Enter Nebraska's Super Tag Lottery

No lucky numbers are required for this outstanding hunting opportunity

Now is the time to get your application in for Nebraska's Super Tag Lottery!   If drawn, you would join an elite group of hunters who have been granted the unique opportunity for a combination permit, which features a bag limit of one elk (either sex) one antelope (either sex) one deer (either sex) two turkeys The Super Tag permit is valid during 2013 and 2014, meaning you have two years worth of hunting seasons to fill it.  You may hunt with any legal weapon in any open hunting unit during the general hunting season for each species.    The lottery is open to Nebraska residents only, and all 'once-in-a-lifetime' bull elk permit holders are eligible to participate.    Cost to enter the lottery is $25 (nonrefundable), and it can be entered online by clicking here.  Just scroll down to the "Super Tag Lottery" section. (One entry per person.)  The drawing for the Super Tag winner will be held on July 26, 2013.     Deer Permits on Sale July 8 All remaining deer permits go on sale Monday, July 8 at 1 p.m. (CST) to residents and nonresidents alike.  Complete details are in the 2013 Big Game Guide.    Outdoor 4-H Camps Offer Buddy Discount "Buddy discounts" are offered for our Outdoor Skills 4-H camps:  Advanced Outdoor Skills Camp (in Halsey; July 7-12): two "buddies" can register for $500 total. A registered camper who recruits a new camper will receive a $100 voucher toward a future camp; the new camper can register for just $250. July Outdoor Skills Camp (near Gretna, July 14-20):  two 'buddies' can register for $600 total.  A registered camper who recruits a new camper will receive a $100 voucher toward a future camp; the new camper can register for just $300.                           Visit our website to learn more about these camps.  (Note: registrations must be mailed in together and not done online.)  Questions?  Contact Aaron Hershberger ataaron.hershberger@nebraska.gov.

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PARTNERSHIP REDUCES DEER HERD, HELPS TO FEED IOWANS IN NEED

It has been 10 years since the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Food Bank of Iowa joined to promote a new program to help reduce the size of Iowa’s deer herd, and help Iowans in need receive a healthy meal.

The Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) program allows hunters to donate any legally harvested deer to a participating locker as a way to encourage hunters to harvest more deer.

Lockers process the donated deer into ground venison in specially labeled two pound packages that are picked up by the local food bank and distributed in the community. HUSH lockers have processed 56,000 donated deer providing more than 11 million meals since the program began.

This program exemplifies Iowans helping Iowans.

“We asked our hunters to harvest additional deer to reduce the herd size and the HUSH program gave them an option to donate the additional venison to help their fellow Iowans in need,” said Jim Coffey, who coordinates the HUSH program for the DNR. “We have a lot of lockers who enjoy the program and participate because it supports their local community.”

"We are so grateful for this partnership and program,” says Carey Miller, executive director of the Food Bank of Iowa. “It has helped put a high protein, low fat product into the hands of hungry Iowans.”

Since its inception, the program served an important role to help reduce the deer herd, but that role will be changing.

As the deer population approaches the management goal, the program will not be used as much for population control as it will be for certain situations, like hunters wanting to support their local food bank or for hunters participating in special population management hunts in urban areas or park settings.

The Iowa program is viewed nationally as one to emulate and states from Hawaii to Nebraska call on Coffey looking for the recipe to replicate Iowa’s success.

“We have the backing of our state legislature and that really is the secret to our success,” he said.

Every deer license sold includes a $1 fee that supports the HUSH program. The program is administered through the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund of the Iowa DNR.

Lockers are paid $75 for each HUSH deer processed and participation in the program is voluntary. In 2012, 89 lockers participated in the HUSH program.

The Food Bank of Iowa received $5 per deer to pick up and distribute the venison.

More information on the DNR’s HUSH program is available online at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/DeerHunting/HelpUsStopHungerHUSH.aspx

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Nebraska: Big Game Public Meetings Scheduled for December

Hunters and landowners are invited to attend a series of public informational meetings to discuss deer issues during the month of December.
Meetings are scheduled across the state, with at least one meeting in each Game and Parks district.
During each meeting, biologists from Nebraska Game and Parks will discuss and take questions on a number of topics, including deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases. Antelope and elk issues may also be discussed.
The meeting schedule is:
Monday, Dec. 3 in McCook
Red Willow County Fairgrounds, 4-H building, 1400 W. 5th St., 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 6 in Norfolk
Northeast Community College, Lifelong Learning Ctr, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 10 in Kearney
Yanney Heritage Park, Environmental Resource Center Bldg., 2020 W. 11th, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11 in O'Neill
Cubby's, 204 E. U.S. Hwy. 20, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11 in Gretna
Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 13 in York
Kilgore Memorial Library, 520 Nebraska Ave., 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 18 in Chadron
Chadron State College, Student Center, Scottsbluff Room, 1000 Main St., 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 20 in Bridgeport
Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St., 7 p.m.

virus claiming deer in midwest, iowa not immune

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is receiving scattered reports of dead deer around water. This is likely the result of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease, or EHD.

