Nebraska Hunting Season 2023-2024 [Important Guide]

Get ready for the thrill of the hunt! Hunting season 2023-2024 is finally here and it’s time to gear up for a successful hunt. If you’re a Nebraskan, you know the excitement of opening day of deer season. It’s a chance to bond with loved ones, enjoy the great outdoors, and maybe even bring home some fresh meat. But before you head out, make sure you know the rules and regulations by getting yourself a good hunting guide. Don’t let a lack of preparation spoil your hunting adventure!

As you prepare for Nebraska’s hunting season, keep this in mind:

1. Know the limits of the hunting area.

2. Get a hunting license for the species you want to hunt.

3. Select the correct hunting gear.

4. Understand Hunter Safety Zone laws.

5. Learn the bag limitations for your hunting location.

6. Learn how to field dress and transport your game.

Following these easy hunting guidelines can help guarantee a safe and successful hunting season for yourself and others. Get outside and appreciate nature!

Nebraska Hunting Season

Our goal was to simplify Nebraska hunting seasons for 2023-2024. Get to know season dates, restrictions, bag limits, licensing requirements, and valuable resources.

Hunting seasons Nebraska
Hunting seasons Nebraska

Deer Season

Nebraska Deer SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
ArcheryFriday, September 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
Special LandownerSaturday, November 04, 2023Monday, November 06, 2023
November FirearmSaturday, November 11, 2023Sunday, November 19, 2023
MuzzleloaderFriday, December 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
October River Antlerless FirearmSunday, October 01, 2023Sunday, October 15, 2023
River Antlerless Late FirearmMonday, January 01, 2024Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Antlerless Only Season ChoiceFriday, September 01, 2023Monday, January 15, 2024
Limited LandownerFriday, September 01, 2023Monday, January 15, 2024
Late Antlerless Only FirearmMonday, January 01, 2024Monday, January 15, 2024

Antelope Season

Nebraska Antelope SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
ArcherySunday, August 20, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023
MuzzleloaderSaturday, September 16, 2023Sunday, October 01, 2023
FirearmSaturday, October 14, 2023Sunday, October 29, 2023
November late doe/fawnWednesday, November 01, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Elk Season

Nebraska Elk SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Archery bullFriday, September 01, 2023Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Firearm bullThursday, September 21, 2023Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Early AntlerlessTuesday, August 01, 2023Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Late AntlerlessWednesday, November 01, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Bighorn Sheep

Nebraska Bighorn Sheep SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Bighorn SheepTuesday, November 28, 2023Friday, December 22, 2023

Mountain Lion

Since two female mountain lions were taken in January of 2023, the season is presently stopped in the Pine Ridge region. Applications for lottery permits for the next hunting season will be accepted from November through December, with a limit of one application per person per year. The season will allow for a harvest of up to 4 lions (including up to 2 females), and will close once the limit is met. The harvest will take place in the Pine Ridge Unit and on public lands. If the limit has not been reached by the end of February, a limited number of unsuccessful permittees will be able to hunt with the aid of dogs during an auxiliary season in from March 11-31, 2023 or until the harvest limit is met.

Turkey Season

Nebraska Turkey SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Fall Youth Archery and ShotgunThursday, September 15, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Fall Archery and ShotgunThursday, September 15, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Spring ArcherySaturday, March 25, 2023Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Spring Youth ShotgunSaturday, April 08, 2023Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Spring ShotgunSaturday, April 15, 2023Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Pheasant Season

Nebraska Pheasant SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Pheasant SeasonSaturday, October 28, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Youth pheasantSaturday, October 21, 2023Sunday, October 22, 2023

Quail Season

Nebraska Quail SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
QuailSaturday, October 28, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Youth QuailSaturday, October 21, 2023Sunday, October 22, 2023

Partridge Season

Nebraska Partridge SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Partridge SeasonSaturday, October 28, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Youth Partridge SeasonSaturday, October 21, 2023Sunday, October 22, 2023

Grouse Season

Nebraska Grouse SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Prairie GrouseFriday, September 01, 2023Wednesday, January 31, 2024Special permit needed east of U.S. 81

Migratory Bird Season

Nebraska Migratory Bird SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian collared-doves (in aggregate)Thursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, October 30, 2022
Eurasian collared-dove (only)Year-RoundYear-Round
SnipeThursday, September 01, 2022Friday, December 16, 2022
Virginia and sora railThursday, September 01, 2022Wednesday, November 09, 2022
WoodcockSaturday, October 08, 2022Monday, November 21, 2022
CrowSaturday, October 15, 2022Thursday, December 15, 2022
CrowFriday, January 13, 2023Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Squirrel Season

