<p>Nebraska’s ecosystems and wildlife are among the most diverse in United States. From mule deer in the Nebraska Sandhills in the north, to big horn sheep in the Wildcat Hills in the west, to bass and sunfish in the eastern lakes, and dozens of different waterfowl species that migrate along the Platte River.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nebraska wildlife attracts thousands of hunters, anglers, and admirers each year, generating millions of dollars for conservation and the Nebraska economy, according to Chris Chizinski, associate professor in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Chizinski focuses on understanding ways people interact with the outdoors and the impact this interaction has on wildlife. He studies why the interactions between wildlife and people are important, with strong implications for rural economies in Nebraska, and what could happen if these interactions no longer existed.</p>
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<p><b>Hunting and Fishing Reel in Big Bucks</b></p>
<p>Most of the funding state agencies use to manage fish and wildlife come from wildlife-based recreation like hunting and fishing, according to Chizinski. The money that outdoorsmen spend on their sport directly benefits Nebraska’s short-term economic gain and long-term conservation. Chizinski said there are various ways &nbsp;funding is gained.</p>
<p>First, when hunters buy guns, ammunition, and other hunting equipment (or fishing equipment), an 11% excise tax (a tax collected when certain goods are purchased) is reimbursed from the federal government to the state government for conservation and management of the state’s fisheries, wildlife, and habitat. Without this money, Chizinski said there would little funding for wildlife and habitat conservation in Nebraska.</p>
<p>Second, hunters and fishermen are required to purchase state permits to engage in their sport. Chizinski said the purchase of permits also helps fund the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, habitat protection, research and education, and public access for fishing and boating. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission protects fish, wildlife, parks, and outdoor recreation resources in Nebraska with long-term sustainability in mind.</p>
<p>Finally, waterfowl hunters are also required to purchase the federal duck stamp (a conservation revenue stamp). The stamp is one of the most effective conservation purchases a wildlife enthusiast can make to support birds and other wildlife in Nebraska because it goes directly to conservation. While duck hunters are required to purchase the stamp, other wildlife lovers are encouraged to purchase this stamp because of the large impact aiding habitat and Nebraska’s economy. Chizinski said the duck stamp is $25 where approximately $24.50 is used to conserve Nebraska wetlands.</p>
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<p><b>Keeping Small Towns Vibrant</b></p>
<p>Beyond the monetary value to the state, Chizinski said that hunting and fishing serve as an economic lifeline for small, rural towns across the state. These towns depend on hunting and fishing ecotourism as a source of income to keep small businesses open throughout the year.</p>
<p>“In Nebraska, billions of dollars come from hunting and fishing in year, which in part, is spent in small towns for food and lodging,” Chizinski said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hunting and fishing seasons bring in hundreds of nonresidents to local cafes, gas stations, hotels, and small businesses, and serve as a vital revenue source for rural towns. Without the nonresident spending, many small-town businesses would struggle to stay open.</p>
<p>“It is important to keep people interested and able to participate in outdoors activities, not only to fund conservation, but also to keep small towns up and running,” Chizinski said.</p>
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<p><b>Keeping Wildlife in Check</b></p>
<p>Without the funding provided by hunters and fishermen, it would be difficult to properly manage fish and wildlife populations and likely lead to a rapid decline in habitat and wildlife. According to Chizinski, without proper management, overpopulation issues in species like deer, would lead to crop destruction, lost yields for farmers, and increased motor vehicle accidents involving wildlife.</p>
<p>Additionally, Chizinski said the spread of disease in overpopulated wildlife species becomes uncontrollable without the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission management. Much like humans, close proximity and large populations in wildlife results in rapid disease spread. These concerns could cause major economic and environmental issues making wildlife management essential to Nebraska.</p>
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<p><b>Keeping People Involved</b></p>
<p>To avoid a loss of hunters and fishermen in Nebraska, Chizinski suggests the “Three R’s” -- <i>Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation</i> of hunters and fishers.</p>
<ul>
<li><i>Recruitment: </i>bringing new people into the state</li>
<li><i>Retention:</i> keeping current hunters/fishermen active to continue hunting/fishing and purchasing licenses</li>
<li><i>Reactivation:</i> encouraging outdoorsmen who have dropped or lapsed back into the system to purchase permits</li>
</ul>
<p>One of the major challenges facing the “Three R” strategy is providing enough and diverse access to hunters and anglers. Chizinski said access includes places to hunt, people to hunt with, equipment, and knowledge. These factors make getting involved in outdoor sports challenging, expensive, and stressful.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through his research, Chizinski tackles this issue looking for ways to educate people and create opportunities to become – or stay – involved in outdoors sports.</p>
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<p><b>Current Ways to Get Involved </b><br />< b></b></p>
<p>Anyone interested in getting involved for the first time or getting back into outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, has many opportunities in Nebraska.</p>
<ol>
<li>Contact the closest Game and Parks office or visit <a href="http://www.outdoornebraska.gov">www.outdoornebraska.gov</a> to find the countless opportunities to start and connect with people who are passionate about guiding.</li>
<li>Participate in Workshops. Chizinski hosts workshops with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission teaching collegiate students how to hunt. Through these workshops, students have the opportunity to sign up for a hunt with a mentor during the spring turkey season. Opportunities like this allow students to try hunting with proper education and without pressure.</li>
<li>Join conservation organizations such as <i>Ducks Unlimited </i>or <i>Pheasants Forever</i>, and other sportsmen organizations that help interested people get and stay involved in the sport by creating a “social habitat.”&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
<p>“Being involved in the outdoors is good for the wildlife, for the sportsmen, and for the economy,” Chizinski said.</p>
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<p><b>More Information</b></p>
<p>For more information about fishing and hunting research in Nebraska or to learn how to get involved, visit fishhunt.unl.edu.</p>