 “Losses due to EHD occur annually, usually at low levels and in localized areas,” said Dr. Dale Garner, chief of Wildlife for the Iowa DNR.  “In dry years it can be worse as deer are more concentrated around water and since the disease is spread by a biting midge more deer can become infected. This could be one of those years and DNR staff have been on the lookout for increased incidence of the disease.”

EHD causes high fever in deer and their cell walls in their heart, lungs and diaphragm to weaken and burst. Infected deer are attracted to water to combat the fever and dehydration due to the hemorrhaging.  

“The last widespread outbreak in Iowa was 1998.  Even then the impact on hunting was minimal,” said Garner. 

If anyone sees a sick or dead deer near water, they should call their local conservation officer or wildlife biologist. 

“We would like to collect tissue samples to identify what strain of EHD we are dealing with and to rule out any other cause of death,” Garner said.

The disease is also showing up in Nebraska, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri and Michigan. EHD remains active until rain disperses the deer or a heavy frost kills the midges.

Nebraska Super Tag Lottery Ends July 6, Deer Permits On Sale July 9

The 2012 Big Game Guide is available online to help you plan

for the upcoming hunting season.

You still have time to enter the Nebraska Super Tag Lottery - but hurry because the deadline is midnight on July 6.  The winner of this unique lottery will receive a combination permit with a bag limit of one elk, one antelope, one deer and two turkeys. This is the third year the lottery has been held, so winning it would put you in a select group of Nebraska hunters.   The lottery is open to Nebraska residents only, and all 'once-in-a-lifetime' bull elk permit holders are eligible to participate.  The Super Tag permit is valid during 2012 and 2013, meaning you would have two years worth of hunting seasons to fill it.  Cost to enter the lottery is $25 (nonrefundable), and it can be entered online by clicking here.  Just scroll down to the "Super Tag Lottery" section.  Deer Permits on Sale July 9 All remaining deer permits go on sale Monday, July 9 at 1 p.m. (CST).  Residents and nonresidents alike may purchase permits, a number of which feature bonus antlerless only tags.   Changes for 2012 include a new River Antlerless permit, which replaces the October Antlerless permit and provides hunting opportunities in 1,800 miles of river corridors in the state.  All Season Choice Areas and boundaries have been modified to match the November firearms units and boundaries, and Earn-A-Buck requirements have been removed from all areas.  The November firearm season is scheduled for November 10-18, 2012.  For complete details and information, check out the 2012 Big Game Guide, available online or from any Nebraska Game and Parks office.  A complete list of all opening dates and application periods can be found on our website. Hunters Helping the Hungry Those buying permits online will be given the option to donate to Nebraska's Hunters Helping the Hungry program, established by the state legislature in 2012.  This program provides custom processing of deer donated by hunters; the venison is distributed to those in need through food pantries and community feeding centers. The program is 100% funded by donations.  Share the heritage of Hunting!  Nebraska offers $5 deer and turkey permits to youth 15 and younger.  Have a young hunter who needs to take a hunter or bowhunter education class?  Visit www.HuntSafeNebraska.org for details on upcoming classes, independent study options, how to get a duplicate Hunter Ed card or to become a volunteer.

2011 Deer Hunting Workshops- Nebraska

Get ready for deer season by attending one of our upcoming free workshops.  Spots are still available - sign up today!

The 2011 rifle and muzzleloader deer seasons are coming up soon! To help you prepare for a safe and successful hunt, the wildlife and outdoor education staff at Nebraska Game and Parks have scheduled free deer hunting workshops.    Wednesday, November 2, 2011 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Yanney Heritage Park - Environmental Resource Center 611 Kea West Road Kearney  Monday,  November 7, 2011 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Lancaster County Extension Education Center 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A Lincoln Whether you are new to the sport or have been hunting for years, you'll get practical information and tips on how to prepare your equipment, plan your hunt and have a better experience in the field.     Learn the basics of firearm deer hunting, including: Strategies for success (scouting, shooting from tree stands, still-hunting and calling and rattling) Equipment (firearms, shooting accessories, game calls, blinds, tree stands, scents and clothing) Deer biology and behavior (food sources, feeding patterns, bedding areas, rutting activities) How to predict deer movement Game Care (field dressing/gutting, equipment, getting photographs of your hunt) Future of Nebraska's deer herd  From hunting regulations to animal behavior to strategies for success, these workshops will get you up to speed for your upcoming hunting trips! Seating is limited, so register for these workshops today by visitingwww.HuntSafeNebraska.com. (Scroll down to the lower section of the page and look for the class date you are interested in.)  Information about upcoming hunter and bowhunter education classes can also be found on this website.   Have other questions about these classes?  E-mail our Outdoor Education Staff at NGPC.OutdoorEd@nebraska.gov.  For a pdf copy of Nebraska's 2011 deer hunting regulations and check stations, click here.

