Nebraska

Nebraska Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Nebraska hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $18 General hunting

Non-Resident License $109 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1977-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Nebraska Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Resident Hunt (Small Game, 16+) $18 —

Resident Habitat Stamp $25 —

Resident 3-Year Hunt + Habitat $108.50 —

Resident 5-Year Hunt + Habitat $158 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Hunt (Small Game, 16+) — $109

Non-Resident 2-Day Hunt — $76

Non-Resident Habitat Stamp — $25

Tags & Permits

Deer (Firearm/Archery/Muzzleloader) $37 $335

Deer (Statewide Buck, Whitetail) $88 $750

Deer (Statewide Buck, Either Species) $173 $995

Deer (Youth 10-15) $8 $8

Turkey (Spring or Fall) $34 $158

Turkey (Youth 15 and under) $8.50 $8.50

Endorsements & Stamps

Habitat Stamp $25 Required for all hunters and anglers

Draw Application Fee $7 Non-refundable; per species

NE Migratory Waterfowl Stamp $10 Required for waterfowl

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Nebraska Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit outdoornebraska.gov. Create account or sign in. Purchase hunt permit + habitat stamp. Apply for deer draw permits ($7 application fee). Pay with credit/debit card. Print your permits

Buy In Person

Authorized permit vendors statewide, Nebraska Game and Parks offices, Major sporting goods stores

Buy By Phone

Call 402-471-0641. Service fee may apply

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Nebraska hunting license is online through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Nebraska

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1977

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 12 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Nebraska?

Youth (Under 16) Free small game Free small game permit; $8 deer; $8.50 turkey

Senior (65+) Reduced Reduced permit fees for NE residents 65+

Disabled Veteran Reduced Reduced fees for disabled veterans

Landowner $20 deer / $18.50 turkey Reduced landowner deer and turkey permits

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NE pay resident rates

SEASONS

Nebraska Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

White-tailed/Mule Deer Archery Sep 15 – Dec 31 Bow and crossbow

White-tailed/Mule Deer Firearm (Nov) Nov 15 – Nov 23 Rifle, shotgun

White-tailed/Mule Deer Muzzleloader Dec 1 – Dec 31 Muzzleloader

Turkey (Spring) Spring Mar 25 – May 31 Shotgun, bow

Turkey (Fall) Fall Oct 1 – Nov 14 Shotgun, bow, rifle

Pheasant Regular Oct 25 – Jan 31 Shotgun

Quail Regular Oct 25 – Jan 31 Shotgun

BAG LIMITS

Nebraska Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

White-tailed/Mule Deer 1 Per permits (multiple permits possible) Nebraska allows multiple deer permits; statewide buck is premium

Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys only

Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex

Pheasant 3 No season limit Roosters only; excellent public land pheasant hunting

Quail 8 No season limit Bobwhite and Northern bobwhite

COMPARE

How Nebraska Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Nebraska $18 $109

South Dakota $35 $110 Iowa $22 $131 Kansas $27.50 $127.50 Wyoming $21.50 $21.50 Colorado $38.49 $104.86

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Nebraska?

Resident small game costs $18 + $25 Habitat Stamp ($43 total). Non-resident small game is $109 + $25. Multi-year options save: 3-year hunt + habitat is $108.50, 5-year is $158.

How much are statewide deer tags in Nebraska?

Statewide Whitetail Buck: $88 (res) / $750 (NR). Either Species Buck (whitetail or mule deer): $173 (res) / $995 (NR). Unit-specific permits start at $37 (res) / $335 (NR).

What is Nebraska's Habitat Stamp?

The $25 Habitat Stamp is required for ALL hunters and anglers annually, both resident and non-resident. It funds wildlife habitat management across the state. No exemptions except youth under 16.

Is Nebraska good for pheasant hunting?

Excellent — Nebraska has strong wild pheasant populations with extensive public land access through the CRP (Conservation Reserve Program). Daily limit is 3 roosters with no season limit. Season runs Oct 25 – Jan 31.

Can I get multiple deer permits in Nebraska?

Yes, Nebraska is one of few states allowing multiple deer permits. You can buy unit-specific permits, statewide whitetail, and statewide either-species tags. This makes it possible to harvest several deer per season.

Do landowners get discounted permits?

Yes, Nebraska resident landowners with qualifying acreage can purchase landowner deer permits for $20 and turkey permits for $18.50 — significant savings over regular prices.

Do youth hunt cheap in Nebraska?

Yes, youth under 16 get free small game permits. Youth deer permits are just $8 and turkey $8.50 — regardless of residency. No Habitat Stamp required for youth under 16.

Can I buy a Nebraska hunting license online?

Yes, at outdoornebraska.gov. 2026 permits become available starting November 15, 2025. Draw applications have a $7 non-refundable fee per species.