Big game draw results
Learn how Nebraska's big game draw system works and view previous years' draw results.
Nebraska Game and Parks utilizes drawings for limited big game permits to help distribute permits more equally. Drawing methods are based largely on permit demand and the desire for drawings to be more predictable. Draw permits also give long-term applicants priority to permits, when applicable.
Past big game draw results
To help Nebraska’s big game hunters apply for draw permits, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides information on the previous years’ draw results. Download the reports below for information on how many applicants applied for each draw unit, draw success rates and relevant preference and bonus point information.
- View 2023 draw results
- View 2022 draw results
- View 2021 draw results
- View 2020 draw results
- View 2019 draw results
- View 2018 draw results
Drawing types
Drawings: Bighorn Sheep, Multispecies Combo, Multispecies Super Tag, Landowner Antlerless Elk & General Antlerless Elk
In lottery drawings, each application has one chance in the drawing, so all applications have the same chance of being drawn. Lottery drawings are typically used in drawings where a very limited number of permits is being drawn among a very high number of applicants. Some lottery drawings allow applicants to submit multiple entries/applications (Resident and Non-resident Super Tag and Combo).
Drawings: Deer, General Pronghorn, Landowner Pronghorn & Landowner Bull Elk
In preference point drawings, unsuccessful applicants receive a preference point for each year that they are unsuccessful in the permit drawing. Applicants with the most preference points are given priority in the drawing process and those with the most points are drawn first. Drawing a second choice permit will result in the loss of preference points, with the exception of antlerless elk since preference rules do not apply to that drawing.
Drawing: General Bull Elk
In bonus point drawings, applicants receive a bonus point for each year that they are unsuccessful beginning with the implementation of the bonus point process. Bonus points began in 2014 for general bull elk permits. Each applicant has n + 1 applications in the drawing, where n = the number of bonus points. Drawing a second choice permit will result in the loss of bonus points, with the exception of antlerless elk since bonus rules do not apply to that drawing.
Buddy permits
- Nebraska allows hunters to apply as “buddies” to ensure that both or neither of their party will draw a permit in the same unit. These “buddy” applications are treated as one application in the drawing.
- Buddy applications are limited to two applicants.
- The preference or bonus point level used will be determined by the lowest point total of the party (e.g. Applicant A has 3 points and Applicant B has 4 points, the application will be credited with 3 points).
- Regulations require the following information from each applicant: full name, mailing address, date of birth, gender, height, weight, hair color, eye color, daytime phone number and last four digits of Social Security number.
Related content
Hunting permits
Purchase hunting, big game and turkey permits, as well as supertags and combo lotteries.
Telecheck
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.