Located on the very east side of the state, just west of Omaha, this is a great unit to harvest some good whitetail bucks if you've got the ground to hunt. This unit doesn't have much for public ground, but there's no shortage of animals whatsoever. There are some properties in the Open Fields and Waters program that are scattered throughout the unit, but your best bet is to secure some sort of private ground prior to applying.

Good bucks are taken from this unit each year, however, your biggest hurdle is finding ground to hunt. Research prior to securing a tag is going to be key.

Most of this area is comprised of private agricultural lands, which does create access issues, but also facilitates excellent herd health and antler growth. With minimal elevation fluctuations, apart from occasional creek and river beds, navigating the unit is straightforward and effortless for hunters.

The majority of this region comprises agricultural crop lands, interspersed with scattered stands of mature hardwoods. Ground cover thrives within these wooded areas, creating prime deer habitat. Numerous creeks, rivers, and reservoirs dot the landscape.

The unit boundary is surrounded by quite a few major cities: Omaha, Aurora, Central City, Columbus, North Bend, West Lincoln and more. All provide multiple gas stations, hotels and grocery stores. Wahoo and David City are both more internal to the unit which are big enough to provide the same amenities. Lake Wanahoo and Branched Oak recreation area provide campgrounds on the eastern side of the unit, while Buckley campground sits on the western side.

Highway 92 and 34 run West to East throughout the unit, with multiple highways and country roads running north to south. Access throughout the unit will not be an issue, but the available ground to hunt, will be. There are Open Field and Water program and Conservation Partner properties that are scattered throughout the unit. So be sure to check the regs and do your research before securing tags. This area has produced an impressive number of record book bucks over the years. The top county for trophy production has been Lancaster county but this is followed closely by Cass, Colfax, Douglas, and Saunders counties as well.

For additional access, hunters can also secure a special access permit to hunt the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge which is around 8,300 acres, the Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge which is around 3,800 acres, or The Gifford Point Wilidlife Management Area which is around 1,500 acres. All of these are located on the extreme eastern border of the unit. Only 200 permits are made available for the Gifford Point WMA each year and the application period for these runs from August 1 - August 15 of each year. Applications can be submitted here.