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NGPC: pronghorn numbers remain below peak after EHD event; permits trimmed
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Summary
NGPC staff said pronghorn indices and success rates have declined since a 2021 EHD event, prompting permit reductions and continuing monitoring of fawn production.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff reported that pronghorn population indicators and hunter success have trended lower in recent years after an epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) event in 2021.
NGPC staff said firearm-season success for pronghorn has fallen in recent years and that the agency previously increased permits around 2017 but then reduced them after the 2021 EHD event. Archery success was about 11% in the year following the EHD event and rose to about 14% the next year but remained below the 18–20% typical five to eight years earlier.
Why it matters: Lower fawn production and reduced buck numbers limit hunter opportunity and have led NGPC to scale back permits to conserve remaining pronghorn herds.
Supporting details: Staff reported reduced fawn production and lower buck indices in most areas, and said the agency reduced buck permits in recent seasons to help rebalance buck:doe ratios. NGPC said the agency will continue to track classification data, fawn-to-doe ratios and harvest indices and adjust permit levels accordingly.
What’s next: NGPC will include pronghorn classification and harvest data in the 2025 big-game recommendation book and adjust permits where needed as part of the unit-by-unit review process.
