Once every five years, waterfowl zone boundaries are reassessed and updated based on new federal criteria; thereafter, the public is asked for input.
Because of their migratory nature, waterfowl species in Nebraska are managed in cooperation with neighboring states, the Central Flyway and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Regulations for waterfowl seasons set by states must fall within federal frameworks.
Once every five years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the four Flyway Councils reconsider the criteria for waterfowl zone boundaries and allow states to reassess their zones and submit modifications for approval. This process is occurring between 2024-2025.
Hunters will be asked for their input on current waterfowl zone boundaries during November 2024 and January 2025. This input will be reviewed and considered in NGPC staff’s proposal of new zone boundaries to be approved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Explore Nebraska’s current waterfowl zones for duck, coot and dark goose seasons, all of which will be subject to new federal criteria and could change starting with the 2026 hunting season.
The process to adjust zones in Nebraska occurs over a two-year period. Once finalized, NGPC staff will analyze data for new zones to incorporate in hunting season date recommendations. Download the timeline.
Hunters with a Harvest Information Program number will be notified via direct mail or email about the opportunity to provide feedback on zones once federal criteria is approved.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service establishes annual hunting seasons for migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The FWS, in conjunction with all four Flyway Councils, set frameworks for opening and closing dates, daily bag and possession limits, and season length to ensure healthy waterfowl populations. States then select their hunting seasons within those parameters.
Although the number of waterfowl hunting zones a state has can determine the number of splits allowed under federal frameworks, the waterfowl re-zoning process and the process by which NGPC staff develop season date recommendations are two distinct and separate processes. Waterfowl zones can only be altered every five years, while season dates are reviewed and proposed on an annual basis by incorporating harvest, hunter participation, hunter preference and migration timing.
Learn more about what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service takes into account and how they make decisions about waterfowl hunting seasons and limits.
For some time prior to 1971, duck hunters east of U.S. Highway 83 enjoyed a season that was a week longer than it was west of that line. In 1971, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the High Plains Mallard Management Unit, which roughly extended west from the 100th Meridian in states throughout the Central Flyway. The new High Plains Unit, however, received 23 additional hunting days, a decision based on research that had shown harvest and the number of hunters was lower in this portion of Nebraska and these other states.
In 1981, the Low Plains Unit was divided into four zones with different season dates based on early- or late-season hunting opportunities. The zones have been modified since.
Questions or comments about the Nebraska waterfowl rezoning process? Please contact our Waterfowl Program Manager, John McKinney.
Learn more about Nebraska’s waterfowl hunting opportunities, our wildlife management and more.
Hunting permits
Purchase hunting, big game and turkey permits, as well as supertags and combo lotteries.
Season dates
With a broad diversity of species and seasons, hunters in Nebraska can have a busy year. Find our comprehensive list of season dates by species.
