Deer season opens Saturday

Nebraska's firearm deer season begins Nov. 16 and contines through Nov. 24, giving individuals an opportunity to share a hunt with family or friends.

"We should have another great firearm deer season in Nebraska," said Luke Meduna, big game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. "With plenty of permits available and excellent deer numbers, there are great hunting opportunities for all ages. Go out with your friends and family and stay safe."

The Commission has the following reminders for deer hunters:

-- Permits still are available for several deer management units. Buy them at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

-- Cash donations to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program are encouraged so it can continue to feed Nebraskans in need by providing them with venison donated by deer hunters.

-- Ahead of the harvest, hunters should locate a check station near their location. Firearm deer hunters and archers harvesting deer during the November firearm season must deliver their deer to a check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. To find a list and map of check stations visit Outdoornebraska.gov/deer.

-- Nebraskans who want to donate or receive harvested deer can participate in the deer E\exchange, which is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of deer. It brings together hunters who have a surplus of deer with recipients willing to accept the deer meat. To join, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/deerexchangeprogram.

-- Hunters should keep safety the top priority in the field by always keeping their rifle muzzle pointed in a safe direction, with safety on, and finger off the trigger, until they are ready to fire. They also should identify their target and what lies beyond it before firing. In addition, all deer hunters are required to wear 400 square inches of blaze orange on their head, chest and back during the November firearm season, regardless if they are hunting with a firearm or archery tackle.

-- Hunters also are reminded that permission is required to hunt on private land. Those who have permission to hunt should show the landowner and land respect.

-- The 2019-2020 Public Access Atlas identifies and consolidates the nearly 1 million acres of publicly accessible lands that benefit Nebraska's hunters, trappers and anglers. Printed copies are available where permits are sold; it also is available online at OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas.

-- The season also is an opportunity to take a new or lapsed hunter afield as part of the Take 'Em Hunting challenge. For more information, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/TakeEmHunting.