Nebraska offers cheaper doe permits attracting Colorado hunters to Sandhills

The Virtual Big Game Meeting held on January 1, 2025, by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) focused on various aspects of hunting regulations and permit availability in Nebraska, particularly in comparison to neighboring Colorado.

The meeting began with discussions on the cost of doe permits, highlighting that Nebraska offers more affordable options than Colorado, where resident doe permits exceed $90. This price difference has attracted a significant number of hunters from Colorado, especially to regions like Southwest Nebraska, where there is a noted scarcity of doe permits in Colorado.

Participants also shared personal experiences regarding hunting practices, including the use of telecheck systems for reporting game. One nonresident hunter noted the inconvenience of traveling over 45 minutes for in-person checks, expressing support for telecheck as a more efficient alternative. The discussion emphasized the importance of telecheck in providing valuable data for wildlife management.

Overall, the meeting underscored the appeal of Nebraska's hunting regulations and the ongoing interest from out-of-state hunters, as well as the need for efficient reporting methods to enhance data collection for wildlife management. The NGPC aims to continue improving the hunting experience while ensuring sustainable practices.