Plus, permits for hunting in the state are more affordable compared to some other states. Located in the heart of the country, most hunters can travel to Nebraska more cost-effectively than to other destination states for big game hunts.
What information do you need to plan your Nebraska hunting seasons? Keep reading for an overview of the state's season dates, bag limits, hunting license information, and more. We'll also help you scout and find the best public hunt areas (or private land) for a successful hunt.
Updated March 31, 2026
When Can I Hunt in Nebraska?
Note that the season information we provide here is the latest available from the Nebraska Game & Parks Department (NGP). We'll continue updating this guide with new season information as it becomes available.
We also recommend confirming the latest bag limits, season dates, and additional details with the state's official resources to catch information that could have changed before heading out for a hunt.
Nebraska Hunting Season Dates | |
|---|---|
Nebraska Deer Hunting Season
| TurkeySpring
Fall
|
Elk
| Upland Birds
|
Webless Migratory Birds
| Small Game
|
Waterfowl
Youth, Veteran, & Active Duty Military Waterfowl
| Antelope
|
Bighorn Sheep
| CoyoteOpen year-round |
For more information about season dates for these species and others not mentioned here, check the various state hunting guides provided by the NGP.
What are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Nebraska?
How many deer, turkeys, or pheasants can you bring home this year? To comply with the rules for the Nebraska hunting seasons, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you hunt.
Nebraska Hunting Season Bag Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | 2 permits allowing the harvest of 1 buck per year. No antlerless permit limits (beyond quotas). Bag limits vary based on permits and quotas. | Turkey | 1 male or bearded per permit per day (spring), 1 either-sex (fall) |
| Elk | 1 permit per year | Quail | 6 per day (24 in possession) |
| Antelope | 1 permit per year | Prairie Grouse | 3 per day (3 in possession in aggregate) |
| Bighorn Sheep | 1 per permit | Partridge | 3 per day (12 in possession in aggregate) |
| Dark Goose | 5 per day (15 in possession) | Dove (Mourning, White-winged, Eurasian Collared) | 15 per day (45 in aggregate) |
| Light Goose | Regular Season: 50 per day (no possession limit) Conservation Order: no limits | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| September Teal | 6 per day (18 in possession) | Rail | 10 per day (30 in possession in aggregate) |
| Ducks & Coots | Tier 1: 6 per day with restrictions (3x daily in possession) Tier 2: 3 any species, any sex per day (3x daily in possession) | Woodcock | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Pheasant | 3 per day (12 in possession) | Squirrel (Fox & Easter Gray) | 7 per day (28 in possession in aggregate) |
| Coyote | No limits | Cottontail (Eastern & Desert) | 7 per day (8 in possession in aggregate) |
| Jackrabbit (Black-tailed & White-tailed) | 4 per day (16 in possession in aggregate) | ||
What Do I Need to Know About Nebraska Hunting Regulations?
If you are a hunter between the ages of 12 and 29, you must pass a hunter education course before hunting with a firearm or airgun.
With proof of your hunter education certification, you can purchase the hunting permit (or license) you need based on the animals you plan to hunt. Costs and licenses vary based on what and how you plan to hunt.
You can purchase a license through the Go Outdoors NE online system. You'll have the option of buying a "recreational user" license or a "commercial hobbyist user."
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Nebraska?
Nebraska is a great "hodgepodge" of species available for hunting. Hunters can have a very busy year when hunting in the Cornhusker State.
Plus, the gorgeous landscapes throughout the state mean your days in the field will be beautiful while you hunt. From big game like deer, antelope, and elk to small game and waterfowl, living in Nebraska or traveling to the state to hunt is a worthwhile adventure.
Where Should I Hunt?
The state offers 1.3 million acres of public land for hunting. The Public Access Atlas shows hunters where to hunt on federal, state, and conservation partner lands in Nebraska. Hunters can also hunt in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
Additionally, the Open Fields and Waters program makes private lands available for hunting and fishing. Just make sure you understand when, where, and the rules of hunting land (private and public) before planning your hunt.
Whether you hunt on private or public lands, HuntWise helps you scout land to find the best hunt areas for every hunt. Our hunting app shows land boundary lines and landowner contact information. You can also use multiple map layers (including 3-D views) to help you visualize various hunt areas and then mark things of interest with in-app markers.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
Whether you're excited about the Nebraska deer hunting season or you're planning your annual pheasant hunt with friends or family, you need the right gear! Successful hunts require the right clothing (especially for those cold weather hunts during later seasons), good binoculars or a scope for glassing, and the right tree stand gear.
Experience Your Most Successful Nebraska Hunting Seasons with HuntWise
We hope the information in this guide helps you plan the upcoming Nebraska hunting seasons! Be sure to also check the state's resources for the latest information.
Don't start planning without downloading the HuntWise hunting app! With many, many map layers (including LiDAR) and 3-D imaging, plus forecasting features for weather animal movement, you have the best advantage over other hunters to plan your hunts.
Plus, Pro and Elite subscribers get access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of animal activity and weather forecasting and exclusive access to our FieldGuide+ video collections from the pros.
Content most recently reviewed and updated for recency and the latest season dates March 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to some of the top questions about the Nebraska hunting seasons!
Q: What animals can you hunt year-round in Nebraska?
A: Nebraska allows year-round hunting of certain nongame species such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, porcupines, and coyotes (with no closed season in most areas). Always check current regulations from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, as local restrictions may apply.
Q: Does Nebraska have over-the-counter non-resident deer tags?
A: Yes, Nebraska offers over-the-counter (OTC) non-resident deer permits for many units and seasons, including archery and some firearm options, subject to availability and unit quotas.
Q: Can you bait deer in Nebraska on private land?
A: Yes, baiting deer is legal on private land in Nebraska, except in areas where restrictions are in place due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management rules. Always verify current zone regulations before hunting.
Q: Can you shoot 2 bucks in Nebraska?
A: Generally, no, you can't shoot two bucks in Nebraska. Most Nebraska deer permits allow the harvest of one antlered (buck) deer per year. Hunters may purchase additional antlerless permits, but taking two bucks in the same year is typically not allowed.
Q: Can you carry a sidearm while hunting in Nebraska?
A: Yes, hunters may carry a sidearm while hunting, provided they comply with Nebraska firearm laws and the weapon is legal for the season and method of take.
Q: Is a salt block considered baiting in Nebraska?
A: Yes, salt blocks and mineral supplements are considered bait. In areas where baiting is restricted (such as certain CWD management zones), using a salt block for deer would be illegal.
