Bighorn Sheep Lottery

Since Game and Parks began making permits available, approximately $1.4 million has been raised from the permit auctions and lottery permits. These proceeds are critical to the continued success of bighorn sheep conservation efforts in Nebraska and made it possible to return bighorn sheep to some of their native ranges in the Panhandle.

Regular season lottery

The regular bighorn sheep lottery season, which occurs in December, offers Nebraska residents the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a full-curl ram. The winner of the lottery permit will receive up to four days of free guide service from Game and Parks staff and up to four days and nights of meals and lodging at Fort Robinson State Park.

Application information

• Applications for the regular season will be accepted in the Lincoln office or via the online permit system between April 20, 2026, after 1 p.m. CST and Aug. 7, 2026, before 5 p.m. CST.
• Only one application per calendar year may be submitted.
• All applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable lottery application fee of $34.
• Only Nebraska residents are eligible to apply.

Management season lottery

New in 2025, this hunt was intended to balance the current ram-ewe ratio and provide Nebraska residents with additional hunting opportunity. Two permits were issued to Nebraska residents for the March 1-31, 2025, season, which took place in portions of Scotts Bluff and Banner counties. A pre-hunt orientation was required, and guide service was provided by Game and Parks.

The need for a season will be evaluated annually following the hunt, when recommendations would be made. There will not be a management hunt in 2026.