2026 Whitetail Rifle Hunt

Big Game

Nebraska’s big game species include White-tailed deer, Mule deer, Pronghorn antelope, Elk, Bighorn sheep, and Wild turkey (which is considered big game in NE). All big game hunting in Nebraska requires a species-specific permit (tag). There is no single “big game license” – hunters must obtain a permit for each species they intend to hunt.

Deer: Nebraska has numerous deer permit types by region as well as by equipment (archery, firearm, muzzleloader). Many deer permits are available OTC, but some high-demand units are draw units where you must apply during a draw period. Overall, permits for deer are plentiful; resident and non-resident hunters can usually purchase deer permits for general units until quotas are filled. Nebraska allows each hunter to have up to two buck permits (usually one by draw and one OTC).

Pronghorn (antelope): Pronghorn permits are limited. Residents may apply for firearm pronghorn permits by lottery (and a few archery pronghorn permits); non-residents have extremely limited opportunity (non-residents can generally only obtain an archery antelope permit, and even that is by draw).

Elk and Bighorn Sheep permits are very limited and distributed via lottery to residents only.

Nebraska’s Wild turkey is considered a big game bird. Turkey permits are sold OTC for spring and fall seasons – residents and non-residents may purchase turkey permits equally though the latter have a quota for spring hunts.

Small Game

Nebraska requires a Hunt Permit (small game license) for hunting small game and upland game birds. Residents and non-residents alike must have this permit to hunt species like Pheasant, Quail, Prairie grouse, Rabbit, Squirrel, Dove, Waterfowl, etc. A person hunting big game does not need a separate small game permit in addition to their big game permit.

In addition, most hunters must purchase a Habitat Stamp which funds wildlife habitat – this stamp is required once per year for anyone hunting any species in Nebraska (small game or big game).

For Waterfowl hunters need a Nebraska Waterfowl Stamp (for ducks/geese) as well as the Federal Duck Stamp, and must complete HIP registration

Furbearers: To hunt or trap furbearers (coyote, raccoon, bobcat, etc.), a hunting or fur-harvesting permit is needed.

Documents Needed

• Nebraska Hunt Permit (Small Game License)
• Species-Specific Big Game Permits
• Habitat Stamp
• Waterfowl Stamp & HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
• Hunter Education Card

Minimum Hunter Age

In Nebraska, the minimum age to hunt big game is 10 years old for Deer and Turkey, and 12 years old for Antelope, Elk, or Bighorn sheep

There is no minimum age for small game – hunters under age 12 do not need a license and must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Hunters under 16 are not required to have a Habitat Stamp. Also, Nebraska’s apprentice exemption allows newcomers of any age to try hunting under supervision without hunter ed (one time). All hunters ages 12+ must have completed hunter education to hunt independently.

More Information

• outdoornebraska.gov - Nebraska Game & Parks.