With a broad diversity of species and seasons, all hunters in Nebraska can have a busy year. Following is a comprehensive list of season dates and applications periods by species. For detailed information about each season check out the annual hunting guides. Complete regulations and Commission orders can be found on the regulations page.
Big game seasons
Download printable season dates card
Deer
2022 Season Dates
Archery: Sept. 1, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2022
Special Landowner: Nov. 5, 2022 – Nov. 7, 2022
November firearm: Nov. 12, 2022 – Nov. 20, 2022
Muzzleloader: Dec. 1, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2022
October River Antlerless Firearm: Oct. 1, 2022 – Oct. 15, 2022
River Antlerless Late Firearm: Jan. 1, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2023
Antlerless Only Season Choice: Sept. 1, 2022-Jan. 15, 2023
Limited Landowner: Sept. 1, 2022-Jan. 15, 2023
Late Antlerless Only Firearm: Jan. 1, 2023 – Jan. 15, 2023
Permit requirements
Deer hunters in Nebraska are required to have a Statewide or Unit Deer Permit and a Habitat stamp. (view big game guide for exceptions)
Deer permits are issued as Draw units or Buy units. Draw units are determined by overall demand and may be applied for during the draw unit application period. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides information on the previous year’s draw results. Buy units (over-the-counter permits) are issued on a first-come, first served basis. Additionally, youth permits are available to youth under the age of 16. (See the Big Game Guide for more on permits, unit names, species of deer and bag limits.)
Read our harvest reports for information on Nebraska big game harvest results and season structure.
2022 application dates
Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may begin purchasing unlimited quota Nebraska deer and antelope permits beginning July 11 at 1 p.m. CST.
Unlimited quota deer permits are resident statewide archery, resident statewide muzzleloader, youth, youth whitetail, nonresident restricted youth, limited landowner and special landowner.
The remaining purchase periods for deer are:
July 12 – Residents may buy any limited quota deer permits.
July 25 – Nonresidents may buy any limited deer permits.
Aug. 1 – Residents and nonresidents may buy any remaining draw unit deer permits.
Permits will be available through the close of the hunting season or until the quota sells out.
Purchases may be made online, in person at a Game and Parks office, or via mail: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE, 68503.
Applications for special hunt participation at Gifford Point WMA will be accepted in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Lincoln and Omaha offices during the period beginning August 1 through August 15.
Applications
Download our applications or get step-by-step instructions on the big game draw application and payment process.
Download 2022 Nebraska Big Game Application
Download 2022 Nebraska Landowner Big Game Application
How to apply for a big game draw permit PDF
How to pay for an awarded big game draw permit PDF
Permit sale dates
Pending state approval, residents will be able to purchase limited deer permits starting July 12, 2022. Nonresident sales will begin July 25, 2022.
Remaining permits and permits for non-draw units can be purchased from the first Monday in August (Aug. 1, 2022 at 1 p.m. CST) through the close of season.
Unlimited Permits (Archery, Muzzleloader, Landowner, Statewide Buck permits) can be purchased July 11, 2022, after 1:00 pm CST.
Deer regulations and restrictions:
Download 2022 summary deer regulations
2022 Statewide and Unit Restrictions
Download Deer Species Information
DeSoto Bend NWR Deer Hunting Information
Boyer Chute NWR Deer Hunting Information
Deer Permit Maps
Additional AOSC Units
Big Game Check-In (Telecheck)
The Nebraska Telecheck Program allows hunters to check deer or antelope by telephone or online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more and access Telecheck
Antelope
2022 Season Dates
Archery: Aug. 20, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2022
Muzzleloader: Sept. 17, 2022 – Oct. 2, 2022
Firearm: Oct. 8, 2022 – Oct. 23, 2022
November late doe/fawn: Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Download 2022 summary antelope regulations
2022 permit application dates
Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may begin purchasing unlimited quota Nebraska deer and antelope permits beginning July 11 at 1 p.m. CST.
Unlimited quota antelope permits are resident statewide archery and youth archery.
The remaining purchase periods for antelope are:
July 13 – Residents may buy any limited antelope permits.
July 26 – Nonresidents may buy any limited antelope permits.
Aug. 2 – Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may buy any remaining draw unit antelope permits.
Permits will be available through the close of the hunting season or until the quota sells out.
Purchases may be made online, in person at a Game and Parks office, or via mail: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE, 68503.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides information on the previous year’s draw results.
