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Elk Hunting

Elk hunting in Nebraska is one of the Midwest's hidden gems, offering hunters opportunities to harvest big, quality bulls.

Elk herds once common across all of Nebraska became extinct by 1900. In the 1960s, a few elk returned to Nebraska, and in 1986, Nebraska had its first modern elk season. Since then, elk have expanded into the hills and rivers of western Nebraska, and the annual passage of young bulls through eastern Nebraska is a common occurrence. More than 1,600 elk have been harvested since the first season in 1986.

About elk permits

Only Nebraska residents are eligible general elk permits.

Permit maximums

  • Individuals may only have one elk permit per year and may only submit one application per year.
  • General Cow: No more than one in five years.
  • General Bull: No more than one in five years; bull harvest limit of once in a lifetime.
  • Landowner Cow: One per year.
  • Landowner Bull: No more than one in three years.

Permit drawing

  • General Bull permits are drawn based on a bonus-point system. Unsuccessful applicants are given a point, which is applied to future drawings. Applicants have an additional chance in the drawing for each point that they accumulate. Bonus points only are awarded for first-choice bull permits.
  • General Antlerless permits are drawn on a lottery system following the completion of the Bull permit drawing from the same application. Applicants have one chance in the antlerless drawing.
  • Landowner Bull permits are drawn on a preference point-based system. Unsuccessful applicants are given a point that is applied to future drawings; nonresident landowners receive 0.9 points instead of 1. Applicants with the most points are given preference in the drawing.
  • Landowner Antlerless permits are drawn on a lottery system following the completion of the Bull permit drawing from the same application. Applicants have one chance in the antlerless drawing.
  • All points are lost when a bull permit is issued from the drawing.
  • In lieu of participating in the draw, landowners may purchase one elk preference point per year during the application period, or general elk hunters may purchase one bonus point.
  • Any forfeited permits may be made available to the next unsuccessful applicant(s). Any remaining or leftover permits then may go on sale Aug. 3, 2022.

Unit maps

Permit holders should make at least one trip to elk country before the hunting season to finalize access or to scout potential hunting areas. Landowner permission is always required to hunt on private land. To find details about public hunting lands in Nebraska, see our Public Access Atlas.

A bull elk stands at the edge of a forest.

Mandatory reporting of harvest

In Nebraska, hunters are required to report their elk harvests prior to the elk leaving the state. Harvests should be reported via Telecheck. 

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The Nebraska Telecheck Program allows hunters to check deer or antelope by telephone or online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, other than during the nine-day firearm season.

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.