Nebraska’s wild turkey populations offer exciting hunting opportunities, but navigating the regulations can be tricky. If you’re planning to join the chorus this 2024 season, navigating the hunting seasons and bag limits is crucial for a successful and legal adventure. Buckle up, turkey hunters, as we dive into the details.
NE Important Regulations
Turkey Schedule
Spring Season:
- Dates: April 14 – May 31, 2024 (with a possible youth season on April 6-7)
- Bag Limit: Two bearded or one bearded and one unbearded turkey (bearded refers to visible beard-like feathers on the chest; unbearded are typically young females)
- Permits: A valid Spring Turkey Permit is required.
Fall Season:
- Dates: October 7 – December 17, 2023, and January 25 – February 9, 2024 (split season)
- Bag Limit: One turkey of either sex per permit
- Permits: One Fall Turkey Permit is allowed per hunter.
Regulations
Baiting: Luring turkeys with food is a no-go! Hunting within 200 yards of a baited area is illegal, and the “baited” status persists for 10 days after removing all attractants.
Handgun Carrying: Planning a mixed-bag hunt? Big game and turkey hunters can carry a handgun with a barrel no longer than 5 inches while using bow and arrow or muzzleloader for their primary game.
Hunting Area: Get ready to roam! Hunting is permitted statewide, with the exception of designated federal and state sanctuaries or refuges.
Legal Hunting Methods: Choose your weapon! During shotgun season, shotguns must be loaded with shot size 2 or smaller. For the archery season, sharpen your broadheads: they must have blades at least 7/16 inch wide or blunt heads at least 9/16 inch in diameter. Remember, taking or attempting to take a turkey perched in a tree before sunrise is prohibited.
Habitat Stamp: Don’t forget your passport to turkey paradise! All residents aged 16 and older, and nonresidents, need a valid Habitat Stamp to hunt, except for landowner permit holders and residents with veteran or senior permits.
Hunter Orange: Leave the blaze orange at home for the spring season. It’s not required during this period.
Minimum Age and Hunter Education: No minimum age restriction exists for turkey hunting in Nebraska. However, hunter education is mandatory for those aged 12 to 29 when using a firearm or air gun. Young hunters without hunter education certification can avail themselves of the Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate, provided they’re accompanied by a licensed and certified adult aged 19 or older.
Accompaniment: Safety first! Hunters under 12 and those using the Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate must be accompanied by a licensed and hunter education-certified adult aged 19 or older.
Tagging and Transportation: Once you bag your trophy, don’t forget the formalities! Immediately punch or notch the permit tag and keep it attached to the turkey at all times. If using a mobile permit, ensure a document displaying your information and permit cancellation details accompanies the unattended turkey. Remember, transporting a turkey requires preserving its legs, thighs, and breast intact. While you can remove the breast meat, it must remain in two whole halves.
By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can ensure a safe, ethical, and legal turkey hunting experience in the magnificent state of Nebraska. Happy hunting!
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