The firearm deer season in Nebraska ended last Sunday, November 24th and the number of deer killed by hunters continued a two-year trend of lower numbers.

The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department is the check station in Falls City and this year only 217 deer were tagged during the 9-day rifle season.  164 Bucks were killed and 53 Does.  During an average year about 500 deer are checked in at Falls City.

Glen Hogue at Hogie’s Gun and Sport in Auburn checked in 289 deer this year.  That was 80 fewer than last year and well below the average of around 500 per year.

At the Little Brown Jug in Pawnee City 322 deer were checked in.  That is more than 100 fewer than last year and well below an average year when 6-700 deer are checked in at Pawnee City.

There is no doubt there are fewer deer.  Reasons for fewer deer include the 2011 flood and the drought that followed, both of which affected the area deer herds.  Glen Hogue said deer sickness and some hunters just deciding not to hunt because of the lower numbers this year all contributed to the lower total of deer killed. 

Ralph Gilkerson with the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department said Conservation Department officials he talked with estimated it could take four to five years for the deer herds to build back up.

Hunters and Nebraska landowners are invited to meetings throughout the state to discuss deer-related issues.

Biologists with the Game and Parks Commission will take questions about deer management, deer damage, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases during the meetings.

The nearest meeting will be at the Game and Parks headquarters in Lincoln on December 11th.