion WMA and state sanctuaries unless authorized during the archery season. Resident $35* Nonresident $155.50* Muzzleloader Issued for specific units during muzzleloader season for one antelope of either sex. Resident $35* Nonresident Not eligible Landowner Issued for specific units on property of landowner in open seasons with the appropriate weapons, except not valid on federal and state sanctuaries and refuges. Bag limit varies by unit. Resident $20.50* Nonresident $74.75* **Youth Archery Valid statewide, except for Fort Robinson State Park, Fort Robinsion WMA and state sanctuaries unless authorized during the archery season. Resident $11* Nonresident $11*
*Includes nonrefundable $5 application fee **The bag limit is one antelope of either sex, except on the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest where the limit is one antelope with horns longer than its ears.
Quota
24
Season Dates
Oct. 13-28 Oct. 13-28 Oct. 13-28 Nov. 1 Jan 31 Oct. 13-28 Nov. 1 Jan 31 Oct. 13-28 Oct. 13 Nov. 9 Oct. 13-28 Oct. 13-28 Oct. 13 Nov. 9 Oct. 13-28 Oct. 13-28 Oct. 13-28 Nov. 1 Jan 31 Aug. 20 Dec. 31 Sept. 15-30 Sept. 15-30
2011 3 Harvest
70 49 24 22 48 97 18 24 13 7 16 34 120 20 236 26 88
2011 Success
61% 82% 80% 59% 80% 72% 56% 62% 54% 30% 53% 64% 80% 45 24% 81% 73%
76 Esex 44 Esex 22 Esex 26 Doe/ Fawn 44 Esex 20 Doe/ Fawn 90 Esex 26 Doe/ Fawn 26 Esex 16 Esex 20 Doe/ Fawn 20 Buck Only 36 Esex 110 Esex 60 Doe/ Fawn UNL Esex 28 Esex 94 Esex
The Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest in Blaine and Thomas counties is closed to muzzleloader and firearm hunting. It is open to archery for bucks only. Esex: Either Sex Buck Only: Antelope with horns longer than ears Doe/Fawn: Antelope with no horns or horns shorter than ears Includes landowner harvest Does not include the landowner quota (50 percent of general permits) UNL - Unlimited
MZ - Muzzleloader
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Persons age 12 or older or those persons age 11 if they are age 12 by Oct. 1. (See page 8.) Resident and nonresident landowners. Firearm and muzzleloader permits have quotas while archery permits are unlimited. Residents have preference, so all muzzleloader and firearm buck or either-sex permits are expected to be purchased by them. Archery permits are available to residents and nonresidents. Antlerless permits are available to residents and nonresidents starting July 9. Firearm permits are available to nonresident landowners, however, resident landowners have preference and are expected to purchase most of those permits.
LANDOWNER PERMITS Quota is 50 percent of the general permit quota for each unit. ANTELOPE PREFERENCE POINTS
Any resident who properly applies for and is denied a firearm or muzzleloader antelope permit will receive one preference point for each unsuccessful year. Nonresident landowners gain 0.9 preference points. Accumulated points shall be used to determine priority in the permit drawing. In buddy applications, priority will be given based on the lower number of points possessed by either applicant. Any person who is issued a firearm or muzzleloader buck or either-sex permit shall lose all preference points. Any person who does not apply during a five-year period shall lose all preference points. Purchasing an archery or antlerless permit will not cause you to lose preference points. Antlerless permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis to residents and nonresidents. Preference points are not used.
Visit OutdoorNebraska.org/permits Click CHECK DRAW RESULTS Enter customer info and click SEARCH If correct, Click "YES" and view preference points
Cherry Late
83
Valentine
Cherry
Fort Niobrara Nation al Wildlife Refuge
North Sioux
Harrison
Keya Paha
Springview
Boyd
Butte
Chadron
87
Rushv ille Samuel R. McKelvie NF
Brown Holt
20
20
385
Dawes
Sheridan
Cherry
Ain sworth
Bassett
Eastern Sandhills
Rock
O'Neill
11
John W. and Lou ise Seier Nation al Wildlife Refuge
250
Alliance
2 26
North Platte Nation al Wildlife Refuge
Grant
Hyann is
Mu llen Thedford
Blaine
Loup
Garfield
Morrill
Garden
Brewster
Garden
385
Bridgeport Crescen t Lake Nation al Wildlife Refuge
61
Hooker Arthur Thomas
11 91
Burwell
Banner North
Cheyenne Kimball
Kimball
Harrisburg
Arthur
Logan
Custer
Ord
83 92
Valley
61
McPherson
Stapleton
Broken Bow
183 92
Loup City
385
80
Sidney
Cheyenne
Chappell
Deuel
40 Platte River
Sherman
Banner South
19
138
30
Ogallala
Keith Perkins
Gran t
Lincoln
47
Dawson
Lexington Kearney
Buffalo
Imperial
Hay es Center
Stockville Minden
87
Chadron
Harrison
20
Dawes
20
Rushville
Samuel R. McKelvie NF
Sioux
Sheridan
Cherry
Box Butte
Alliance North Platte Nation al Wildlife Refuge Gering
Scotts Bluff
Hyannis
Mullen
Hooker
Banner
Harrisburg
Garden
Oshkosh
Arthur
Arthur
McPherson
Tryon
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BIgHOrN sHeeP
2012 fOrecast The long-term outlook for bighorn sheep is good, with approximately 365 bighorns in two populations in the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills. Once native to western Nebraska, bighorn sheep were reintroduced in 1981. In February 2012, 40 bighorns were transported from Alberta, Canada, and released in the Pine Ridge near Harrison. PermIts None authorized for 2012. lOtterY aND auctION Proceeds from lottery entries and auctions have raised more than $900,000 for the Bighorn Sheep Program. These proceeds are a critical revenue source for the program. BIgHOrN sHeeP HuNtINg area All of Banner, Box Butte, Dawes, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. aPPlIcatIONs
Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Total 3,443 1,996 1,806 886 1,838 Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total 1,595 1,585 1,445 None None Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total 1,357 1,547 None 1,762
auctION results 1998 - $87,500 Safari Club International 2000 - $85,000 Foundation for North American Wild Sheep 2002 - $55,000 Safari Club International 2005 - $83,000 Grand Slam Club Ovis 2009 - $80,000 Foundation for North American Wild Sheep 2011 - $117,500 Grand Slam Club Ovis
elk
2012 fOrecast Nebraska elk herds continue to grow, with the population expected to exceed 2,600 by the start of the 2012 season. Hunter success in 2011 was 58 percent, with 90 percent of harvested bulls having six or more points on one antler and 42 percent of harvested bulls were age 6 or older. Permit draw odds average 25:1 for bull tags and 6:1 for cow tags. NeW IN 2012
Electronic calls are not legal for elk. 12 bull permits added. 3 antlerless permits added. Permits reduced in Boyd Unit, and Boyd season now coincides with the regular elk seasons.
