Nebraska

Nebraska's big game hunting is run by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and covers white-tailed deer, mule deer, antelope, elk, and bighorn sheep. Unlike most western states, many Nebraska deer and antelope permits are simply purchased over the counter until the unit quota sells out.

A limited draw (with preference points) applies to the most in-demand deer and antelope units and to resident elk; bighorn sheep is a rare, separate lottery. There is no small-game license prerequisite—you buy a species-specific permit.

You need a species-specific permit (deer, antelope, elk, or bighorn) plus a Nebraska Habitat Stamp (with some landowner/youth exceptions). Party hunting in the field is not allowed, and permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.

For draw units you can build a preference point by applying and not drawing, or by purchasing a point in lieu of applying (resident elk uses a bonus point instead). Personal limits apply: up to two buck permits, one elk permit, and one antelope permit per year.

Apply online at GoOutdoorsNE.com, by mail, or at a permitting office. Nebraska runs several sequential periods: a landowner draw, then a general draw for the limited draw units, then resident and nonresident open purchase periods, and finally a remaining-permit period.

You can apply as a 'buddy'/group (up to six), but the group is credited with the lowest point total among its members.

Dates shift each year—confirm in the current guide. As a 2025 guide: the landowner draw ran about May 19–30, the general draw about June 2–13, with results by June 20 and purchase of awarded permits by July 7.

Resident open purchase opened around July 9, nonresident around July 23, and remaining permits around August 6, each running until seasons close or quotas sell out.

For the limited draw units, permits are awarded to applicants with the highest preference points first until the quota fills; unsuccessful applicants gain a point, and points are lost once you draw. Most other permits are first-come over the counter until sold out.

How TAGZ turns these mechanics into projected draw odds is covered separately in the odds methodology.

Figures are approximate—see the current fee schedule. Nonrefundable application fees are about $7 (deer), $6 (antelope), and $10 (elk). Statewide/November-firearm deer permits run about $37 resident versus about $335 nonresident.

Preference points can be purchased during the application period (for example, about $22 resident / $57 nonresident for deer). A Habitat Stamp is also required for most hunters.