Download 2022 Nebraska Big Game Application
Download 2022 Nebraska Landowner Big Game Application
Permit sale dates
August 2, 2022 after 1:00 pm CST
Residents and nonresidents can purchase remaining permits on sale. Nonresident Antelope Archery permits are limited to 250. Resident antelope archery permits are unlimited in quantity. (all units)
Download step-by-step instructions on the big game draw application and payment process:
How-to apply for a big game draw permit PDF
How-to pay for an awarded big game draw permit PDF
Unit maps
Big Game Check-In (Telecheck)
The Nebraska Telecheck Program allows hunters to check deer or antelope by telephone or online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more and access Telecheck
Elk
2022 Season Dates
Archery bull: Sept. 1, 2022 – Oct. 31, 2022
Firearm bull: Sept. 21, 2022 – Oct. 31, 2022
Early Antlerless Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2022
Late Antlerless Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Download 2022 summary elk regulations
Permit application dates
May 16, 2022 after 1:00 pm CST – June 3, 2022
Landowners application period for draw units.
Submit 2022 Landowner Elk Application
2022 Landowner Elk Zone Description
June 13, 2022 after 1:00 pm CST – June 24, 2022
Residents application period for draw units. Application and application fee to be delivered to specific Commission district offices depending on unit. See Big Game Guide for additional information.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides information on the previous year’s draw results.
Download 2022 Nebraska Big Game Application
Download 2022 Nebraska Landowner Big Game Application
Permit sale dates
Aug. 3, 2022 after 1:00 pm CST – close of season
Residents can purchase remaining permits on sale. (all units)
Unit maps
.
Bighorn sheep
Bighorn sheep lottery
This once-in-a-lifetime hunt includes up to four days of guide service from Nebraska Game and Parks staff and up to four nights of meal and lodging at Fort Robinson State Park. Proceeds from the lottery provide support for the management of this historic species in five areas of Nebraska’s panhandle region.
View 2022 Bighorn Sheep Brochure
Season dates
2022 Season Dates: Nov. 29, 2022 – Dec. 22, 2022
2022 permit application dates (after 1:00pm CST)
April 18, 2022 after 1:00 pm CST – Aug. 5, 2022
Residents can apply for the bighorn sheep lottery during this period.
Turkey
2022-2023 Season Dates
Spring archery: March 25, 2022 – May 31, 2022
Spring youth shotgun: April 9, 2022 – May 31, 2022
Spring shotgun: April 16, 2022 – May 31, 2022
Fall youth archery and shotgun: Sept. 15, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Fall archery and shotgun: Sept. 15, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Download spring 2022 turkey regulations
2022 permit application & sale dates
SPRING: Jan. 10, 2022 – May 31, 2022
Hunters may purchase as many as three spring permits.
FALL: Aug. 8, 2022 after 1:00 pm CST – Jan. 31, 2023
Hunters may purchase as many as two fall permits.
Download turkey application
Download turkey landowner application
Mountain lion
Season dates
The 2022 mountain lion season in the Pine Ridge runs from Jan. 2 – Feb. 28, 2022, with an application period from Nov. 1 – Dec. 8, 2021.
Mountain lions have recolonized three areas in Nebraska: the Pine Ridge, Niobrara River Valley and Wildcat Hills. Dispersing mountain lions have been documented throughout the state including agricultural areas where suitable habitat may be limited. In order to provide hunting opportunities for this species the Commission approved Nebraska’s inaugural mountain lion harvest season during 2014. A fifth season will be held in 2022. Click here to learn more about mountain lion hunting.
Multispecies lottery permits
Nebraska offers two big game multi species lotteries for resident and nonresident hunters. One permit in each lottery is awarded annually. The application period for the lotteries generally starts in January and ends in early July.
Learn more
Permit sale dates (after 1:00pm CST)
Super tag and combo applications: Jan. 2, 2022 – July 1, 2022
Small game seasons
Upland game birds
Pheasant, quail, and partridge
Oct. 29, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Prairie Grouse
Sept. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
*special permit required east of U.S. 81
Youth pheasant, quail and partridge
Oct. 22 – 23, 2022
Webless migratory birds
Mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian collared-doves (in aggregate)
Sept. 1, 2022 – Oct. 30, 2022
Eurasian collared-dove (only)
Year-Round
Snipe
Sept. 1, 2022 – Dec. 16, 2022
Virginia and sora rail
Sept. 1, 2022 – Nov. 9, 2022
Woodcock
Oct. 8, 2022 – Nov. 21, 2022
Crow
Oct. 15, 2021 – Dec. 15, 2021; Jan. 13, 2022 – March 14, 2022
Other small game
Squirrel
Aug. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Cottontail
Sept. 1, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023
Jackrabbit
Allowed west of U.S. 81 only
Sept. 1, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023
For additional information and other regulations, find the Small Game and Waterfowl Guide here.