legal DescrIPtION Of aN elk Bull A male with antlers 6 inches or more in length. Antlerless No antlers or antlers no more than 6 inches in length. PermIt DetaIls (alsO see Page 4) Antlerless Issued for and valid in specific units for one antlerless elk. See maps on pages 18-19. Resident $159* Nonresident Not eligible Bull Issued for specific units for one bull elk. Resident $159* Nonresident Not eligible Landowner Valid in specific units. Landowners with property within an elk management zone are eligible to apply. Valid in open seasons with appropriate weapons for one elk (sex depends on unit). Bull permits issued by drawing and preference points. Resident $39.40* Nonresident $458*
*Includes nonrefundable $8.50 application fee
WHO maY aPPlY fOr PermIts Persons age 12 and older are eligible. (See page 3.) General permits are available to residents only. Landowner permits are available to residents and nonresident landowners, although residents get preference.
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PermIt aVaIlaBIlItY General permits: Bull - once in a lifetime; Cow - once in 5 years Landowner permits: Bull once in 3 years; Cow annually laNDOWNer elk PermIt aPPlIcatION PrOcess: 1. Obtain an application by: requesting from Game and Parks by telephone picking up from Game and Parks district offices downloading from OutdoorNebraska.org 2. 3. Determine if your land is in an elk zone and if you qualify By June 1, mail completed application and check or credit card for the permit price and application fee to the following Game and Parks district office only, depending on unit (see address on page 43): 4. 5. Northwest District, Alliance: Ash Creek, Bordeaux Creek, Hat Creek, and North Platte River Units Northeast District, Norfolk: Boyd and Niobrara Units Southwest District, North Platte: Box Elder Unit
District staff will validate your application and enter in drawing if eligible Failure to provide complete and accurate information may lead to disqualification
Eligible property must be located within an Elk Management Zone. Minimum acres: Resident (own 320 or lease 640); Nonresident (own 1,280). Land must be used for agricultural purposes. Spouse or child of resident owner/leaseholder or sibling sharing ownership is eligible. Spouse or child of nonresident owner is eligible. One application is allowed per described property.
Resident and Nonresident Landowner Elk Procedure Rules: No more than one permit per person per year or one bull permit every three years. Persons receiving a bull permit in 2010 or 2011 cannot apply for a bull permit in 2012. Preference points awarded to failed landowner bull applicants.
* Two auction, one lottery, valid statewide in all units NOTE: Nebraskas elk populations move freely between private and public land, but the majority of elk are sighted on private property. Landowners may charge a fee for permission to hunt on their property.
Landowner Elk Preference Points: Resident Landowners Failed bull applicants earn 1 point Permit fee is $39.40 Own 320 acres or lease 640 acres Leaseholder is eligible HOW TO CHECK PREFERENCE POINTS
Nonresident Landowners Failed bull applicants earn 0.9 point Permit fee is $458 Own 1,280 acres Leaseholder is not eligible
Visit OutdoorNebraska.org/permits Click CHECK DRAW RESULTS Enter customer info and click SEARCH If correct, Click "YES" and view preference points
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Dawes
Chadron
Sheridan
Cherry
Fort Niobrara Valentine Nation al Wildlife Refuge
Keya Paha
Butte
Boyd
12 281
71
Harrison
Sioux
Hat Creek
Ash Creek
27
Nebraska Nation al Forest Rushv ille Samuel R. McKelvie NF
Holt
Brown
Valentine Nation al Wildlife Refuge Ain sworth
Rock
Bassett
385
Bordeaux
2 Box Butte 71
North Platte Nation al Wildlife Refuge Morrill Alliance
Niobrara River
John W. and Lou ise Seier National Wildlife Refuge
O'Neill
2 Garden
Grant
Hyann is
2 Hooker
Mu llen
Thomas
Thedford
Blaine 2
Nebraska Nation al Forest Brewster
Loup 91
Taylor
Garfield
Wheeler 281
26 Scotts Bluff
Gering
61
Banner
Harrisburg
Burwell
Bridgeport
91
70
Arthur
Arthur
McPherson
Tryon
Logan
Custer
Valley
Ord
183 Sherman
Loup City
Kimball
Kimball
Keith 61
Sidney
Lincoln
Deuel
Chappell
Ogallala
North Platte
76 Perkins
80
Gran t
Box Elder
Hayes Frontier
Hayes Center Stockv ille
Dawson
Buffalo
Lexington Kearney
Chase
Imperial
Gosper
Phelps
Kearney
Minden Holdrege
Dundy
Hitchcock
Trenton
Harlan 183
Alma
Franklin
Franklin
Benkelman
Gregory County
ri R sou Mis
281
18
r ive
Boyd Unit
12
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Deer
2012 fOrecast The 2012 season should be good, but not a record-breaker. Whitetail populations in eastern units have been reduced by aggressive antlerless harvest the past five years, but harvests should still be high. Mule deer populations appear to be down 20 to 40 percent in seven of 10 units compared to 2008 because of increased mortality from brain worm parasites. The 20-year trend of greater numbers of older bucks likely will continue. In 2011, 78 percent of harvested whitetail bucks and 83 percent of harvested mule deer bucks were age 2 or older. NeW IN 2012
River Antlerless permit replaces October Antlerless permit and targets 1,800 miles of river corridors. Nonresident statewide buck permit is unlimited in quantity and allows access to any buck in all units, during the Nov. 10-18 firearm season. Statewide archery is again valid in the Mule Deer Conservation Area. Residents will get preference in Draw units. Earn-a-Buck removed from all units. Season Choice Area names and boundaries modified to match November firearm unit names and boundaries. McKelvie National Forest, Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest and Valentine National Wildlife Refuge closed to use of all antlerless permits and bonus tags. Nonresident restricted youth deer permits not valid in Draw units. .357 magnum and .45 Colt rifles and hand-thrown spears legal for deer hunting. Big game may be quartered before delivery to check station. (See new definition of quartering on page 25). Frenchman MDCA and Platte MDCA are new Draw units.