Nebraska Squirrel SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
SquirrelMonday, August 01, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Rabbit Season

Nebraska Rabbit SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
CottontailThursday, September 01, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023
JackrabbitThursday, September 01, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023Allowed west of US 81 only

Goose Season

Nebraska Goose SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateBag Limit
Dark Goose (North central unit)Saturday, October 01, 2022Friday, January 13, 2023A daily bag limit of 5 and possession limit of 3 times the daily bag limit
Dark Goose (Platte River unit)Friday, October 28, 2022Thursday, February 09, 2023A daily bag limit of 5 and possession limit of 3 times the daily bag limit
Dark Goose (Niobrara unit)Friday, October 28, 2022Thursday, February 09, 2023A daily bag limit of 5 and possession limit of 3 times the daily bag limit
White-fronted Goose (Statewide)Saturday, October 01, 2022Sunday, December 11, 2022A daily bag limit of 2 and possession limit of 3 times the daily bag limit
White-fronted Goose (Statewide)Wednesday, January 25, 2023Thursday, February 09, 2023A daily bag limit of 2 and possession limit of 3 times the daily bag limit
Light Goose (Statewide)Saturday, October 01, 2022Wednesday, December 28, 2022A daily bag limit of 50
Light Goose (Statewide)Wednesday, January 25, 2023Thursday, February 09, 2023A daily bag limit of 50
Light Goose Conservation Order* (East zone)Friday, February 10, 2023Saturday, April 15, 2023None
Light Goose Conservation Order* (West zone)Friday, February 10, 2023Wednesday, April 05, 2023None
Light Goose Conservation Order* (Rainwater basin zone)Friday, February 10, 2023Wednesday, April 05, 2023None

Teal Season

Nebraska Teal SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Early teal (Low plains)3-Sep18-Sep
Early Teal (High plains)3-Sep11-Sep

Duck & Coot Season

Nebraska Duck & Coot SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Duck & Coot (Zone 1)Saturday, October 15, 2022Tuesday, December 27, 2022Tier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex). A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit.
Duck & Coot (Zone 2) (Low Plains)Saturday, October 01, 2022Tuesday, December 13, 2022Tier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex). A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit.
Duck & Coot (High Plains)Saturday, October 01, 2022Tuesday, December 13, 2022Tier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex). A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit.
Duck & Coot (High Plains)Jan 4 – 2023Wednesday, January 25, 2023Tier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex). A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit.
Duck & Coot (Zone 2)Saturday, October 22, 2022Tuesday, January 03, 2023Tier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex). A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit.
Duck & Coot (Zone 3)Wednesday, January 04, 2023Wednesday, January 25, 2023Tier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex). A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit.
Duck & Coot ( (Zone 4)Saturday, October 22, 2022Tuesday, January 03, 2023Tier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex). A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit.

Youth Duck & Coot Season

Nebraska Youth Duck & Coot SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Youth (Zone 1)8-Oct9-OctTier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex) A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit
Youth (Zone 2)24-Sep25-SepTier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex) A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit
Youth (Zone 3)15-Oct16-OctTier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex) A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit
Youth (Zone 4)15-Oct16-OctTier 1 Bag limit of 6 ducks (with restrictions) and Tier 2 A bag limit of 3 ducks (any species, any sex) A Possession Limit of 3 times daily bag limit

Falconry Season

Nebraska Falconry SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Zone 1Dates that coincide with those of the normal, youth, and teal duck seasons, plus 25 February - 10 March
Zone 2 (Low Plains)Saturday, February 25, 2023Friday, March 10, 2023
Zone 2 (High Plains)To coincide with all High Plains Zone duck seasons
Zone 3 (Low Plains)Saturday, February 25, 2023Friday, March 10, 2023
Zone 3 (High Plains)To coincide with all High Plains Zone duck seasons
Zone 3Saturday, February 25, 2023Friday, March 10, 2023

