Let's Shoot More Does This Year
As a hunter, I like the numbers of deer in most of the state. In many places though, our greatest partner in conservation, the landowner, needs our help in harvesting does to slow the growth of the deer herd. I hope each of you sees your role in this effort. As hunters, we own the responsibility for managing deer herds and it is up to each of us to do our part.
Over the years I have developed a fond love of chasing does with a revolver, bow or smoke pole. The challenge is definately there and belive me when I say a wise old doe is a harder trophy to harvest than any rut crazed buck. (note emphasis on the period)
Dave and I are planning to utilize the early October season for a handgun only hunt in southeast NE. I will write more about handgun hunting but I absolutely live to chase critters with revolvers!
Many programs also exist allowing hunters to donate deer meat to others such as the NE Deer Exchange Program. http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/programs/deerexchange/. Keep this in mind when making your big game plans for 2010.
Get Em’ Out There
Rawly
me and my 44 mag have a date with a deer
I’d love to put a couple does in the freezer! The only problem is it’s almost impossible to get permission on private land, and hunting deer on what little public land is available in NE. is a death wish during rifle season……….
Mike
Sorry friend but can’t agree with you there. I know hunting access is tougher these days but Nebraska is still a state where landowners are generous, especially when it comes to does. It does take some effort but the pay off is more than worth it. As for hunting public land during rifle season…I think you would have a hard time finding any statistics that back up your comment. Nebraska hunters are of the safetst out there. Now…if your comment meant that there are a few bad apples that could exercise a bit more common sense…I’m on your side! Enjoy the planning for this year’s deer season and let me know how it turns out for you.
Rawly
I agree with Rawly, I hunt almost exclusively on public land, primary around Lincoln and haven’t had any problems. Last year I made it out at least once every week from Sept 15 to Dec 31 during the various hunting seasons (archery, rifle and muzzleload) and the late season rifle. There wasn’t a single time I felt in danger. The game and parks does an excellent job at getting people access to land, from SRA’s, WMA’s and the miles upon miles of CRP. I have a couple hunting buddies that recently moved to Ne with the last 3 yrs from other states and everyone of them says Nebraska is tops for public land. Great job NGP. My advise for public land hunting, hunt during non-peak times throughout the week. Weekends it will be nuts2butts out there but every other day of the week you will probably have the land to yourself. Secondly, don’t rely on the rifle season to fill your tags, each weapon offers a different and rewarding challenge.
Matt
Well said. We really don’t know how good we have it. The Commission is sinking 1/2 $Million into hunter/angler access annually as part of a new 20 year plan for hunters and anglers. The acess program is called “Open Fields and Waters” and will pick up where CRP Map leaves off providing access to tracts of wetlands, timber, ponds, etc. Hunters will see many new places available this fall.
Rawly
Rawly,
Just keep up the good work so we continue to have quality places to hunt/fish. I know out in the western part of the state a lot of land is getting eaten up by out of state hunting outfits and mega corporate ranches (thanks recession). It is sad to see, I lost my boyhood turkey grounds near Crawford that way and if it wasn’t for your work at NGP i would probably would have packed away my Rem 1100 years ago.
As a side note: I believe public land hunting is the epitome of “fair chase” hunting. With the rise in species specific food plots and today’s hyper-game management styles as seen on every hunting show everything else is just shooting fish (or deer) in a barrel. Not to mention I would argue that public land is more safe than private ground because of the hard work of the game and fish officers patrolling the grounds.
thanks again
Matt
I think we need to hire you as our PR person! We appreciate the comments as our folks work hard, within the constraints given to us, to provide the best hunting opportunities possible. Thanks
Rawly
i know this is off topic, but do you need a permit for this??? http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=rzCt_hTZjEY&feature=related
Where was that when I was a kid?!?!?!? Sure looks fun to shoot but a pain to reload!
Rawly
that didnt work like i’d hoped…
Took four does last year and will do it again this year,Given the chance.Would love to have a wall hanger…But I can’t pass up that deer steaks.
Mel
Congratulations to you for such a successful season! I think that, if we are all honest…just for a moment, that desire to shoot the next state record motivates a lot of us. I for one dream about that day and there are many other good hunters that put way more effort into it who will no doubt earn that big buck. My hat will be off to them when they do. I really like your philosophy of taking a few does along that journey. Way to go Mel!
Rawly