legal DescrIPtION Of Deer Buck A deer having at least one antler 6 inches or more in length. Antlerless A deer with no antlers or antlers no more than 6 inches in length. PermIt DetaIls (NeW) Nonresident Statewide Buck Valid in nine-day November firearm season. Bag limit: one buck. Nonresident $521 Resident Restricted Statewide Buck Valid in nine-day November firearm season. Bag limit: one buck. No mule deer may be harvested in Mule Deer Conservation Area. Resident $73.50
20 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641
Whitetail Statewide Buck Valid statewide Sept. 15-Dec. 31 for archery, muzzleloader and November firearm season with weapon legal for each season. Bag limit: one whitetail buck and one antlerless whitetail. Resident $73.50 Nonresident $521 November Firearm Valid in specific units during November firearm season. Bag limit: varies by sex and species. See map on page 33. Resident $30 Nonresident $209 Archery Valid statewide. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one antlerless whitetail. Resident $30 Nonresident $209 Muzzleloader Valid statewide. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one antlerless whitetail. No mule deer may be harvested in Mule Deer Conservation Area. Resident $30 Nonresident $209 Season Choice Antlerless Only Valid in specific units. Bag limit: antlerless only, but varies. Valid in open seasons with weapons legal for each season. See maps on page 33-34. Resident $30 Nonresident antlerless only $55 Landowner Valid on property of landowner. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one antlerless deer in seasons with weapons legal for each season. Resident $15.50 Nonresident $105 Resident Youth Deer Valid statewide for all seasons with weapons legal for each season. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one antlerless whitetail. Limit of one permit per youth. Resident $6 Nonresident Restricted Youth Deer Valid in all units, except Frenchman, Platte and Republican, for all seasons with weapons legal for each season. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one antlerless whitetail. Limit of one permit per youth. Nonresident $6 Youth Whitetail Valid statewide for all seasons with weapons legal for each season. Bag limit: one whitetail and one antlerless whitetail. No bucks may be taken in January, and bucks may be taken Dec. 26 - 31 only with archery equipment or muzzleloader. Resident $6 Nonresident $6 (NeW) River Antlerless Valid in River Antlerless Unit with weapons legal for each season. Bag limit: two antlerless whitetails. See map on page 35. Resident $11 Nonresident $55
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NOTE: Jan. 1 18, 2013, is open in SCA units for antlerless deer only. The Dec. 26 31 antlerless season extension in SCA units is not valid for antlered deer if a centerfire firearm is used. Deer uNIts WItH sPecIal rules aND BOuNDarIes Calamus West: Bessey Ranger District of Nebraska National Forest and Valentine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) are closed to use of bonus antlerless tags, bonus antlerless Whitetail tags and Season Choice antlerless permits. Republican: Harlan County U.S. Army Corp of Engineer lands are closed to use of Season Choice antlerless permits. Sandhills: McKelvie National Forest and Valentine NWR are closed to use of bonus antlerless tags, bonus antlerless Whitetail tags and Season Choice antlerless permits. River Antlerless: Lands adjacent to the Missouri River (lands within 3 miles of the banks of the Keya Paha, Platte, North Platte, South Platte and Republican rivers; portions of the Cedar, Elkhorn, Loup, North Loup, Middle Loup, Niobrara and White rivers. Federal and state public lands closed. (see map on page 35).
DesOtO muzzlelOaDer A described portion of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County near Blair. Access permit is required, contact Mindy Sheets at 712-642-5405 for more information. October: Oct. 20 21, 140 permits. Bag Limit: Two antlerless deer. December: Dec. 8 9, 100 permits. Bag Limit: One either-sex deer and one antlerless deer. gIffOrD WIlDlIfe maNagemeNt area (Wma) Hunting Season Dates Sept. 15 - Jan. 18, 2013 Hunting Area Gifford WMA in Sarpy County Permits Special access permits are available to archery, youth deer, muzzleloader, River Antlerless, and AO Season Choice Wahoo permit holders. Special access permit applications start July 15.
