Farmers who are tired of deer destroying their crops could get extra deer permits and a one-week head start on the deer season if they in turn agree to provide access to hunters onto their land. This idea is included in a current bill in the Nebraska Legislature, but some hunting groups and state officials aren’t thrilled with the idea, according to Farm & Ranch.
Excessive crop damage in some parts of Nebraska has state officials eyeing a new law that would allow farmers to harvest surplus deer one week in advance of the state’s regular firearms season. (photo by Daniel Schmidt)
According to Farm & Ranch, the proposal would create special permits for landowners to hunt deer up to a week before the official firearm hunting season starts, if they open at least half of their land to hunters during the regular season.
The idea arose from two related trends: a rising deer population in some areas of the state and a decline in land that’s available to hunters. Farmers who allow hunting on their property are increasingly selling exclusive access to wealthy hunters who pay thousands of dollars so they can bag a trophy buck.
