A good season of deer hunting is expected in Nebraska for the Nov. 15-23 firearm season.
“Most hunters should see more deer this year after two good years of fawn production,” said Kit Hams, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s big game program manager. “The number of older bucks should also remain high as hunters have continued to be selective in their harvest.”
Hams estimated Nebraska deer harvest for all seasons may end up similar to 2013 and surpass 45,000.
The deer population is recovering from a 2012 outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease.
Safety should be the top priority for hunters, who should:
• Be careful driving to and from hunting spots. Deer activity increases this time of year at dusk and dawn, so be alert behind the wheel. Watch out for slow-moving farm vehicles on rural roads as the crop harvest continues.
• Wear blaze orange. It is required of all November firearm deer hunters, regardless of the type of equipment used.– Use only approved safety equipment when hunting from a tree stand.
• Know where the firearm is pointed and never allow it to be pointed at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Know the target and what lies beyond it.
Game and Parks offers additional deer hunting reminders:
• A hunter should never go onto private property without the owner’s permission.
• Have a plan for the cleaning, cooling, transporting and processing of deer.
• Firearm deer hunters and archers harvesting deer during the firearm season must deliver their deer to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season.
• Hunters should locate a check station online that they intend to use before the start of the firearm season. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for an updated list of check stations.
• Only take good shots. Exact shot placement into a vital organ is required of all hunters.
The best shot is made on a broadside or quarter-away deer and hits the heart and lungs.– Call Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at 800-742-7627 to report game law violations.Plenty of permits remain in several hunting units. To view a list of available permits, go to OutdoorNebraska.org, then click on Buy a Permit, then Remaining Permits. Permits may be purchased at that site or at Game and Parks permitting offices.The website is a resource for hunters looking for any information regarding deer hunting. It includes the 2014 Big Game Guide and 2014 Public Access Atlas for help finding public hunting lands and private lands open to public access. Also on the website are links to the Hunters Helping the Hungry and the Deer Exchange programs.
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Deer Hunters Should Note Recent Check Station Changes
LINCOLN – Nebraska hunters should locate a check station online that they intend to use before the start of the upcoming firearm deer season. The list of check stations has changed since it was first printed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in May.Firearm deer hunters and archers harvesting deer during the Nov. 15-23 firearm season must deliver their deer to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season.There no longer is a deer check station in Ralston. A new check station is available at Game and Parks’ Omaha office, 8494 Frederick St. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and the phone number is 402-595-2144.Diller also no longer has a deer check station. Hunters may check their deer at the new Fairbury check station at Wildlife Creations Taxidermy, 2505 H St. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and the phone number is 402-587-0274.Other changes to the check station list are:– The check station in Creighton has changed its name to the C-Mart.– The check station in Crete, Dave’s Wine and Liquor, will operate from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., except on Nov. 15, 16 and 23, when it will operate from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.– The phone number for the Harrison check station has changed to 308-665-5199.To see an updated list of check stations, visit OutdoorNebraska.org, then click on Hunting, Deer, and then Regulations and Check Stations.-30-
Be Aware of Multiple Users on WMAs During Hunting Seasons
LINCOLN – Users of the state’s wildlife management areas should be aware of the presence of hunters on those areas during all hunting seasons, but especially for the Nov. 15-23 firearm deer season, when approximately 70,000 hunters will be in the field.Bird watchers, horseback riders, hikers, wildlife viewers and anyone else using those areas are encouraged to use common courtesy by being aware of hunters using the area for the safety of all. Hunter numbers are highest on the opening weekend of the season and during the early and late times of the day. Other users might want to avoid these times.Area users should make themselves as visible as possible by wearing blaze orange or brightly colored clothing.-30-