Rules A special access pass is required. There are 200 access permits issued by drawing. Contact the Lincoln Game and Parks office at 402-471-0641 or Omaha office at 402-595-2144 to apply from July 15 -Aug. 15. All regulations relating to season dates and weapon types apply, except that archers may hunt with archery equipment during the November firearm season. Centerfire weapons are prohibited. RIVER ANTLERLESS Seasons: May hunt with weapons legal for these seasons: Archery: Sept. 15-Dec. 31 Muzzleloader: Dec. 1-31 Firearm: Oct 1-10*, Nov. 10-18, Dec. 26- Jan.18, 2013
* Not open to Season Choice, landowner and youth permits Area Open: The following section of the Missouri River: That portion of Nebraska east of a boundary commencing with U.S. Hwy. 281 from the South Dakota border, then south on U.S. Hwy. 281 to Neb. Hwy. 12, then east on Neb. Hwy. 12 to U.S. Hwy. 20, then east on U.S. Hwy. 20 to U.S. Hwy. 75, then south on U.S. Hwy. 75 to Neb. Hwy. 133, then south on Neb. Hwy. 133 to U.S. Hwy. 6, then east on U.S. Hwy. 6 to Interstate 480, then south on Interstate 480 to U.S. Hwy. 75, then south on U.S. Hwy. 75 to Neb. Hwy. 67, then east and south on Neb. Hwy. 67 to U.S. Hwy. 136, then east on U.S. Hwy. 136 to Neb. Hwy. 67, then south on Neb. Hwy. 67 to U.S. Hwy. 73, then east and south on U.S. Hwy. 73 to the Kansas border. Within 3 miles of the landward banks of these rivers: Platte, North Platte, South Platte, Republican, Loup, Keya Paha, Niobrara from mouth to Neb. Hwy. 61, Elkhorn from mouth to Neb. Hwy. 11, North Loup from mouth to Neb. Hwy. 7, Middle Loup from mouth to Neb. Hwy. 70, Cedar from mouth to Neb. Hwy. 11, White between intersection of the White River, and Neb. Hwy. 71, northeast to Nebraska-South Dakota border. Federal and state public lands closed to hunting include: State Parks, State Recreation Areas, State Wildlife Management Areas, Corp of Engineer lands, Nebraska National Forest lands and National Wildlife Refuges. Public lands that are open to hunting include: Open Fields and Water, CRP-MAP, and Natural Resource District lands.
OutdoorNebraska.org | 23
mule Deer cONserVatION area (mDca) Mule deer populations continue to decline in some units because of habitat conversion to row crops and brainworm disease. Platte and Buffalo unit populations have declined 20 percent in three years. Nonresident demand for mule deer permits continues to increase as mule deer populations decline in other states. Permit demand exceeds supply in the Frenchman Unit. Although mule deer doe harvest is the lowest the state has allowed in more than 25 years, it is not the reason for the population decline. In 2012, Republican Mule Deer permits and Platte and Frenchman Any Deer permits will be issued through a drawing that assigns preference to residents. In some of these units, residents are expected to get all permits. The best long-term solution to nonresident permit demand in all units likely will include nonresident permit quotas and drawings. This year, archers again will be allowed to hunt mule deer on Statewide Archery permits, and the Nonresident Statewide Buck permit will be valid for the harvest of mule deer in the Mule Deer Conservation Area. Hunting Area Buffalo, Frenchman, Platte, Republican units MDCA Permit/Bag Limit Republican Mule Buck 1 mule buck Buffalo MDCA Any Deer (except mule doe) and 1 antlerless whitetail Frenchman MDCA Any Deer (except mule doe) and 1 antlerless whitetail Platte MDCA Any Deer (except mule doe) and 1 antlerless whitetail Season Dates Sept. 15 Dec. 31 with archery Dec. 1-31 with muzzleloader Nov. 10-18 with archery or firearm Whitetail Permit/Bag Limit
Buffalo Whitetail 1 whitetail and 1 antlerless whitetail Frenchman Whitetail 1 whitetail and 1 antlerless whitetail Platte Whitetail 1 whitetail and 1 antlerless whitetail Republican Whitetail 1 whitetail and 1 antlerless whitetail Season Dates
Nov. 10-18 with archery or firearm We HaVe OutDOOr PrOgrams just fOr WOmeN!
Learn more at www.NebraskaBOW.com.
No person may obtain more than one MDCA permit or one Republican Mule Deer Buck permit in a unit. Archery permits are valid for mule deer in the MDCA. Nonresident statewide buck permits are valid in any MDCA unit. Nonresident restricted youth deer permits may not be used in the MDCA. Statewide muzzleloader permits are not valid for mule deer in the MDCA.
It is unlawful to separate a deer, antelope or elk carcass into sections smaller than quarters before completing the check station process. Quartering is defined as four legs, with femur or scapula naturally attached, and loins. If delivery to a check station is required, the head must accompany the carcass to the check station. Permit and check station seal number or check station verification number must be retained when transporting all or a portion of the carcass to a point of permanent storage or processing. Following the kill, hunters who harvest any big game animal must immediately punch or notch the permit or tag to indicate sex and date of kill. The canceled permit or tag must be attached to the animal, or it may remain with the hunter if the carcass remains in the hunter's possession. (NeW) Deer, antelope and elk must be checked in before the carcass leaves the state. Deer harvested during the November firearm season (Nov. 10 - 18) must be delivered to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. Each permit holder must accompany the deer to the check station. Deer harvested during seasons outside the November firearm season (Nov. 10 - 18) must be checked via Telcheck within 48 hours of kill and before 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. Hunters must record the seal number and security code on the permit. Antelope harvested during the October firearm season (Oct. 13 28) must be delivered to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. Antelope harvested during seasons outside the October firearm season (Oct. 13 28) must be checked via Telecheck within 48 hours of kill and before 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. Elk must be delivered to a check station within 48 hours of the time of kill.
