LINCOLN – This fall the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Nebraska will begin a three-year survey of hunters who use public lands in Nebraska.

Beginning Sept. 1, hunters at wildlife management areas or private lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters program may be approached by UNL researchers or Game and Park staff, who will ask a series of questions about their hunting experiences. Game and Parks will use insights gained from the surveys to improve opportunities and access on existing public hunting lands, as well as to help guide future land purchases. Hunters’ participation in the survey is voluntary, but they are encouraged to share their experiences and opinions.

“Hunters are important conservation partners, and we want to ensure that they have ample hunting opportunities in Nebraska,” said Karie Decker, assistant wildlife division administrator for Game and Parks. “Learning more about how hunters use and perceive public lands is a critical component of making sure our hunters have quality places to hunt.”

The research is funded by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Grant administered by Game and Parks. More information on the project is available at FishHunt.unl.edu.