New low-cost beginning hunter licenses welcome

Anyone who drives through Southwest Nebraska regularly probably hopes deer hunters for the upcoming season are successful, or that they will at list thin down the deer population enough to keep them off the highways.

According to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, 3,080 deer-motor vehicle accidents were reported in 2008, about the normal number reported in a year.

Deer are far and away the animal most commonly hit by cars and trucks, at least the ones that cause enough damage to be reported to authorities. In contrast, only 270 cows and 28 horses were struck by vehicles.

One sharp-eyed reader called to complain that our recent hunting guide included a small photo of a deer that may have been emaciated by chronic wasting disease, another reason to hope the deer population is thinned down. That disease is believed to be spread from animal to animal forced into crowded conditions.

The state Game and Parks Commission reports there are still plenty of permits remaining for the season, which begins Nov. 14 and runs through Nov. 22.

The availability reflects a trend of declining numbers of hunters, an issue the commissioners recently addressed by approving new low-cost youth permits.

It's quite a bargain.

The current prices are $29 for resident and $208 for nonresident deer, $29 and $149.50 for antelope, $23 and $90 for turkey for hunters of all ages. Now, youth under age 16 will be able to obtain deer, antelope or turkey permits for $5.

Caring parents are always looking for some way to connect with their children, and there's nothing like hunting trip to cement bonds between a parent and child -- more and more moms and daughters have discovered the joy of a traditionally masculine activity.

Of course, taking to the field in search of big game is a serious activity for which careful preparations must be made.

Especially with both deer and turkey hunters in the field, it's important that the proper amount of hunter orange -- 400 square inches on the head, chest and back -- be worn. A regulation new for 2009 allows archery and shotgun turkey hunting during the November firearm deer season.

It's also important to get permission, and avoid hunting from a road or right-of-way, whether in a vehicle or not.

When hunting during the November firearm deer season, the following must be accompanied by a licensed person age 19 or older:

* Deer hunters age 15 or younger.

* Youth age 11 and younger hunting turkey with a firearm.

* Hunters holding an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate.

Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas are blessed with amazing outdoor opportunities, and it's a shame if we don't take advantage of them. The new low-cost youth hunting permits will help.