OutdoorNebraska.org | 25
telecHeck
Telecheck allows hunters to check deer or antelope by telephone or online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All deer harvested outside the November firearm season and all antelope harvested outside the October firearm season must be checked via Telecheck. To use Telecheck, call 800-405-7700 or visit NEdeercheck.com. When completing Telecheck, the following information will be required from your permit or animal: species, unit code, permit number, date of kill, county of kill, sex of animal, and age of animal (adult or fawn). You may be asked the inside spread in inches between main beams on your deer and the type of weapon used to harvest it. You may be asked whether the longest horn on your antelope is less than or more than 9 inches (measuring from the base around the outside curve to the horn tip). Write the seal number and security code on the permit after completing telecheck.
Deer eXcHaNge The Deer Exchange program allows hunters and nonhunters to sign up to exchange deer or deer meat. Persons or organizations may sign up to receive or donate deer or may search the site by county and call people who have signed up and arrange a transfer of the deer. Deer must be legally harvested. A custody tag must be filled out by the donating party. Donors must provide clean, high quality deer meat. Recipients should inspect the deer meat before receiving it. Deer meat may not be sold. More donors are needed as, historically, there have been more recipients than donors. Register at: outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/program/deerexchange.
recOVerINg Deer The use of tracking dogs is legal for the recovery of deer. HuNters HelPINg tHe HuNgrY In April, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB928 to establish the Hunters Helping the Hungry venison donation program. The program encourages hunters to donate harvested deer to processors participating in the program to feed residents of Nebraska who are in need. Beginning in July, hunters applying for or buying permits may donate to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Cash Fund. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more information.
custODY tag Any person transferring game meat to another person must provide a custody tag. See example below.
OutdoorNebraska.org | 27
Season Dates Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Sept 15 Dec 31 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Sept 15 Dec 31 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Sept. 15 Dec 31 Nov. 10-18 Sept. 15 Dec 31 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Nov. 10-18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18 Sept.15-Jan. 18
Weapon Any Legal1 Any Legal1 Any Legal1 *Ar, Mz, F Any Legal1 Any Legal1 Any Legal
1
(pg. 29)
Rules 1 3 1 8 1 1 3 2 3 8
Any Deer 2 , 1 AOWT Any Deer 2 , 1 AOWT Any Deer, 1 AO 1 WT, 1 AOWT Any Deer , 1 AOWT
2
Any Legal1 *Ar, Mz, F Any Legal1 Any Legal1 Any Legal
1
Any Deer 2 , 1 AOWT Any Deer Any Deer 1 WT, 1 AOWT Any Deer 2 , 1 AOWT 1 WT, 1 AOWT 1 MD buck Any Deer, 1 AOWT Any Deer Any Deer, 1 AO 1 Buck 1 Buck 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 2 AOWT 1 AO, 1 AOWT 2 AOWT 1 AO, 1 AOWT 2AO
Any Legal1 Any Legal1 Any Legal1 *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F *Ar, Mz, F
RULES:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
One permit allowed per person. Not valid for mule deer in MDCA: Buffalo, Frenchman, Platte, or Republican units. Antlerless tags and antlerless whitetail permits and tags not valid in Bessey Ranger District of Nebraska National Forest, McKelvie National Forest, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. If hunting Dec. 26-Jan. 18 with firearm, antlered bucks are NOT legal. Jan. 1-18 is Antlerless Only Not valid in DRAW units (Frenchman, Platte, Republican). River Antlerless includes Oct. 1-10 with any weapon (Youth and Landowner not valid) Private land only. AO SC Republican permits and bonus tags not valid on Harlan County Corp of Engineer lands. Not valid for mule deer antlerless on state or federal lands in the Pine Ridge Unit. Not valid on Red Willow SRA/WMA.
AO = Antlerless only Any Deer = any mule deer or whitetail deer Any Deer2 = any deer except antlerless mule deer MD = Mule deer WT = Whitetail SC = Season Choice UNL= unlimited *Ar, Mz, F: Archery (Sept. 15 Dec. 31); Muzzleloader (Dec. 1-31) Firearm (Nov. 10-18, Dec 26-Jan 18 antlerless) Any Legal1: Archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, pistol, rifle as defined in Weapons Legal for Big Game on page 41. OutdoorNebraska.org | 29
OutdoorNebraska.org | 31
McKelvie National Forest, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest are closed to use of antlerless only and antlerless only whitetail permits and bonus tags.
Keya Brown Paha
Keya Paha Boyd
83 27
Nebraska Dawes National Forest Samuel R . McKelvie NF
Pine Ridge
Sioux
281
Niob
rara River
Cherry Sheridan
20
Valentine Nation al Wildlife Refuge
Knox
27
Box Butte
Rock
Holt
Missouri
20 14
Pierce
Cedar
20
Dixon Dakota
Sandhills
83
Calamus West
Blaine
Nebraska National Forest
11
Plains
385
Morrill
Crescen t Lake National Wildlife Refuge
2
Grant
Thomas Hooker
Scotts 26 Bluff
61
91
Loup
Garfield
Calamus East
Wheeler
Antelope
Wayne
Thurston Cuming
Stanton Madison
77
Burt
Desoto National Wildlife Refuge
Banner
26
Garden
Arthur
92
McPherson
Logan
83
Upper Platte
Cheyenne
Loup West
Custer
91
Greeley Valley Boone
Elkhorn
Colfax Dodge
91 81 Platte
70
Washington
61 92 27
Deuel Keith
92
58 2
Sherman
Kimball
Platte
Lincoln
40
Loup East
Howard
Nance
30
Douglas
10
Merrick
30
Polk
Butler
385
Wahoo
34
Saunders Sarpy
47 23
Perkins Dawson
Buffalo
2
Hall Hamilton
Buffalo
6
34 York
Seward
Cass Lancaster
34
Otoe 50
23
Chase Hayes Frontier Gosper
14
Saline Fillmore
Frenchman
Dundy Hitchcock Red Willow Furnas
23 Phelps
Kearney
Adams
Clay
Blue Northwest
4
OutdoorNebraska.org | 33
81
Nemaha
Republican
Harlan Franklin Webster Nuckolls Thayer
283
136
Blue Southeast
Richardson
Antlerless only Season Choice Republican permits and bonus tags are not valid on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land in Harlan County.
