Big game draw permit applications taken June 1-12

Residents and nonresidents may apply for a draw status Nebraska deer permit June 1-12. 

Residents may purchase a preference point or apply for a deer permit in one of the following management units: Platte and Frenchman.

Nonresidents may purchase a preference point or apply for one deer permit in the following management units: Sandhills, Upper Platte, Plains, Calamus West, Pine Ridge, Frenchman, Platte, Republican, Buffalo, Loup West, Archery Deer, and Muzzleloader Deer.

Residents may apply for October Firearm Antelope, Muzzleloader Antelope, General Bull Elk, or Antlerless Elk permits. Nonresidents may apply for an Archery Antelope permit.

An antelope preference point and an elk bonus point may be purchased in lieu of participating in the drawing.

The application period opens at 10 a.m. Central time June 1. Applications must be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by 5 p.m. Central time — or by 11:59 p.m. for online applications — on June 12. One application is allowed per person per species.

Draws are used to provide equal opportunity to obtain high demand permits. Resident and nonresidents are separated in the drawing, with at least 85% of permits reserved for residents.

Applications may be made at OutdoorNebraska.gov, via application form in the 2026 Big Game Guide, or in person at a Game and Parks permitting office. A list of offices is in the Big Game Guide.

Results of the draw will be available by June 19.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov, which includes a digital version of the Big Game Guide, for more information.

Find video tutorials to navigate the draw at YouTube.com/@NebraskaGameandParksCommission in the “Permits” playlist.