Preliminary results from the Nebraska November firearm deer season show
statewide harvest was down 2% from 2023 and down 24% from the 2019-2023
average.
This was more successful than expected for the Nov. 16-24 season as
November Firearm permit quotas were reduced 13% from 2023 in response to
declining deer populations.
Mule deer buck harvest increased 9% from 2023, while whitetail buck
harvest fell 2%. Antlerless mule deer harvest declined 10% from 2023,
while antlerless whitetail increased 2%. All harvest levels are down
significantly from the five-year average. Total deer harvest for the
firearm season has declined each year since 2019.
Overall, November firearm permit success was 2% higher at 40% this year,
compared to 38% in 2023.
On the local level in the Sandhills Unit, there were a total of 1597 deer
harvested.
684 Mule Deer Bucks and 41 antlerless deer, for a total of 725 Mule Deer.
There were 621 White Tail Bucks taken and 251 antlerless for a total of
872 White tail.
In the Keya Paha Unit: there were a total of 1842 deer with 88 mule deer
bucks, no antlerless. 1217 White Tail Bucks and 537 antlerless for a
total of 1754 White Tail.
Other units reported included Calamus West with 1018 total deer. 347 Mule
Deer Bucks and 504 White Tail bucks. 167 antlerless deer were harvested.
These numbers include archery and not just firearm seasons. Muzzleloader
season is underway and some antlerless seasons are coming up.
Hunters and landowners are invited to a big game discussion on December 9th
at 6:30 at Niobrara Lodge to talk with Game and Parks Staff.
