Jerry Kane
Public Information Officer | jerry.kane@nebraska.gov | 402.471.5008
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved 2018 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 16 meeting in Columbus.
The recommendations for white-fronted goose season proposed a change from a 74-day season to an 88-day season and from a three-bird daily bag limit to two. Most other waterfowl season recommendations included only calendar date adjustments.
The approved recommendations are:
Early Teal – Low Plains: Sept. 1-16; High Plains: Sept. 1-9; Daily bag limit: six; Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
Youth Waterfowl – Zone 1: Oct. 6-7; Zone 2: Sept. 29-30; Zone 3: Oct. 20-21; Zone 4: Sept. 29-30; Daily bag and possession limits same as regular duck season
Duck and Coot – Zone 1: Oct. 13-Dec. 25; Zone 2: Oct. 6-Dec. 18 and Jan. 7-27; Zone 3: Oct. 25-Jan. 6 and Jan. 7-27; Zone 4: Oct. 6-Dec. 18; Daily bag limit: six (with restrictions); Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
Dark Goose – East Unit: Oct. 29-Feb. 10; Niobrara Unit: Oct. 29-Feb. 10; North Central Unit: Oct. 6-Jan. 18; Panhandle Unit: Oct. 29-Feb. 10; Platte River Unit: Oct. 29-Feb. 10; Daily bag limit: five; Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
White-fronted Goose – Statewide: Oct. 6-Dec. 9 and Jan. 19-Feb. 10; Daily bag limit: two; Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
Light Goose Regular Season – Statewide: Oct. 6-Dec. 26 and Jan. 19-Feb. 10; Daily bag limit: 50; Possession limit: none
Light Goose Conservation Order – East Zone: Feb. 11-April 15; West Zone: Feb. 11-April 5; Rainwater Basin Zone: Feb. 11-April 5; Daily bag and possession limits: none
Crow – Statewide: Oct. 15-Dec. 15 and Jan. 13-March 14
Falconry – Zone 1: Feb. 25-March 10; Zone 2: Low Plains: Feb. 25-March 10; High Plains: Concurrent with all duck season dates in High Plains Zone; Zone 3: Low Plains: Feb. 25-March 10; High Plains: Concurrent with all duck season dates in High Plains Zone; Zone 4: Feb. 25-March 10
In addition, the commissioners approved the 2018-2022 Focus on the Future strategic plan. The plan outlines the core values, guiding principles, goals, strategies, strategic directions and desired outcomes for the agency in the next five years.
The commissioners also approved the designation of a 155-acre parcel of land in Richardson County as the Thomas C. Matter Wildlife Management Area.
Big game, fisheries and environmental reports also were presented to the commissioners.