The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) held a virtual meeting on January 1, 2025, focusing on wildlife management issues, particularly concerning deer populations and predator control strategies. Key discussions included the impact of habitat changes on deer movement, the effectiveness of predator bounties, and updates on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing results.

One significant topic was how local habitat changes affect deer behavior. Factors such as agricultural practices, water availability, and neighboring land management can lead to deer relocating in search of better conditions. The meeting highlighted that high doe harvests in certain areas could negatively impact local deer populations.

Another major point of discussion was the rising predator numbers and their effect on game populations. A suggestion was made for implementing a bounty system for predator mitigation. However, experts noted that historical evidence suggests bounties have not been effective in producing significant statewide results. For instance, Utah's long-standing coyote bounty program has not led to a rebound in mule deer numbers, despite increased coyote harvests.

The NGPC also addressed current regulations regarding predator hunting. Participants were informed that there are minimal restrictions on hunting coyotes, and landowners can now remove ground-nesting predators like raccoons and possums without a permit if they are causing damage.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting provided updates on CWD testing results from various regions. The Elkhorn Missouri Loop East reported a 15.3% positivity rate, which raised concerns that require further investigation. Other areas showed lower rates, with the Missouri region at 0.5% and Blue Northwest at 3.4%. All results are available online for public access.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of wildlife management in Nebraska, emphasizing the need for ongoing evaluation of both deer and predator populations, as well as the importance of habitat management in sustaining healthy wildlife ecosystems.