2017 Annual Report 55
A C L O S E R L O O K A T P E R M I T S
While permit fees increased for the first time in over 8 years in 2017, 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. With the
exception of some deer and turkey, sales for 2017
continued upward surpassing 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 2016. 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
decrease over 2016. This can be reflective of the
apparent shift of deer/turkey becoming more of
the gateway to hunting for youth rather than small
game.
