36 2020 Annual Report
•
Wildlife
S P E C I A L Y O U T H H U N T S
P R O V I D E O P P O R T U N I T I E S
For the 10th consecutive year, pheasants were released on
select wildlife management areas prior to the youth pheasant
season in October to enhance harvest opportunities for youth
and other novice hunters. A total of 9,110 rooster pheasants
were purchased through an open-bid process and distributed
among 19 publicly-accessible areas at a targeted density of 0.5
birds per acre. Special Youth Hunts were held at the 19 areas,
in which one adult accompanying a youth hunter was allowed
to hunt pheasants, with a daily bag limit of one rooster.
Game and Parks staff surveyed 330 hunting parties during
the weekend, consisting of 444 adult mentors and 500 youth
hunters. Hunters harvested 820 released and 31 wild roosters
during the Special Youth Hunts. Harvest success averaged 0.90
roosters per hunter, which is similar to recent years. More than
97% of participating youths indicated they would participate
again and more than 96% intended to hunt during the regular
season.
Game and
Parks has
a positive
impact on our
landscapes
and helps
maintain
healthy fish
and wildlife
populations.
JUSTIN
HAAG,
NEBRASKALAND
MAGAZINE
Youth pheasant season opener at Bordeaux Creek WMA.
JUSTIN
HAAG,
NEBRASKALAND
MAGAZINE
