Nebraska Hunting

Nebraska Hunting Resources

Explore the complete guide to Nebraska hunting resources, including state regulations, public hunting lands, outfitter directories, and gear recommendations for a successful hunt.

Nebraska Hunting Regulations

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) publishes an annual Hunting Guide that includes the latest rules, bag limits, and season dates for all game species in Nebraska.

Hunting Seasons Calendar

Plan your hunt with Nebraska’s official hunting seasons calendar:

  • Deer: Archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons.
  • Turkey: Spring and fall turkey hunting opportunities.
  • Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and migratory bird hunting seasons.
  • Small Game: Seasons for upland birds and furbearers.

Find the full schedule in the official Hunting Guide.

Nebraska 2025 Hunting Season

Big Game Seasons

Deer Hunting Seasons

  • Archery: Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025
  • Special Landowner: Nov. 8 – 10, 2025
  • November Firearm: Nov. 15 – 23, 2025
  • Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 – 31, 2025
  • October River Antlerless Firearm: Oct. 1 – 15, 2025
  • River Antlerless Late Firearm: Jan. 1 – 15, 2026
  • Antlerless Only Season Choice: Sept. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026
  • Limited Landowner: Sept. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026
  • Late Antlerless Only Firearm: Jan. 1 – 15, 2026

Antelope Hunting Seasons

  • Archery: Aug. 20 – Dec. 31, 2025
  • Muzzleloader: Sept. 20 – Oct. 5, 2025
  • Firearm: Oct. 11 – 26, 2025
  • November Late Doe/Fawn: Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026

Elk Hunting Seasons

  • Archery Bull: Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, 2025
  • Firearm Bull: Sept. 21 – Oct. 31, 2025
  • Early Antlerless: Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2025
  • Late Antlerless: Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026

Bighorn Sheep Hunting Seasons

  • Management Lottery Season: March 1 – 31, 2025
  • Regular Lottery Season: Dec. 2 – 22, 2025

Turkey Hunting Seasons

  • Spring Archery: March 25 – May 31, 2025
  • Spring Youth Shotgun: April 5 – May 31, 2025
  • Spring Shotgun: April 12 – May 31, 2025
  • Fall Youth Archery and Shotgun: Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2025
  • Fall Archery and Shotgun: Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2025

Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons

  • Season 1: Jan. 2 – 19, 2025 (or until harvest limits are met)
  • Auxiliary Season (with use of dogs): March 15 – 31, 2025 (if harvest limits are not met during Season 1)

Small Game Seasons

Upland Game Birds

  • Pheasant, Quail, and Partridge: Oct. 25, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
  • Prairie Grouse: Sept. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 (special permit required east of US 81)
  • Youth Pheasant, Quail, and Partridge: Oct. 18 – 19, 2025

Migratory Game Birds

  • Dove (including Mourning, White-winged, and Eurasian Collared-Doves): Sept. 1 – Oct. 30, 2025
  • Eurasian Collared-Dove (excluding Mourning and White-winged Doves): Year-round
  • Snipe: Sept. 1 – Dec. 16, 2025
  • Rail (including Virginia and Sora Rail): Sept. 1 – Nov. 9, 2025
  • Woodcock: Oct. 5 – Nov. 18, 2025
  • Crow: Oct. 12 – Dec. 12, 2025; Jan. 11 – March 13, 2026

Other Small Game

  • Squirrel: Aug. 1, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
  • Rabbit: Sept. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
  • Jackrabbit (allowed only west of US 81): Sept. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Public and Private Hunting Lands

Public Hunting Lands

Nebraska offers a variety of public hunting areas, including:

  • Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): 97,000 acres dedicated to wildlife conservation and hunting.
  • State Parks and Recreation Areas: Popular locations for upland birds, waterfowl, and deer.

Use the Public Access Atlas for detailed access points and hunting area information.

Private Land Access Programs

The Walk-In Hunting Access Program (WIHA) in Nebraska offers hunters access to private lands for hunting. Learn more about WIHA here.

Hunting Licenses and Permits

Hunters in Nebraska can purchase licenses and permits online through the NGPC’s Nebraska Game and Parks website. Available licenses include:

  • Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
  • Youth hunting licenses
  • Special deer and turkey permits
  • Waterfowl stamps and permits

Outfitters and Hunting Guides

In Nebraska, hunting guides must be licensed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Ensure that your guide is licensed and qualified before booking your hunt. For a list of licensed guides and outfitters, check the Outfitter Directory provided by NGPC.

Gear Recommendations for Nebraska Hunts

Ensure a successful hunting experience with gear suited for Nebraska’s diverse environments:

  • Clothing: Layered clothing for variable weather conditions; waterproof gear for wetlands.
  • Footwear: Insulated and waterproof boots for colder months; durable, comfortable footwear for long treks.
  • Hunting Equipment: Tree stands for deer, decoys for waterfowl, and calls for turkey hunting.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Support Nebraska’s conservation efforts by participating in the Nebraska Habitat Stamp Program, which funds habitat restoration and wildlife management. Learn more about ethical hunting practices and how you can contribute to conservation through your license fees and hunting efforts.

Hunting Tips for Nebraska

Maximize your success with these tips for hunting in Nebraska:

  • Scout public lands early to familiarize yourself with the terrain and game movement.
  • Check weather forecasts before your hunt to prepare for Nebraska’s unpredictable weather.
  • Respect private landowners’ rights and participate in programs like WIHA for additional hunting opportunities.

Plan Your Next Nebraska Hunt

Whether you’re hunting deer, turkey, or waterfowl, Nebraska offers diverse hunting opportunities across its public and private lands. Stay informed, gear up, and enjoy the adventure!