The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) is considering significant changes to deer hunting regulations in response to declining deer populations across the state. During a recent virtual meeting, officials discussed the potential for adjusting permit quotas and prices to better manage the deer population, which has reportedly decreased by over 30% in recent years.

One of the key topics was the possibility of raising the price of antlerless permits, currently set at $14 for two permits. Participants expressed concern that this price is too low, especially given the substantial drop in deer numbers. "We know that our population decline is far more than 2%," one official noted, emphasizing the need for a more effective management strategy.

The discussion also touched on the structure of hunting permits. Some participants suggested moving to a county-by-county permit system to better address local deer population issues. However, officials cautioned that this could complicate management due to the arbitrary nature of county boundaries and the increased administrative burden it would create.

In addition to permit adjustments, the NGPC is evaluating the effectiveness of current hunting seasons and quotas. Officials indicated that they would review all permits statewide and consider changes to focus hunting efforts in areas with higher deer populations, particularly along river corridors where deer numbers remain robust.

As the NGPC prepares for the upcoming hunting season, they are committed to a thorough review process, ensuring that all recommendations are based on data and aimed at sustainable wildlife management. The next steps will involve local meetings with wildlife staff to finalize recommendations, with a focus on balancing hunting opportunities with population health.