Nebraska Hunting Info 2025-2026 – Season Dates & Permit Requirements
Nebraska offers some of the most diverse and rewarding hunting opportunities in the Midwest. With its varied terrain from the eastern woodlands to the western plains, outdoors enthusiasts can pursue everything from majestic big game to challenging upland birds and waterfowl. This comprehensive guide covers all the essentials for your Nebraska expedition – from season dates and licensing requirements to wildlife management zones and special regulations.
Nebraska Hunting Season Overview
Nebraska’s abundant wildlife populations and generous season lengths make it a premier destination for both resident and non-resident sportsmen. The state carefully manages its resources through scientifically-based regulations that ensure sustainable wildlife populations while maximizing recreational opportunities. Whether you’re after trophy whitetails in the river bottoms or pursuing prairie grouse in the sandhills, the Cornhusker State delivers exceptional field experiences.
2025-2026 Nebraska Hunting Seasons: Key Dates Table
| Species | Season | Dates | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Fall | Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025 | Bow |
| Deer (Firearm) | Fall | Nov. 15 – 23, 2025 | Rifle |
| Turkey (Spring) | Spring | Mar. 25 – May 31, 2025 | Archery/Shotgun |
| Turkey (Fall) | Fall | Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2025 | Archery/Shotgun |
| Pheasant | Fall/Winter | Oct. 25, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | Shotgun |
| Quail | Fall/Winter | Oct. 25, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | Shotgun |
| Waterfowl | Fall/Winter | Varies by zone (Oct-Feb) | Shotgun |
| Elk | Fall | Varies by permit type (Aug-Jan) | Various |
| Antelope | Fall | Varies by permit type (Aug-Jan) | Various |
Note: All 2025-2026 season dates are tentative until approved by the Commission.
🦌 Big Game Seasons: Archery & Rifle
Deer Seasons
Nebraska offers multiple deer hunting opportunities with different seasons and methods:
- Archery: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- November Firearm: November 15 – 23, 2025
- Muzzleloader: December 1 – 31, 2025
- Special Landowner: November 8 – 10, 2025
- Antlerless Seasons:
- October River Antlerless: October 1 – 15, 2025
- River Antlerless Late: January 1 – 15, 2026
- Late Antlerless Only: January 1 – 15, 2026
- Antlerless Only Season Choice: September 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
- Limited Landowner: September 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Nebraska’s deer management units provide varied terrain and hunting conditions. Most deer permits are available through a draw system, though some can be purchased over-the-counter. The firearm season begins the third Saturday in November (November 15), which is the Saturday closest to November 13.
Antelope (Pronghorn) Seasons
- Archery: August 20 – December 31, 2025
- Muzzleloader: September 20 – October 5, 2025
- Firearm: October 11 – 26, 2025
- November Late Doe/Fawn: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Pronghorn hunting in Nebraska primarily occurs in the western portion of the state. Permits are limited and allocated through a drawing system.
Elk Seasons
- Archery Bull: September 1 – October 31, 2025
- Firearm Bull: September 21 – October 31, 2025
- Early Antlerless: August 1 – October 31, 2025
- Late Antlerless: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Elk permits are highly coveted and available through a limited draw. Nebraska’s elk populations are primarily found in the northwestern part of the state.
Bighorn Sheep
For the fortunate few who draw a tag, bighorn sheep seasons run:
- Management Lottery: March 1 – 31, 2025
- Regular Lottery: December 2 – 22, 2025
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth
Spring Turkey
- Archery: March 25 – May 31, 2025
- Youth Shotgun: April 5 – May 31, 2025
- Regular Shotgun: April 12 – May 31, 2025
Fall Turkey
- Youth Archery and Shotgun: October 1 – November 30, 2025
- Regular Archery and Shotgun: October 1 – November 30, 2025
Important Reminders:
- Hunters may purchase up to two spring permits
- Only one turkey may be harvested per calendar day during spring season
- Limit of one fall permit per hunter
- All turkey harvests must be reported via Telecheck
Nebraska’s turkey population has thrived in recent years, providing exceptional opportunities throughout the state. The diverse habitat supports healthy numbers of birds in nearly all counties.
🦊 Furbearers Seasons
Nebraska offers various furbearer opportunities with specific seasons:
- Muskrat, Beaver: (Trap only) November 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Badger, Mink: (Hunt and trap) November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Bobcat: (Hunt and trap) December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Raccoon, Virginia Opossum:
- Hunt only: September 1 – October 31, 2025
- Hunt and trap: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Striped Skunk: Hunt and trap year-round
- Red Fox, Gray Fox: Hunt and trap November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- River Otter: (Trap only) November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (limit one per season)
Additionally, nongame species including coyotes, porcupines, prairie dogs, and woodchucks may be hunted statewide, year-round with no bag or possession limits. Residents don’t need a permit for these species, but non-residents require a hunt (small game) permit.
