Hunters may have to work a bit harder for deer this year

    It may take a little more work for firearm deer hunters this year when the 9-day Nebraska season opens this Saturday and runs until Nov. 21.
    Sophie Gobber, the area’s Game & Parks Conservation Officer, said the locals are telling her the deer population in this area is drastically down.
    Personally, she’s seen more does than bucks in her observations.
    However, there is a plus this year related to harvest.
    “The corn is pretty well all out so that should help,” she said.
    After last year’s COVID-affected firearm season that required all hunters to check in their deer through the online telecheck, Gobber reminds hunters that check-in stations are open this year.
    While the online telecheck system can be used for deer taken by bow, a check-in station must be used during the firearm season before 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22.
    All 1,600 permits in the Frenchman Whitetail Unit are sold, as well as all the muledeer (75) and whitetail (3,000) permits in the two Republican Units.
    There are a lot of public lands available for hunting in southwest Nebraska. Visit outdoor nebraska.gov for a map, or pick up the Imperial Republican’s Hunting on the Plains special section at the newspaper office or other local hunting outlets.
    Gobber said she utilized other area G & P officers during the pheasant season opener, and expects some of them to be in the area again this weekend.
    Gobber encouraged local hunters to contact her with questions or to report issues at 308-222-0368.
    Here are some other reminders for the firearm season:
    It is legal to shoot 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
    Hunters during the firearm deer season must display on his/her head, chest and back at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material. Archery hunters out during firearm season must do the same.
    Residents age 16 and older and all nonresidents must carry proof of a valid Nebraska habitat stamp while hunting big game.
    The minimum age for deer hunting is 10 years old.
    It is unlawful one day before or throughout any open season to spot, locate or place under surveillance any game animal with the aid  of any aircraft, including drones.
Deer meat exchange
    Nebraskans who want to donate or receive harvested deer can participate in the state’s deer exchange program.
    This program is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of deer. It brings together hunters who have a surplus of deer with recipients willing to accept the deer meat.
    Donors and recipients can register online for free.
    The exchange, which continues through March 1, allows hunters and potential venison recipients to join a database and search for each other in their area. Parties will work out the details of the transfer.
    While the venison cannot be sold, recipients may pay for the processing or butchering.
    Recipients will have the choice of accepting whole field dressed deer, skinned and boned deer, wrapped and frozen deer or processed meat. Donors are responsible for properly field dressing and checking deer at a check station before transfer.
    When transferring game animals, the hunter must provide the following information on a transfer tag: name, phone number, permit number or seal number, estimated weight of meat (in pounds), species of animal, date taken, signature of donor and name of recipient.
    A transfer tag is on page 36 of the 2021 Big Game Guide. Go to OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides.