Nebraskaland Magazine
LINCOLN – Individuals wanting to participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order have several changes they must be aware of when the Conservation Order opens Feb. 10 in Nebraska.
A summary of the changes:
— There are now only two hunting zones, the Rainwater Basin (formerly Zones 1 and 2) and the Prairie Zone (formerly Zone 3).
— The Conservation Order closes April 1.
— Hunting will be allowed seven days a week in the Rainwater Basin Zone during the Conservation Order. All waterfowl production areas are closed, except Harvard and Cottonwood. All wildlife management areas are open.
The buffer zone along the Platte River remains, but different sections close depending on the date
— From Feb. 10-17, it is illegal to hunt within a half-mile of the outer channel of the Platte River between Neb. Hwy. Spur L10D (Interstate 80 exit 291) and Neb. Hwy. 14.
— From Feb. 18 – March 10, it is illegal to hunt within a half-mile of the outer channel of the Platte River between Neb. Hwy. Spur L24B (I-80 exit 248) and Neb. Hwy. 14.
— From March 11 – April 1, it is illegal to hunt within 3 miles of the outer channel of the Platte River between U.S. Hwy. 281 and Neb. Hwy. 14.
There are no daily bag or possession limits. Unplugged shotguns and electronic calls are allowed.
The changes are a result of hunter feedback and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission data related to waterfowl use and nongame bird migrations.
