OutdoorNebraska

Financials 42 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2025 Annual Report A CLOSER LOOK AT PERMITS IN 2025 Nebraska Game and Parks saw a decrease in both big game and small game hunting permits. Fishing permits saw a slight increase for annual and short-term permits. Park entry permits were down. Permit sales fluctuate from year to year, often due to factors such as weather and economic changes. High inflation rates were steady in 2025, likely causing consumers to restrict recreational spending. Record drought conditions and high summer temperatures also may have affected some outdoor users. Big Game Permits Permit quotas for deer were lower in response to decreased populations. Nonresident deer permits saw the biggest decrease due to quota restrictions that returned to pre-COVID levels. Nonresident turkey remained steady after the 2024 spring quota cap of 10,000 was established. Small Game Permits This type of permit (for small game and waterfowl) saw a slight decrease for residents and slight increase for nonresidents. The Commission released pheasants for the youth hunt in fall 2025. The fall season brought mild weather and steady temperatures that kept access plentiful. Fish Permits Fishing permit sales were steady in 2025, despite continued drought conditions in areas that created low water levels and fishing access issues. Fewer inclement weather events kept outdoor activities accessible. Park Entry Permits Park entry permits were down across the board, rounding out a five-year downward trend, returning to pre-COVID numbers. Inflation remained volatile and unpredictable in 2025, possibly contributing to consumer uncertainty for discretionary spending. Permits and stamps sold in 2025 Permit/Stamp All Resident Nonresident Fishing 114,608 35,136 Hunting 15,336 15,442 Combination Hunt/Fish 48,027 1,036 Other Paddlefish 1,789 86 Fur Harvest 6,195 54 Preference/Bonus Points 3,856 Stamps Aquatic Stamp 137,120 Habitat Stamp 92,450 Migratory Waterfowl Stamp 24,763 Big Game 118,990 26,496 Lifetime Hunting, Fishing or Stamps 3,734 Military Disabled Veteran Hunt/Fish/Fur Combo (fee exempt) 1,768 N/A Veteran's Day Hunt Permit (fee exempt) 19 Disabled Veteran Park Permit (fee exempt) 2,429 N/A Active Duty Military Park Permit 1,035 Deployed Military Combination Permit 24 Park Annual Park Permit 129,971 10,347 Daily Park Permit 174,380 108,050 Duplicate Annual Park Permit 65,669 3,825 Totals Game and Habitat 646,905 Park 495,730 Total Permits and Stamps Sold 1,142,635

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