A C L O S E R L O O K A T P E R M I T S
It is not uncommon or unexpected for permit sales to fluctuate
from year to year. Some fluctuation is due to weather conditions that
influence individuals' desire to be outdoors,
some are influenced by individuals' perception of
wildlife populations and, thus, their likelihood of
success, plus a multitude of other personal factors.
This process in which an individual may buy a
permit from time to time but not necessarily every
year is called "churn." Here is a closer look at
some of Nebraska's permits and what factors may
influence their rise or decline in sales:
Big game permits – These comprise deer, antelope, turkey and
elk permits. The deer population has made a
dramatic comeback in most areas affected by the
2012 epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak
and we have seen a steady increase in both
hunter interest as well as biological ability to
increase quotas in many areas. Sales for 2015
have continued the upward trend to nearly
pre-2012 levels. Elk permit sales continue to
expand with increasing herd sizes in most units.
Antelope permit numbers have also seen a slight
increase. Despite good population levels and
mild weather, spring turkey permit sales were
down slightly from 2014. Nebraska's $5 youth
permits (for deer, turkey and antelope) continue to be favorites and
likely contribute to growth in nonresident participation.
Hunting permits – These represent small
game and waterfowl hunters. Sales showed a
slight increase over 2014 apparently in response
to the reports of improved reproduction and
survival of pheasant populations in most parts of
the state.
2015 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 59