Chadron
Valentine
Keya Paha
Butte Springview
Boyd
Dawes
Rushville
Knox
Center
Cedar
Hartington
Ponca
Brown
Rock
Holt
O'Neill
Dakota
Dakota City
Wayne
Pierce Wayne
Box Butte
Alliance
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge
Thurston
Thurston
Hyannis
Mullen
Thedford
Scotts Blu ff
Grant
Hooker
Thomas
Blaine
Brewster
Loup
Taylor
Garfield
Burwell
Wheeler
Bartlett
Boone
Madison
Madison
Stanton
Cuming
West Point
Burt
Tekamah
Gering
Morrill Banner
Harrisburg Bridgeport
Garden
Custer Arthur
Arthur
Greeley Valley
Ord Greeley
Albion
92
McPherson
Tryon
Logan
Stapleton
Platte Nance
Columbus Fullerton
Colfax
Schuyler
Dodge
Fremont
Oshkosh
61
Kimball
27
Cheyenne
Sidney Chappell
Platte North
Keith
Ogallala
92 40
92
Blair
Kimball
Buffalo North
21
Broken Bow
Sherman
Loup City
Howard
St. Paul
Butler Polk
David City
Saunders
Wahoo
Washington Douglas
Omaha Papillion
Deuel
Merrick
Osceola
Lincoln
North Platte
47
Sarpy
Plattsmouth
York
Seward
Seward
Lancaster
Grant
Perkins
23
30Dawson
Lexington
Buffalo
Kearney
Hall
Grand Island
Hamilton
Aurora
York
Cass
Lincoln
Kearney Chase
Imperial
Clay Adams
Hastings Clay Center
Fillmore
Geneva
Nebraska City
Hayes
Hayes Center
Frontier Stockville
Gosper
Elwood
Frenchman West
Hitchcock Dundy
Benkelman
83
Holdrege
Phelps
Minden
Wilber
Johnson
Tecumseh
Nemaha
Auburn
Thayer Nuckolls
Hebron
Jefferson
Beatrice Fairbury
34
Trenton
Harlan
Alma
Franklin
Franklin
Pawnee
Pawnee City
Red Cloud
Richardson
Falls City
Wildlife Division
Dawes
Chadron Nebraska Nation al Forest Rushville
Keya Paha
Springview
Boyd Holt
Butte
Niobrara River
Knox
Center Hartington Ponca
Harrison
61
Samuel R. McKelvie NF
Missouri River
Cedar Dixon
Dakota City
11
O'Neill
Brown
Rock
Elkhorn River
Pierce
Box Butte
Alliance North Platte Nation al Wildlife Refuge Gering Hyannis Mullen
Thomas
11 Wheeler Garfield
Burwell
Neligh
Wayne
Wayne
Dakota
Thurston
Pierce
Stanton
Thurston
Scotts Bluff
Morrill
Blaine
Brewster
Bridgeport
Grant
Crescen t Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Hooker
Loup
Taylor
Bartlett
Banner
Harrisburg
Garden
Oshkosh
Arthur
Arthur
McPherson
Tryon
Logan
Stapleton
Custer
Cedar River
Greeley
Greeley Albion
Burt
Tekamah Desoto National Wildlife Refuge
Valley
Ord
Platte
Colfax Dodge
Schuyler
Loup River
Nance
Columbus Fullerton
Washington
Blair Fremont
70
Loup City
Kimball
Kimball
Cheyenne
Sidney
Deuel
Chappell
Ogallala
Keith
North Platte
Howard
St. Paul
Polk Merrick
Grand Island Osceola
Butler
Saunders
Wahoo
Douglas
Omaha
David City
Papillion
Lincoln Perkins
Grant
Sherman
Aurora
Sarpy
Plattsmouth
Buffalo
Kearney
Hall
Platte River
York
Seward
Seward
Cass Lancaster
Lincoln
Chase
Imperial
Hayes
Hayes Center
Frontier
Stockville
Hamilton
Hastings
York Fillmore
Geneva
Elwood
Phelps
Holdrege
Kearney
Minden
Clay
Clay Center
Otoe Nebraska
City
OutdoorNebraska.org | 35
Gosper
Adams
Saline
Wilber
Gage
Beatrice
Johnson
Nemaha
Auburn
Tecumseh
Hitchcock Dundy
Benkelman Trenton McCook
Webster Harlan
Alma
Thayer Nuckolls
Nelson Hebron
Jefferson
Fairbury
Franklin
Pawnee
Franklin
Red Cloud
Pawnee City
Richardson
Falls City
Republican River
WHere tO HuNt
PrIVate laNDs It is the responsibility of every hunter to get permission to hunt, trail game or retrieve downed game on private land, whether posted or not (including railroad right-of-ways). Hunting without permission may result in a fine of up to $500, three months in jail and the loss of hunting privileges for up to three years. OPeN fIelDs aND Waters PrOgram This program has opened more than 250,000 acres of private land to public walk-in hunting access. For locations of participating tracts of land, read the Nebraska Public Access Atlas, available at OutdoorNebraska.org, Game and Parks offices and permit vendors. PuBlIc laNDs The Nebraska Guide to Hunting and Public Lands and Public Access Atlas lists more than 300 publicly owned areas. Refer to that guide for area-specific regulations. Unless otherwise posted, big game hunting is allowed on all wildlife management areas (WMA). Hunting is allowed on most state recreation areas (SRA) beginning the Tuesday following Labor Day. Some areas have specific restrictions: State parks (SP), wayside areas, hatcheries, reserves, and state refuges are closed to hunting unless otherwise posted. Indian Cave, Niobrara and Ponca SPs are open to archery deer hunting during the last half of the season. A free permit is required. Contact the park superintendent.
