Ninth year of Upland Slam begins Sept. 1

Hunters will begin the ninth year of the Nebraska Upland Slam when they go afield starting Sept. 1.

The concept of the Upland Slam is simple: harvest four upland game bird species in a single season — a sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken, ring-necked pheasant and northern bobwhite quail — in Nebraska. Those who accomplish this will receive an official certificate, a Nebraska Upland Slam pin and epic bragging rights.

As a bonus, celebrate Nebraska’s 100th pheasant season this fall by taking advantage of the state’s unique upland hunting opportunities and excellent access. In honor of the 100^th pheasant season, all hunters who submit a pheasant entry in the Upland Slam will be entered into a separate drawing.

All hunters who complete the slam this season are eligible to win prizes donated by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Hunters who complete the slam and upload their submission form with a photo of their dog at work will receive an official “Top Dog” tag and certificate while supplies last.

The hunting season dates for upland game birds are:

• Sharp-tailed grouse: Sept. 1, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027
• Greater prairie-chicken: Sept. 1, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027
• Ring-necked pheasant: Oct. 31, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027
• Northern bobwhite quail: Oct. 31, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027

Hunters, both residents and nonresidents, need a Hunt (small game) Permit and Habitat Stamp. They may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

The first eight years of the Upland Slam have created lasting memories for hunters of all ages from all over the nation. To date, 875 hunters from 30 states have participated. Nebraska residents have made up 78% of participants and 58% of all harvests have occurred on public land.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Upland Slam” to find official rules and submit Upland Slam entries.