OutdoorNebraska

46 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641 DEER MANAGEMENT The average age of bucks has increased over the past 20 years and in 2018, 37 percent of harvested whitetail bucks and 52 percent of harvested mule deer bucks in Nebraska were age 3 or older. During the peak years of 2007-2011, approximately one in 400 bucks were entered in Nebraska's Big Game trophy record book, scoring 150-plus Boone and Crockett Club points. Hunters who wish to improve the odds of seeing older bucks should consider the following: • Pass up shots on young bucks and harvest does to keep the population in check. • Provide food plots or security cover away from roads where deer can hide. • Don't enter bedding or security areas during hunting season or deer may leave. • Learn about your deer herd by using trail cameras so you can see the results. • Learn to age deer and age all harvested bucks and does. • Encourage your neighbors to manage for older bucks. BIG GAME RECORDS Nebraska's Big Game Trophy Records book contains records of more than 4,000 bighorn sheep, deer, elk and antelope. To learn more about Nebraska's Big Game Trophy program, visit: http://outdoornebraska.org/biggametrophyrecords/ FIREARM RESTRICTIONS During the November firearm deer season, only hunters with a valid unfilled firearm 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. SHOOTING RANGES Sighting in a firearm or bow that will be used for deer hunting is essential to humane and ethical harvest of deer. Before you begin hunting, go to a shooting range to sight in your weapon of choice. It is essential to know that your weapon shoots accurately with the ammunition that you will use in the field. Hunters who have landowner permission and access to a safe backstop in rural Nebraska can set up an impromptu range that can be as simple as a bipod and a target. For many who live in more populated areas, you can take advantage of one of the many firearm ranges in Nebraska. Find information on Nebraska Game and Parks Commission shooting facilities at OutdoorNebraska. org. Hunters from Lincoln may use the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center at 4703 N. 44th St. To find shooting ranges in Nebraska, visit: WhereToShoot.org HUNTER ORANGE Any people 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. Hunter orange requirements also apply while hunting under the authority of a muzzleloader permit during muzzleloader seasons. Archery deer hunters must do the same while archery hunting during the November firearm deer season and during the Jan. 1 - 15 deer season. HUNTING SAFETY TIPS The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters of the most important thing they should remember when hunting – safety. Two main causes of incidents in which a turkey hunter is injured are shooting at sound and movement and shooting down range of a turkey. To prevent accidental shootings, follow these general firearm hunting safety tips: • Treat each firearm as if it is loaded. • Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. • Never point a firearm at anything you don't want to shoot. • Know your target and what lies beyond it. • Keep the barrel clear of obstructions. • Unload firearms when not in use. • Store firearms and ammunition in separate locked locations.

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