56 2017 Annual Report
Fur harvest permits – The decrease in permits
sold is reflective of the low prices being paid for
pelts.
Veteran and senior hunting/fishing
combination permits – The increase in sales is
reflective of an aging Baby Boomer population
and expansion of qualifying veterans. The annual
$5 fee for hunting (except big game) fishing, and
fur harvest (new in 2017) privileges, to include all
state stamps (a $99 value) makes this permit option
quite attractive for those individuals 69 and older
(or 64 and older if a qualifying veteran).
Migratory waterfowl stamps – The likely reason
for reduced sales of this required stamp in 2017 is
a combination of a shift to multi-year stamps and
weather conditions.
Fishing and park permits – These are largely
driven by the weather. Unusually mild temperatures
in 2017 resulted in people purchasing more
permits and getting outdoors earlier than normal.
Despite an increase in fees and an introduction
of a non-Nebraska vehicle park entry permit, the
overall total park permit numbers increased. Some
fishing permit sales experienced a decline due in
part, as anecdotally reported, to fee increases to
both the permit and the aquatic habitat stamp. A
slight decrease in sales after a fee increase is not
uncommon and historically recovers over time.