Furbearers Season

Nebraska Furbearers SeasonMethodHunting Start DateHunting End Date
MuskratTrap only1-Nov31-Mar
BeaverTrap only1-Nov31-Mar
BadgerHunt and trap1-Nov28-Feb
MinkHunt and trap1-Nov28-Feb
BobcatHunt and trap1-Dec28-Feb
BobcatRunning, no harvest1-Mar30-Nov
RaccoonHunt only1-Sep31-Oct
RaccoonHunt and trap1-Nov28-Feb
RaccoonRunning, no harvest1-Mar17-Aug
Virginia opossumHunt only1-Sep31-Oct
Virginia opossumHunt and trap1-Nov28-Feb
Virginia opossumRunning, no harvest1-Mar17-Aug
Striped skunkHunt and trapYear-round
Long-tailed weaselHunt and trap1-Nov28-Feb
Red foxHunt and trap1-Nov28-Feb
Red foxRunning, no harvest1-Mar31-Oct
Gray foxHunt and trap1-Nov28-Feb
River otter (earlier; season closes three days after 125th otter has been harvested)Trap only1-Nov28-Feb

Hunting Licensing Fees in Nebraska.

Type of LicenseAge LimitFor ResidentsFor Nonresident
​Resident Lifetime Hunt LicenseAge Limit of 16-45260 USD​N/A
​Non-Resident License(2-Day Hunt)​N/A​76 USD
​Fall Turkey License30 USD​128 USD
Nebraska ​Annual Hunt License18 USD109 USD

Nebraska Hunting Regulations

Deer Regulations

  • Only certain weapons are permitted for use during firearm season, including 22-caliber rifles that deliver at least 900 foot-pounds of energy, .357 magnum rifles, .45 Colt rifles, and hand-thrown spears.
  • Handguns or muzzleloading handguns must deliver at least 400 foot-pounds of energy at 50 yards to be considered legal.
  • Muzzleloading rifles and muskets of a certain caliber, firing a single slug, are also permitted.
  • Bows and spears are legal for archery season, while muzzleloading rifles, handguns, and muskets are legal for muzzleloader season.
  • Shooting is only allowed 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
  • Electronic devices that amplify light or project a beam or image to a target are prohibited, with exceptions for red-dot and illuminated reticle sights and scopes.
  • A permit must be signed and is non-transferable.
  • The minimum age for deer hunting is 10 years old.
  • Youth hunters must meet certain requirements to hunt with a youth permit.
  • A habitat stamp is required for big game hunting for those over 16 years old and non-residents, with exceptions for those with fee-exempt permits and landowners hunting their own land.
  • Hunting from a moving motor vehicle, using a spotlight or electronic device to transmit information about game, and hunting within 200 yards of a baited area are all unlawful.
  • The sale of deer parts, including hide, hair, hooves, bones, and antlers, is lawful, while the sale or purchase of deer meat is not.
  • Hunter orange must be displayed during firearm season.
  • Baited areas must not be hunted within 200 yards, with certain exceptions for scents and standard land management practices.
  • Deer harvested during certain seasons must be checked within a specified time frame, either at a check station or via Telecheck.

Turkey Regulations

  • Baiting – Hunting within 200 yards of a baited area is illegal and an area is considered baited for 10 days after all bait has been removed.
  • Handgun Carrying – Big game and turkey hunters may carry a handgun with a barrel of no more than 5 inches while pursuing game with bow and arrow or muzzleloader.
  • Hunting Area – Hunting is valid statewide except on federal and state sanctuaries or refuges.
  • Legal Hunting Methods – Shotguns must contain shot size 2 or smaller during shotgun season, and archery equipment with sharpened heads of at least 7/16 inch or blunt heads of 9/16 inch must be used during archery season.
  • Taking or attempting to take a turkey perched in a tree before sunrise is illegal.
  • Habitat Stamp – All residents age 16 or older and nonresidents must have a valid Habitat Stamp to hunt turkey, except landowner permit holders and residents with veteran or senior permits.
  • Hunter Orange – Not required during spring season.
  • Minimum Age to Hunt Turkey – None in Nebraska. Hunter education is required for those age 12 to 29 when hunting with a firearm or air gun. An Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate may be purchased for novice hunters accompanied by a licensed adult age 19 or older.
  • Accompaniment – Hunters under age 12 and those using an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate must be accompanied by a licensed and hunter education-certified adult age 19 or older.
  • Tagging – Immediately after taking a turkey, the permit tag must be punched or notched and kept with the turkey at all times. Mobile permit allows for turkey to be left unattended with a document displaying hunter information and permit cancellation time and date.
  • Transportation – It is illegal to possess a turkey unless legs, thighs, and breast remain intact, and breast meat may be removed but must remain as two entire halves.

Find below the complete hunting regulations list in Nebraska:

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