Early deer hunting permits approved

Certain landowners may apply for a permit to hunt deer before the regular firearm deer hunting season under a bill passed by senators Aug. 12.

LB126, introduced last session by Venango Sen. Dan Hughes, requires the state Game and Parks Commission to issue up to four limited permits to hunt deer during the Saturday through Monday preceding the opening day of firearm deer hunting season to qualifying landowners and their designated immediate family members.

The $5 permits will be in addition to any limited permit to hunt deer issued to a qualifying landowner. Of the four permits that may be issued, no more than two may be issued to individuals younger than 19, and no more than two may be issued to those who are 19 or older.

For a Nebraska resident landowner, the number of permits issued may not exceed the total acreage of the farm or ranch divided by 80. For a nonresident landowner, the number of permits issued may not exceed the total acreage of the farm or ranch divided by 320.

LB126 passed on a vote of 30-7.