Portable tree stands and steps may be used on WMAs but may not be installed, used or left in place from Feb. 1 through Aug. 31. They may be used on SRAs open to hunting, but must be removed at the end of each day. It is unlawful to build or use any permanent tree stand or steps that attach to any tree with nails, screws, bolts, or wire. Screw-in steps may be used on WMAs but may not be used on SRAs. On state-owned lands, all motorized vehicles are restricted to roadways and parking areas. No ATVs are permitted. Target shooting is permitted on most WMAs but prohibited on certain posted areas. Most national wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and national forests and grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service are open to hunting, unless otherwise posted. Check with those agencies for special regulations. mOuNtaIN lIONs ON camera
Game and Parks would like anyone who captures an image of a mountain lion on their trail camera to contact the nearest agency district office (see list of offices on page 43) or Sam Wilson, nongame mammal/furbearer program manager at 402-471-5174 or sam.wilson@nebraska.gov. 36 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641
Public land closures for deer hunting All federal and state land Closed to use of River Antlerless deer permits. All federal and state land in Pine Ridge Unit Closed to antlerless mule deer harvest. Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest Closed to use of AO SCA deer permits and antlerless bonus tags. Closed to muzzleloader and firearm antelope hunting. Closed to doe/fawn antelope harvest by archery. McKelvie National Forest Closed to use of AO SCA deer permits and antlerless bonus tags. Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Closed to use of AO SCA deer permits and antlerless bonus tags. Harlan County Reservoir (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land) Closed to AO SCA Republican deer permits. Red Willow SRA/WMA Closed to AO SCA Frenchman West deer permits. Fort Robinson State Park Closed to antelope hunting. Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Open to muzzleloader, archery and youth deer permit holders using archery or muzzleloader weapons. Hunters may harvest a maximum of one deer of either sex and one antlerless whitetail. Closed during November firearm season. Access permit required by applying to Fort Niobrara NWR office (402-376-3789) from August 15 November 1.
other inforMation
turKeY hunting Turkey hunting is legal during the November firearm deer season. People hunting with a fall turkey permit are required to wear hunter orange when hunting during the November firearm deer season. Legal weapons include shotgun and archery only; rifles are not allowed. hunter orange Any persons hunting antelope, elk, mountain (bighorn) sheep, or deer under the authority of a firearm permit during an authorized firearm season must display on his or her head, chest and back at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material. Archery deer hunters must do the same while archery hunting during the November firearm deer season and during the Dec. 26 - Jan. 18 deer season. firearM restrictions During the November firearm deer season, only hunters with a valid unfilled deer permit may hunt wildlife other than deer with centerfire rifles or centerfire handguns, provided they are hunting in the management unit for which their deer permit is valid.
OutdoorNebraska.org | 37
cHrONIc WastINg DIsease Nebraska, like other western states, is seeing an increase in the number and distribution of deer testing positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). In 2011, 1,565 lymph node samples were collected during the November firearm season and then tested. Twenty-six positives were confirmed.
2011 Deer
Elk
2000-10 Deer
uNlaWful acts Shooting from the Road It is illegal to shoot from a bridge or public road, including the travelled surface and right of way. Hunting Over Bait It is illegal to take or attempt to take big game within 200 yards of an area that has been baited. A baited area includes feed, supplement or bait that has been placed within the last 60 days. Baiting does not include instances where the feed, supplement or bait has been placed in the active operation of husbandry for domesticated livestock. Guiding for Fee It is illegal to provide guide service for a fee on wildlife management area. Weapon Sights Red-dot and illuminated reticle sights and laser rangefinder scopes are permitted.
