Nebraska

Nebraska is home to five big game species: Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Elk, Antelope, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and also has opportunities for Turkey. Residents have opportunities to buy or apply for tags for each of these species but nonresidents are restricted to deer, antelope, and turkey. Mule deer and Whitetail deer will be the primary target species for most nonresidents and both over-the-counter and draw opportunities are available. The state is largely composed of private lands but hunters who are willing to research can still find some excellent public hunting opportunities.

License Costs

* Includes $6 nonrefundable application fee

** Includes $10 nonrefundable application fee

*** Includes $7 nonrefundable application fee

Important Dates

Draw System

In Nebraska, the application process for hunting permits involves bonus, preference, and random draws, varying based on the species sought. Hunters can opt to apply solely for points during the application, but each unsuccessful draw also earns a point, where applicable.

Points are applied to first choice applications and successfully drawing a tag will remove the accrued points from your account.

Deer - Deer draw permits are drawn using a true preference point system where tags are distributed to those with the highest point values. There are draw options for both resident and nonresident applicants.

Elk - Elk tags are available to residents as well as resident and nonresident landowners only. Bull permits are drawn using a bonus point system where the higher number of points you holder give you a statistically better chance of drawing. Antlerless elk permits are drawn through a random lottery that does not use points.

Antelope - Antelope draw permits are drawn using a true preference point system where tags are distributed to those with the highest point values. There are draw options for both resident and nonresident applicants.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep - Bighorn Sheep tags are only available to residents through the public lottery. All tags are drawn at random without the use of points

What is the nonresident permit allocation in Nebraska?

Nonresidents tag allocations vary depending on the tag types on Nebraska. For deer, a set number of nonresident tags are available that can then be purchased through several tag types. once the quota is met, nonresident licenses will no longer be sold. In most draw instances for both deer and antelope, nonresidents are given their own drawing pool and will not be competing against residents in the draw.

How do Buddy Applications work in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, hunters can apply as "buddies" for permit draws, where their applications are pooled together as one entry in the draw. The group's preference or bonus point level will be determined by the lowest point level among the buddies. For instance, if a group of two applies and Applicant A has 1 point while Applicant B has 4 points, the group enters the draw with 1 point. Buddy applications are capped at 6 applicants, and all members must share the same residency status.

Big game waiting periods in Nebraska

Residents may only possess one General Antlerless Elk Licenses in a 5 year period. This same rule also applies to General Bull licenses, but hunters may only harvest one bull in their lifetime. Nebraska Bighorn Sheep Lottery tags are once in a lifetime. There are no waiting periods for deer or antelope tags.

What credit cards are accepted in Nebraska?

Visa, Discover and MasterCard debit and credit cards are accepted.

Getting a Tag

There are a few ways to get tags depending on the species you are looking at

Deer - Both draw and OTC tag options are available. OTC tags are generally held to a max quota and tags will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis until the quota has been met. Nonresidents will also be held to a statewide quota in some instances.

Elk - Resident only, all tags are drawn

Antelope - Buck tags are all draw in Nebraska with the exception of Archery tags with are OTC for residents only. Nonresidents must still draw these tags. Doe/fawn tags are available on a quota system over-the-counter.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep - This tag is resident only and must be drawn

Turkey - Spring turkey licenses are sold on a quota system over-the-counter but fall licenses are unlimited.

Youth hunting opportunities in Nebraska

Nebraska offers several youth hunting opportunities depending on the species you are interested in. Youth tags are very cheap in Nebraska and this can be an excellent state to consider for a great adventure!

Deer - Special youth only permits are available for deer that are over-the-counter and sold in unlimited quantities. One tag allows the taking of either mule deer or whitetail deer statewide, with the exception of a few units being closed to mule deer harvest to nonresidents, along with a whitetail only statewide license. These permits are season choice and tag holders can hunt any open season including archery, muzzleloader, and rifle.

Antelope - A special youth only archery permit is available and is sold in unlimited quantities.

Turkey - Youth only seasons are also available for both Spring and Fall turkey seasons.

Can I return a hunting permit in Nebraska?

Hunting permits are not transferable, refundable and cannot be exchanged for another.

Hunting Rules

What is the minimum age to hunt in Nebraska?

The minimum age to hunt deer in Nebraska is 10 years old while the minimum age for antelope, elk, and bighorn sheep is 12. There is no minimum age to hunt turkeys.

What are the hunter's education requirements in Nebraska?

Hunter's education is required in Nebraska for all hunters between the ages of 12 years and 29 years old.

What are the bowhunter's education requirements in Nebraska?

Bowhunters education is required for all hunters ages 12 to 29 who wish to hunt with a bow and arrow.

Is hunters orange required in Nebraska?

Hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of hunters orange on their head, chest, and back when hunting any of the following:

What weapons are legal to hunt with in Nebraska?

Before hunting in Nebraska hunters should be aware of what weapons are legal for the seasons they may be hunting . Some of these do vary by species so being well aware of these will be important.

All Species Archery - Longbow, recurve, compound, and crossbows are all legal but crossbows must have a 125 pound minimum draw weight, must be non-electronic, and must be shoulder fired. Hand thrown spears are also legal. Arrows and spears must have a sharpened hunting head with at least 7/16" radius from the center of the arrow shaft.

Deer and Antelope Muzzleloader - Muzzleloader handguns must be capable of delivering 400 foot-pounds of energy at 50 yards. Muzzleloader rifles must be 44 caliber or larger while muskets must be 62 caliber or larger and fire a single slug. Breech loading (powder or bullet) muzzleloaders are not legal during the muzzleloader season. Magnifying and variable power scopes are allowed to hunt big game.

Deer and Antelope Firearm - Rifles must be at 22 caliber and deliver at least 900 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards. Handguns must deliver 400 foot-pounds of energy at 50 yards. Shotguns can also be used but must be 20 gauge or larger firing a single slug. Semiautomatics may hold no more than six cartridges. Magnifying and variable power scopes are allowed to hunt big game.

Elk and Bighorn Sheep Muzzleloader and Firearm - Rifles must be at least 25 caliber delivering at least 1,700 foot-pounds of energy at 100 yards. Muzzleloader rifles must be 45 caliber or larger.