OutdoorNebraska

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 57 A c l o s e r l o o k a t p e r m i t s i n 2 0 2 2 In review of the net changes in permit sales from 2021 to 2022, the data indicate a decrease across the board of big game hunting, small game hunting, fishing permits and park permits. Permit sales often fluctuate from year to year, often due to factors such as weather and economic changes. High inflation rates in 2022 likely caused consumers to restrict recreational spending. Inflation was at its highest peak in June 2022, a historically busy sales month for Nebraska Game and Parks. Big Game Permits Big game permits saw a decrease across the board. However, there was a 35% increase in the purchase of Preference and Bonus points, which could have affected permit sales since these are purchased in lieu of a permit. 2022 saw the second year for the Special Landowner permit, which even at a decrease in number from 2021, might still pull sales away from standard season permits. There was a slight increase in elk landowner permits, both resident and nonresident. Small Game Permits This type of permit (for small game and waterfowl) saw a decrease in total sales. There was a slight increase in resident senior permits in 2022, which could explain a slight portion of the decrease in annual hunt permits. The Commission was unable to release pheasants in the fall. This could have affected youth permit numbers. Fish Permits Fish permit sales were down across the board except for 1-day and 3-day permits, which saw a slight increase. This could be attributed to the economic fall in 2022, leading consumers to purchase shorter term, less expensive permits. Park Entry Permits Park entry permits were down across the board. Again, high inflation and high fuel prices could have had an impact on these sales. The summer saw very high fuel prices and may have persuaded consumers to forgo travel plans. Planning, engineering, and construction Includes administration and operations of planning, engineering and construction services. Funding sources: General Fund................................... 46% Park Cash Fund ............................... 30% Game Cash Fund ............................. 13% NORDA .............................................. 7% Direct Federal ................................... 3% Habitat Fund ..................................... 2% Cowboy Trail Fund ......................... <1% Fish and wildlife education Includes administration and operations of education activities and events. Funding sources: Wildlife Education ......................... 55% Game Cash Fund ............................. 42% Park Cash Fund ................................. 2%

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