traVel ON u.s. fOrest serVIce laND Visit fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska for information about traveling on U.S. Forest Service land in Nebraska. This includes the Pine Ridge and Bessey Ranger Districts of Nebraska National Forest, McKelvie National Forest, and Oglala National Grasslands. HuNtINg Near DWellINgs 200-Yard Rule: It is unlawful to hunt any form of wild mammal or wild bird with a rifle within a 200-yard radius of an inhabited dwelling or livestock feedlot, unless permission to do so has been granted by the owner or tenant of that dwelling or feedlot. 100-Yard Rule: It is unlawful to hunt any form of wild mammal or wild bird with archery equipment, handgun or shotgun within a 100-yard radius of an inhabited dwelling or livestock feedlot, unless permission to do so has been granted by the owner or tenant of that dwelling or feedlot. sHOOtINg HOurs It is legal to hunt big game 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes following sunset. lIQuIDateD Damages The following are penalties for illegally killing big game in Nebraska. Bighorn Sheep $15,000 Elk
White-tailed Deer 8 points or more with 18-inch spread $5,000 Other antlered bucks $1,500 Antlerless $250 Mule Deer 8 points or more with 24-inch spread $5,000 Other mule deer $1,500 Antelope Buck with 14-inch horn length $5,000 Other antelope $1,500 Bear or Moose $1,500
OutdoorNebraska.org | 39
HuNter reQuIremeNts
Age 10-11
Neb. Waterfowl Stamp Federal Duck Stamp
4 5 Accompaniment
Age 12-15
Neb. Waterfowl Stamp Federal Duck Stamp Hunter Education Accompaniment
Age 16 and Up
Neb. Waterfowl Stamp Federal Duck Stamp Hunter Education
123
Hunter Education
Habitat Stamp
Habitat Stamp
Habitat Stamp
HIP Number
HIP Number
Permit Type
123
HIP Number
Permit Type
Permit Type
56
Deer Deer Antelope Antelope Elk Elk Bighorn Sheep Bighorn Sheep
R N R N R N R N
D D
D D A A E S S
D D A A E S S
Hunter Education 1 Hunters ages 12 through 29 must have on their person proof of successful completion of firearm hunter education while hunting with a firearm or crossbow. 2 Hunters ages 12 through 29 must have on their person proof of successful completion of bow hunter education while hunting deer, antelope, elk, or mountain (bighorn) sheep with bow and arrow. 3 Hunters ages 12 through 29 who have not completed firearm and/or bow hunter education may obtain an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate. Accompaniment 4 Firearm hunters ages 11 or younger must be accompanied by a licensed person age 19 or older. 5 Any deer, elk, antelope, or bighorn sheep hunters ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by a licensed person age 19 and older. 6 Hunters holding an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate must be accompanied by a licensed person age 19 or older. The accompanying person, if age 19-29, must be certified in hunter education. Definitions Accompanied In the presence of a licensed hunter age 19 or older. The accompanying hunter may not accompany more than two hunters at a time using the Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate. The accompanying adult hunter must at all times be in unaided visual and verbal communication with the novice hunter. Licensed Has a valid Nebraska hunting permit. Apprentice Hunter Education Certificate Persons who have not completed a firearm hunter and/or bow hunter education course may obtain an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate from Game and Parks. This certificate provides the novice hunter age 12 and older an opportunity to hunt and receive training before completing hunter education. The certificate may be obtained once in a persons lifetime, expires on Dec. 31 and may be renewed once. The fee is $5.
Accompaniment
Rifle 1
Handgun Shotgun Crossbow
Muzzleloading Musket u u
u u u u u u
4
Permit Types
Deer and Antelope Firearm Deer and Antelope Archery Deer and Antelope Muzzleloader Elk and Bighorn Sheep
Weapons
Rifle -- At least 22 caliber and delivers at least 900 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards, or .357 magnum rifle or .45 Colt rifle 2 Rifle -- At least 25 caliber and delivers at least 1,700 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards Handgun -- Delivers at least 400 foot-pounds of energy at 50 yards Shotgun -- 20 gauge or larger that fires a single slug
Crossbow -- Draw weight of at least 125 pounds, non-electronic and shoulder-fired Longbow, recurve bow, compound bow Spear -- Must be thrown by hand
Arrows and spears must have sharpened hunting head with a blade of at least 7/16-inch radius from the center of the arrow shaft. Arrows and spears containing poison or stupefying chemical or having an explosive tip are prohibited. Magnifying and variable-power scopes are allowed for hunting big game, including the use of muzzleloaders. Scopes capable of using electricity to amplify natural light and those that project a visible light beam to a target are not allowed.
OutdoorNebraska.org | 41
Muzzleloading handgun -- Delivers at least 400 foot-pounds of energy at 50 yards Muzzleloading rifle -- 44 caliber or larger 4 Muzzleloading rifle -- 45 caliber or larger Muzzleloading musket -- 62 caliber or larger that fires a single slug
cONserVatION OffIcers
ADMINISTRATION Lincoln Craig Stover 402-471-5531 Duane Arp 402-471-5531 Jeff Clauson 402-471-5531 NORTHWEST Alliance Greg Hesse 308-760-3647 Gering Jim Zimmerman (S) 308-763-2940 Scott Brandt 308-631-0663 Gordon Heath Packett 308-360-0682 Harrison Dan Kling 308-430-0572 Valentine Frank Miller 402-389-0444 NORTHEAST Bassett Dale Davis 402-760-0712 Columbus Steve Oberg 402-910-3366 Fremont Daniel Roberts 402-719-1108 Neligh Tim Williams 402-929-0051 ONeill Patrick George 402-340-0787 Ord Doug Pollard 308-778-7101 West Point Cory Krause 402-380-6410 SOUTHWEST Broken Bow Ray Dierking 308-870-0322 Cambridge George Sund 308-655-0028 Cozad Michael Thome 308-529-8146 Doniphan Terry Brentzel 402-469-5795 Elwood Matt Andrews 308-746-2418 Imperial Dirk Greene 308-882-0015 Kearney Jerry Pecha (S) 308-865-5327 Dale Johnson 308-440-3847 Republican City Rich Routh 308-920-0367 SOUTHEAST Ashland Sean McKeehan 402-521-0159 Auburn William Krause 402-274-8063 Colon Mike Luben 402-443-6392 Cortland Dan Zuehlke 402-806-9084 Hebron Darin Gress 402-768-8665 Lincoln Douglas Kramer 402-890-6465 Dina Barta 402-890-6463 Stacey Lewton 402-890-7140 Louisville Levi Krause 402-949-0593 Milford Robert Finke 402-947-1363 Nebraska City Russell Mort 402-209-1506
Papillion Dan Evasco 402-616-5961 McCook Fullerton Randy Pomplun 308-550-0489 Brian Piernicky 308-340-6627 (S) Denotes area supervisor North Platte Hartington Roger Thompson (S) Jeff Jones 402-762-5022 308-535-8025 Kennard Dudley Sorensen 308-530-0016 Jon Reeves 402-889-8508 Ogallala Norfolk Dennis Thompson 308-289-0755 Tom Zimmer (S) 402-370-3374 Nicholas Fix 308-289-0427 Stop Poaching 2012 BIG GAME GUIDE horiz 2x5 PMS 1675.qxp 4/23/2012 8:42 AM Page
STOP POACHING
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STOP POACHING
1-800-742-7627
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