HUNTING LICENSES

A Hunting License or Permit is required in the state of Nebraska to hunt any game animal. There are a variety of permit and stamp types available depending on your age, residency status, and what type of game you plan to hunt. Some of the hunting license types in Nebraska include:   

Annual Hunt Permit

This permit type is valid from January 1st – December 32st of the year it’s purchased. It is required for all residents of Nebraska, who are 16 years of age or older in order to hunt or possess any upland game, rabbits, squirrels, doves, waterfowl, and webless migratory birds. 

Various types of annual hunt permits are available, including resident and non-residents permits, seniors or veterans permits, and fish-hunt combo permits.

Deer Permits

Deer permits are required for all residents of Nebraska who are 16 years of age or older, to hunt deer within the state. Various deer permit types may be required depending on the hunter’s age and residency status. Additional stamps may also be required. 

Elk Permits

Elk permits are required for all residents of Nebraska who are 16 years of age or older, to hunt Elk within the state. Various elk permit types may be required depending on the hunter’s age and residency status. Additional stamps may also be required. 

GAME SPECIES

Nebraska offers a wide variety of game species for all types of hunters. The state offers diverse habitats and landscapes, and a wide variety of game species available for hunters including more exotic species types such as bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope.

Game species in Nebraska are categorized as follows:

• Big game including deer, elk, turkey, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep
• Small game including partridge, dove, quail, American crow, rabbit and squirrel
• Waterfowl and other migratory game birds including multiple species of ducks and geese
• Furbearers including beaver, muskrat, bobcat, raccoon, skunk, coyotes, and woodchuck.
• Mountain Lions

NON-GAME SPECIES

Nongame species in the state of Nebraska typically include mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates which typically may not be hunted, are considered a nuisance, or are protected, endangered, or at risk. There is, unfortunately, a lengthy list of endangered, protected, and threatened species within the state including southern flying squirrel, river otter, black-footed ferret, and whooping crane, among others. For more information on nongame, and endangered species within the state visit the Nebraska Game and Parks website

INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced to the United States, including the State of Nebraska, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. Some common invasive species in Nebraska include the brown rat, Eurasian dove, European staring, in addition to various types of aquatic plants, terrestrial plants, mammals such as the Feral Hog – one of the most destructive and notable pests within the state. 

In order to protect Nebraska’s native plants and animals, invasive species must be controlled and eradicated. Anyone who encounters or suspects that they have encountered an invasive species within the state is encouraged to report the sighting so that it can be monitored and controlled. For information on how to report various types of invasive species in Nebraska neinvasives.com

PRIVATE LAND

Much of the land in Nebraska is privately owned. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner. Hunters must ensure they respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times. Trespassing on private land is Nebraska is prohibited. 

PUBLIC LAND

There are nearly 800,000 acres of public land within the state of Nebraska, much of which is open to hunting. Nearly 50,000 acres of public land-space was purchased by the state as a direct result of the Nebraska Habitat SStamp program, meaning it wouldn’t be accessible to hunters without their contributions to the program.

While public land space in Nebraska encompasses only 2% of the state’s total land access, there’s still no shortage of hunting space. Public lands that may be accessible to hunters within the state include Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), State Parks and Recreation Areas, National Forests, Federal Reservoirs, and Waterfowl Production Areas. To find a land-space open to hunting near you, use the Nebraska Public Access Interactive Atlas.

OPEN FIELDS AND WATERS PROGRAM

The Open Fields and Waters program aids in increasing hunting and fishing participating within the state of Nebraska by partnering with private landowners across the state. The program offers financial incentives to private landowners who open their lands to public use for hunters and anglers. 

The program also provides landowners with the opportunity to work with Game and Parks biologists and improve wildlife habitats across the state. So far, the program has resulted in more than 340,000 acres of land access for hunters. 

To learn more about the Open Fields and Waters Program, and to learn how to participate, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Website. 

What Are Wildlife Management Areas?

Wildlife Management Areas are lands that are managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Wildlife Division. These designated spaces are designated for the enhancements of wildlife habitats, public hunting, and trapping, and fishing however, they are also open for multiple types of recreational outdoor use including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Funding for these lands comes directly from hunters as a result of Habitats Stamp purchases, hunting permits, fishing permits, and excise taxes from hunting and fishing equipment purchases.

WMA Regulations

While access to these spaces is free, and an entry permit is not required, specific rules and regulations may apply within WMAs including restrictions on:

• Camping space and equipment size
• Dog training for hunting purposes
• Fireworks
• Motor vehicle access
•  Set-up of hunting blinds and fishing shelters
• Alcohol consumption