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Nebraska Hunters: Super Tag Lottery Deadline Nears, Deer Permits On Sale July 11

Super Tag Lottery Deadline Nears,
Deer Permits On Sale July 11.

The 2011 Big Game Guide is available online to help you plan
for the upcoming hunting season.

There is still time to enter the Nebraska Super Tag Lottery - if you act fast!

Midnight on July 1 marks the end of the entry period for this unique lottery. The winner will receive a combination permit with a bag limit of one elk, one antelope, one deer and two turkeys. Plus the bragging rights of being only the second person ever to hold this permit.

The lottery is open to Nebraska residents only, and all 'once-in-a-lifetime' bull elk permit holders are eligible to participate. The Super Tag permit is valid during 2011 and 2012, meaning you would have two years worth of hunting seasons to fill it.

Cost to enter the lottery is $25 (nonrefundable), and it can be entered online by clicking here. Just scroll down to the "Super Tag Lottery" section. (Nebraska residents can also enter the 2011 Bighorn Sheep Lottery while online; this lottery ends August 5.)

Deer Permits on Sale July 11

All remaining deer permits go on sale Monday, July 11 at 1 p.m. (CST). Residents and nonresidents alike may purchase permits, a large number of which feature bonus antlerless only tags.

A record number of permits is again available, and hunters have a number of season options to choose from. Of particular note is the October 1-10 antlerless season, which offers an early chance for firearm hunting in select unit for just $11 for residents or $55 for nonresidents.

The November firearm season is scheduled for November 12-20. Archers and blackpowder fans will be pleased to note that their seasons have been extended until January 18, 2012. Season Choice permit buyers will be able to hunt with a firearm during an extended late firearm season from December 26 to January 18, 2012.

For complete details and information, check out the 2011 Big Game Guide, available online or from any Nebraska Game and Parks office. A complete list of all opening dates and application periods can be found on our website.

Have a young hunter who needs to take a hunter or bowhunter education class? Visit www.HuntSafeNebraska.org for details on upcoming classes, independent study options, how to get a duplicate Hunter Ed card or to become a volunteer.

Nebraska-Application Period Underway for Deer, Elk and Antelope Draw Units

Remaining Permits On Sale July 11.  Bighorn and Super Tag Lotteries Now Open.  Landowner Elk permits Are Included in Draw Application Period.

The calendar says May, and your hand may be holding a fishing pole, but it's time for some advance thinking about your fall hunting activities.  Nebraska residents may currently apply for: one deer permit in any draw unit (Republican Whitetail, Republican Mule Deer and Desoto December Muzzleloader season units), one elk permit, and one buck or either-sex antelope permit in available units.  (One application is allowed per person per species.)  Landowners interested in elk permits should contact their district Nebraska Game and Parks office for application forms at this time.    In addition, two big game lotteries are presently underway for Nebraska hunters: a Bighorn Sheep Lottery and a Super Tag Lottery.  Both lotteries are open to Nebraska residents only, have a $25 application fee and can be entered online.  The winner of the bighorn sheep lottery will receive a historic hunt for a bighorn ram in the rugged Pine Ridge, with four nights lodging and guide service provided by Nebraska Game and Parks.  The recipient of the Super Tag lottery wins a permit with a bag limit of one elk, one antelope, one deer and two turkeys. This permit is valid during 2011 and 2012, meaning the winner has two years for fill it.  Once-in-a-lifetime bull elk permit holders are eligible to participate in this lottery. Both resident and nonresident hunters will want to mark July 11 on their calendars; it's the day when all remaining permits go on sale.  A complete list of opening dates and application periods can be found on our website, and our 2011 Big Game Guide will be posted there as soon as it becomes available. Hunters in search of big game animals will find that Nebraska's populations and hunting opportunities are about the best they have ever been in modern times. Record numbers of deer and turkey exist throughout the state, and even our elk population is thriving.  Permits for deer and turkey are easy to obtain, and our $5 youth permits make hunting affordable for aspiring young hunters.  According the staff biologists, the 20-year trend of increasing numbers of older bucks should continue in 2011.  Data from 2010 indicates that 75% of harvested whitetail bucks and 83% of harvest mule deer bucks were age 2 or older.  Thousands of acres of private land have also been opened up for hunting through ourOpen Fields and Waters program, which provides incentives to landowners in return for opening up areas of good habitat to public hunting and fishing use.  These lands will be included in the 2011 Public Access Atlas, which is generally available in August each year.  So as you are reeling in that largemouth or casting for walleye, be thinking about all the great ways you can extend your adventures in the Nebraska outdoors.  We are here to help you with that, so visit our website for frequent updates or follow us onFacebook or Twitter.  And as always - we'll See You Out There! Click here to buy your permits online.