🐦 Other Small Game Seasons
Upland Birds
- Pheasant, Quail, and Partridge: October 25, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Youth Pheasant, Quail, and Partridge: October 18 – 19, 2025
- Prairie Grouse: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (special permit required east of U.S. 81)
Nebraska has earned its reputation as a top destination for upland bird expeditions. The western and central regions offer particularly strong pheasant populations in suitable habitat areas.
Webless Migratory Birds
- Dove (Mourning, White-winged, Eurasian collared): September 1 – October 30, 2025
- Eurasian Collared-Dove (specifically): Year-round
- Snipe: September 1 – December 16, 2024
- Rail (Virginia and Sora): September 1 – November 9, 2024
- Woodcock: October 5 – November 18, 2024
- Crow: October 12 – December 12, 2024; January 11 – March 13, 2025
Other Small Game
- Squirrel: August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Cottontail: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Jackrabbit: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (allowed west of U.S. 81 only)
These small game opportunities provide excellent entry-level hunting experiences and extend field time throughout much of the year.
🦆 Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons vary by species and zone. Here’s a brief overview:
Dark Goose
- North Central Unit: October 5, 2024 – January 17, 2025
- Platte River and Niobrara Units: October 28, 2024 – February 9, 2025
- Daily bag limit: 5; possession limit: 15
White-fronted Goose
- Statewide: October 12 – December 22, 2024; January 25 – February 9, 2025
- Daily bag limit: 2; possession limit: 6
Light Goose
- Statewide: October 12, 2024 – January 8, 2025; January 25 – February 9, 2025
- Daily bag limit: 50; possession limit: none
Duck Seasons
- Zone 1-4 with varying dates from early October through late January
- Daily bag limits vary based on tier system
Nebraska’s Platte River and Rainwater Basin provide world-class waterfowl hunting opportunities during migration periods. Local knowledge and scouting are key to success in these areas.
🗺️ Nebraska Hunting Zones Map
Nebraska is divided into multiple wildlife management units for different game species. These zones help manage wildlife populations based on habitat types and population densities. For detailed maps of these zones, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Official Website.
🎟️ License Details & Requirements
Nebraska hunting requires appropriate permits based on residency status and target species:
Resident Permits:
- Annual hunting permit
- Habitat stamp (required for most hunting)
- Species-specific permits (deer, turkey, etc.)
- Lifetime hunting options available
Non-Resident Permits:
- Annual hunting permit (higher fee than resident)
- Habitat stamp
- Species-specific permits
- Multi-day options for brief visits
Youth Options:
- Reduced fees for hunters under 16
- Special youth seasons with adult supervision
- Hunter education requirements for ages 12-29
All permits can be purchased online through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or through authorized vendors throughout the state.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I need to apply for big game tags in Nebraska?
A: Application periods vary by species. For most big game, applications open in spring and early summer. Check the Nebraska Game and Parks Application & Draw Dates page for specific deadlines.
Q: Where can I hunt in Nebraska if I don’t own land?
A: Nebraska offers over 300,000 acres of publicly accessible lands including Wildlife Management Areas, Open Fields and Waters properties, and federal lands. The Public Access Atlas provides detailed maps of these areas.
Q: Is night hunting allowed in Nebraska?
A: Night hunting is permitted for some species like raccoons and opossums. However, big game and most small game hunting is restricted to 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
Q: How many deer can I harvest in Nebraska?
A: This depends on the permits you hold. Multiple permits can be obtained, especially for antlerless deer in areas needing population control.
Related Resources
For more detailed information about hunting in Nebraska and nationwide, check out these related pages:
- Deer Hunting Guide
- South Dakota Hunting Seasons
- Iowa Hunting Seasons
- Kansas Hunting Seasons
Conclusion: Your Nebraska Adventure Awaits
Nebraska’s diverse landscape creates exceptional opportunities for field adventures throughout the year. From the exciting bugle of elk in the Pine Ridge to the flush of a covey of quail in the southeast, the state offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
Before heading afield, always double-check the precise zone boundaries for your target species and verify your tag requirements. Wildlife regulations can change annually as part of scientific management programs. By staying informed and prepared, you’ll maximize your chances for a successful and memorable outing in Nebraska’s beautiful outdoors.
