Nebraska Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Nebraska hunting season offers a variety of opportunities for hunters of all levels. From white-tailed deer and pheasant to wild turkey and mourning dove, there is something for everyone. The state has two main hunting seasons – the fall general season, which runs from October through January, and the spring turkey season, which runs from March through May. During these times, the state is divided into zones and hunting regulations are determined for each zone. Hunting permits must be obtained prior to taking part in any hunt, and safety requirements must be followed at all times. Nebraska also offers a variety of other types of hunting activities such as archery, small game, furbearer trapping, and more. With its diverse hunting options and landscapes, Nebraska is an ideal location for both novice and experienced hunters alike. Whether you’re looking to hunt alone or with a group of friends, there is something for everyone in Nebraska’s hunting season.
Nebraska Antelope Seasons
| Antelope Archery Season | Aug. 20 – Dec. 31 |
| Antelope Muzzleloader Season | Sept. 17 – Oct. 2 |
| Antelope Firearms Season | Oct. 8 – 23 |
| Antelope November Late Doe/Fawn Season | Nov.1 – Jan. 31 |
*Nebraska has a wide range of different animals, as well as time specific hunting regulations. Make sure to check the official Outdoor Nebraska website for up to date season information.
Among Nebraska’s big game experiences, pronghorn hunting is one of the most challenging. It is possible to glass animals from a great distance and determine their horn size.
Nebraska Bighorn Sheep Seasons
| Bighorn Sheep General Season | Nov. 29-Dec. 22 |
*Nebraska has a wide range of different animals, as well as time specific hunting regulations. Make sure to check the official Outdoor Nebraska website for up to date season information.
Permits for Big Horn Sheep hunting are only available through a lottery. The hunt is one-of-a-kind because only one permit is issued. A $25 non-refundable application fee is required, and applicants must be Nebraska residents.
Nebraska Elk Seasons
| Elk Archery Bull Season | Sept. 1 – Oct. 31 |
| Elk Firearm Bull Season | Sept. 21 – Oct. 31 |
| Elk Early Antlerless Season | Aug. 1 – Oct. 31 |
| Elk Late Antlerless Season | Nov. 1 – Jan. 31 |
*Like most states, Nebraska has a variety of specific regulations that change by species. Make sure to check the official site for the updated information surrounding elk.
Nebraska Deer Seasons
| Deer Archery Season | Sept. 1-Dec. 31 |
| River Antlerless Firearm | Oct. 1 – 15 |
| Firearm | Nov. 12 – 20 |
| Special Landowner | Nov. 5 – 7 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec. 1 – 31 |
| Antlerless Late Season | Jan. 1 – 16 |
| River Antlerless Late Firearm | Jan. 1 – 31 |
| Limited Landowner | Sept. 1 – Jan. 15 |
*Like most states, Nebraska has a variety of specific regulations that change by species. Make sure to check the official site for the updated information surrounding deer.
Nebraska has arguably some of the best whitetail hunting in the country.
Nebraska Wild Turkey Seasons
| Fall General Season | Sept. 15 – Jan. 31 |
| Spring Archery | TBD |
| Spring Youth Shotgun | TBD |
| Spring Shotgun | TBD |
Nebraska Mountain Lion Seasons
| 2021 Season | Jan. 2 – Feb. 28 |
*Nebraska has a wide range of different animals, as well as time specific hunting regulations. Make sure to check the official Outdoor Nebraska website for up to date season information.
The harvest quotas and mountain lion hunts are highly regionally specific. Because harvest quotas can be filled at any time, it is necessary to confirm the season’s openness each day prior to hunting in some areas. Auctions and raffles can be used to obtain permits. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website is a good place to start for more information about mountain lion regulations.
Nebraska Small Game Seasons
| Squirrel | Aug. 1 – Jan. 31 |
| Rabbit | Sept. 1 – Feb. 28 |
| Grouse | Sept. 1 – Jan. 31 |
| Pheasant, Quail, Partridge | Oct. 29 – Jan. 1 |
*Nebraska has a wide range of different animals, as well as time specific hunting regulations. Make sure to check the official Outdoor Nebraska website for up to date season information.
Nebraska hunting season catch limits, special seasons and hunting regulations vary by animal and region. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, please visit the Nebraska Games and Parks Commission website.
Nebraska Crossbow Regulations
Crossbow Specific Regulations: Lawful archery equipment for harvesting big game, including antelope, includes shoulder-fired crossbows with a draw weight of no less than 125 pounds; deer; elk; horned sheep; turkey, and The broadhead of an arrow must be sharpened and have a cutting radius of no less than 7/16 of an inch from the center of the shaft. In the state of Nebraska, it is never permissible to use arrows that have been chemically dipped or equipped with explosives.
- It is not legal to use any artificial light or spotlight projected from a vehicle while having a crossbow on your person.
- Bow hunter education is mandatory for hunters aged 12 to 29 while using a crossbow to hunt big game. Proof of this certification must be in their possession while hunting.
Nebraska Hunting License
To legally purchase a license or permit to hunt, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate, depending on your age.
- Complete the Nebraska hunter education certification requirements.
- Choose the correct permit type.
- Buy the permit through the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission website or a Nebraska–approved vendor.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Nevada.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Montana.
