The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved recommendations for 2020 deer, antelope and elk hunting seasons at its meeting May 8 in Lincoln.
    Commissioners adopted the proposed staff amendments to Commission orders pertaining to season dates, bag limits, permit quantities and areas open for deer, antelope and elk hunting.
    The following is a summary of the big game recommendations that were approved:
    Deer — Many units have seen bag limit and permit quota changes to accomplish management goals and a few units will see a bonus antlerless white-tailed deer added to their regular and season choice permits.
    Elk — Bull permits will increase 25% and antlerless permits will increase 40%. The antlerless season will be extended and run from Aug. 1 – Jan. 31, 2021, with three units being split between early and late antlerless seasons.
    Antelope — Most units will see an increase in permit quotas in response to population levels and social tolerances. Similar to the Landowner October Firearm bag limit change in 2019, the Landowner Late Doe/Fawn permits also will include a bonus doe/fawn tag to help landowners harvest more doe/fawn antelope on their land if they desire.
    Staff said it is continuing to address depredation issues through regulations, outreach to landowners about available resources, encouraging public hunting access and promotion of antlerless deer opportunities.

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