Nebraska Bowhunters Are You Aware?

[White Oak]

For the first time that I know of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has approved a firearm season during the regular archery season. Actually according to the article in the World Herald all weapons including crossbows will be legal to take 2 antlerless deer per tag in areas 18 & 21 Oct. 9 thru Oct. 11.
In my opinion this is just the beginning.If my memory is correct, last year they wanted to have a youth firearm hunt during the early part of the bow season. I believe there was enough opposition to stop the youth hunt. If this Oct. hunt happens this year, and I believe it is to late to stop it, I would bet that you will see this in other areas or perhaps state wide in the future unless we all make alot of noise.
Safety would be my first concern.If you have ever had the displeasure of being in the field in Eastern Nebraska during the firearm deer season you know what I mean. The leaves will still be on the trees and most crops will still be in the fields at this time.Even in orange I would not be comfortable bowhunting during those 3 days.
Yes I know that this goes on in other states but it hasn't happened here yet. The vast magority of bowhunters I have spoken to are outraged. What makes it worse is I have been told that the NBA supported this.Perhaps with the idea of being allowed to bowhunt during the rifle season. If you could experience the rifle season in the eastern part of the state I seriously doubt that you would want to bowhunt at that time.
I would hope that enough of us will contact G&P and voice our displeasure on this matter before it becomes the norm.

                  Thanks,
                         Ed

[Wary Buck]

I dislike this development for many reasons, most of which having to do with the camel's nose under the tent.  I believe this will lead to further erosion of our bow season down the line, whether it be add'l firearm seasons thrown into the bow season, or the addition of crossbows, or that such doe-only seasons will be held in conjunction with call-in registration which will increase early-season poaching of bucks at a time when NE is not filling current conservation officer openings when they occur.

The way I understand it, the NBA voted not to contest this hunt as it was determined that it would pass anyway, and that by giving it tacit approval, we might win some points with the NG&PC in the future be able to access the 9-day gun season with our bows.  I believe this was a dangerous gamble.  Put simply, the NG&PC has never really liked the fact that the NBA has been a political watchdog (by the way, in the past, the NBA has numerous times stood up for and in some cases saved bowhunting as it currently exists for bowhunters, so don't be too hard on them).  I've felt that the NG&PC has never really understood bowhunting, they view us as a pain in the arse half the time, and don't like the fact that we actually ask them tough questions and hold them accountable for things.  I'm sorry, but the NG&PC works for US, but they sure don't want much input from us.

Ed, I'm with you in that I think the season is bad, the NBA's giving in on this issue was bad, and I don't believe for a second that the NG&PC will give us anything for our going along with this one.  But if it makes you feel any better, I think most NBA members feel the same way.  Most of those in attendance at the meeting were blindsided by this issue and hadn't had time to think out all the ramifications.

(P.S.  The entire muzzleloader development, first 16 days, then 31 days, was also a firearm season placed into the bow season.  You probably meant the 'early' bow season.  We averted that--until now--with much effort when they tried to throw in a youth Sept. rifle season here recently).

[Broken Arrow 1]

I heard some rumors of it but was unaware that it was going to happen. I don't know much about it so I cant say much. The only thing I can say is I do not like the idea at all, mainly for the saftey issues. But for many other somewhat selfish reasons also.

[White Oak]

Thanks for your input here Bryce.
You are certainly correct about the muzzle loader season. That is one I  hadn't even thought of.
This new issue regarding the COs is very alarming also. I am trying to find more info on that item.
Several things are taking place that we are going to have to watch carefully.
                Take care,
                          Ed

[swp]

All you have to do is look to MO to see what happens. They have shoved all kinds of seasons on us during what used to be bow only season.

[White Oak]

My compliments to Wary Buck on an excellant article on this subject in the Fremont Tribune today.Although only involving 2 season choice areas of the state his article will give you an idea of how large an area this covers. Check it out on line.
            Thanks,
                   Ed