Waterfowl seasons
Waterfowl seasons
Dark goose
North central unit: Oct. 11, 2021 – Jan. 23, 2022
Platte River unit: Oct. 28, 2021 – Feb. 9, 2022
Niobrara unit: Oct. 28, 2021 – Feb. 9, 2022
Daily bag limit: five; Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit.
White-fronted goose
Statewide: Oct. 9, 2021 – Dec. 19, 2021; Jan. 25, 2022 – Feb. 9, 2022
Daily bag limit: two; Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit.
Light goose
Statewide: Oct. 9, 2021 – Jan. 5, 2022; Jan. 25, 2022 – Feb. 9, 2022
Daily bag limit: 50; Possession limit: None.
Light goose conservation order*
East zone: Feb. 10, 2022 – April 15, 2022
Rainwater basin zone: Feb. 10, 2022 – April 5, 2022
West zone: Feb. 10, 2022 – April 5, 2022
Daily bag and possession limits: None.
*For special regulations see the Waterfowl Guide on our guides page.
Early teal
Low plains: Sept. 4, 2021 – Sept. 19, 2021
High plains: Sept. 4, 2021 – Sept. 12, 2021
Duck and coot
Zone 1: Oct. 16, 2021 – Dec. 28, 2021
Zone 2: Oct. 9, 2021 – Dec. 21, 2021, in Low Plains, and Oct. 9, 2021 – Dec. 21, 2021, and Jan. 5 – Jan. 26, 2022, in the High Plains
Zone 3: Oct. 23, 2021 – Jan. 4, 2022, and Jan. 5 – Jan. 26, 2022
Zone 4: Oct. 30, 2021 – Jan. 11, 2022
Daily bag:
Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions;
Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex;
Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
Youth
Zone 1: Oct. 9, 2021 – Oct 10, 2021
Zone 2: Oct. 2, 2021 – Oct. 3, 2021
Zone 3: Oct. 16, 2021 – Oct. 17, 2021
Zone 4: Oct. 23, 2021 – Oct. 24, 2021
Daily bag:
Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions;
Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex;
Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit
Falconry
Concurrent with teal, youth and regular duck season dates, plus:
Zone 1: Feb. 25 – March 10
Zone 2:
____Low Plains: Feb. 25 – March 10
____High Plains: Concurrent with all duck season dates in High Plains Zone
Zone 3:
____Feb. 25 – March 10
Zone 4: Feb. 25 – March 10
Furbearer seasons
Furbearer seasons
Muskrat, beaver
Trap only: Nov. 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022
Badger
Hunt and trap: Nov. 1. 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022
Mink
Hunt and trap: Nov. 1 , 2021– Feb. 28, 2022
Bobcat
Hunt and trap: Dec. 1 , 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022
Running; no harvest: March 1 , 2021 – Nov. 30, 2021
Raccoon
Hunt only: Sept. 1, 2021 – Oct. 31, 2021
Hunt and trap: Nov. 1, 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022
Running, no harvest: March 1, 2021 – Aug. 17, 2021
Virginia opossum
Hunt only: Sept. 1, 2021 – Oct. 31, 2021
Hunt and trap: Nov. 1, 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022
Running, no harvest: March 1, 2021 – Aug. 17, 2021
Striped skunk
Hunt and trap: year-round
Long-tailed weasel
Hunt and trap: Nov. 1, 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022
Red fox
Hunt and trap: Nov. 1, 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022
Running, no harvest: March 1, 2021 – Oct. 31, 2021
Gray fox
Hunt and trap: Nov. 1, 2021 – Feb. 28, 2022
River otter
Trap only: Nov. 1, 2021, though Feb. 28, 2022, or earlier; season closes three days after 75th otter has been harvested
Permits are valid only for species-specific season, weapon and unit/area for which was issued.
Permits are not transferable, refundable and cannot be exchanged for another.
