Hunting in Nebraska: 4 Invasive Species to Nebraska and Its Rules for Hunting Them

Outdoors enthusiasts hunting in Nebraska may be able to help the state control invasive species that are disruptive to native wildlife and plants.

The geographic center of the continental United States sits just 12 miles south of the Nebraska-Kansas border, making the Cornhusker State a viable destination for travelers. Those travelers aren’t always human, though. Nebraska must deal with invasive species that threaten native wildlife and plant life, and the state has policies to quell them.

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“Invasive species cost the Midwest millions of dollars in damages and management efforts each year,” said Karie Decker, the state’s Invasive Species Project coordinator, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Sportsmen, perhaps more than any other group, are uniquely positioned to expand and promote the fight against invasive species.”

Here are four invasive species to Nebraska and the rules for hunting them.

1. Feral Hogs
Feral hogs are not native to the United States, according to the Nebraska Invasive Species Program. They were brought by European settlers, and interbreeding between certain types of hogs and boars has produced different types of hogs. They cause destruction of habitat and agriculture commodities, and they root and trample to feed, which destroys crops and wildlife habitat.

Although the feral hogs are a problem, Nebraska doesn’t allow hunters to take these animals.

“States have found that using a public hunting season is not a good way to control populations because it can cause increased release of hogs for hunting purposes,” the website said. “Resource agencies commonly use baiting and trapping and sniper hunting for population control.”

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2. Eurasian Collared Doves
The Eurasian collared dove is found throughout the state, according to ISP, and came originally from the Bahamas. They tend to chase off other birds and carry the parasite Trichomonas gallinae. According to Nebraska Game and Parks, the Eurasian collared dove may be hunted from the end of October through August statewide. Daily aggregate bag limits are 15, while the limit for possession is 45. Shooting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

3. Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons)
The rock dove, also known as a feral pigeon, is listed as an invasive species by ISP. According to the NGPC, they are unprotected, which means that hunters do not need to take any extra precautions. The University of Nebraska Lincoln said feral pigeons can live three to five years in the wild and can carry Psittacosis.

4. European Starling
The European starling is considered a pest because of its penchant for eating high-protein supplements that are used in livestock feed. They also carry the fungal respiratory disease histoplasmosis. Just like rock doves, they are unprotected, and hunters do not need to obey any special rules except for statewide general hunting rules. According to the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, these birds are a concern because they can carry disease to livestock facilities.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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