Wetland water conditions better than last year

Wetland water conditions throughout the Rainwater Basin currently are better than last year but still variable across the state, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Many of the wetlands in the basin have dense stands of annual plants, which will provide good food for waterfowl but make the water more difficult for hunters to see. Hunters should do some scouting ahead of the teal season opener. 

Some wetland pumping or surface water delivery is planned before the teal opener. Additional areas may be pumped before the regular duck season.

The wetland condition and pumping plans information will be updated throughout the duck season, generally weekly, and the updates will be posted at OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/game/waterfowl/#wetlandhabitatconditions. Scroll to “Wetland Habitat Conditions.” The conditions were observed by biologists on the ground Aug. 26.

Waterfowl hunting in Nebraska begins with early teal season Sept. 5-13 in both the High Plains and Low Plains zones. See an interactive zone map at OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/maps.

In addition to providing places to hunt waterfowl, wetlands are pumped when needed to provide habitat for migrating waterfowl and other water birds, and to provide areas for people to observe wildlife.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information on waterfowl hunting, to view the 2026-2027 Small Game and Waterfowl Guide, to purchase permits and stamps, or to register for the Harvest Information Program.