2011 Big Game Guide

2011
Big Game Guide

• Antelope • Bighorn Sheep
• Deer • Elk
Charley and Drew Hedstrom of Lincoln were all smiles after Drew harvested his first deer.
View all guides and buy your permits at OutdoorNebraska.org

WELCOME BIG GAME HUNTERS:
This is a great time to hunt big game in Nebraska. In 2010, hunters harvested record
numbers of elk and whitetail, and the age of harvested whitetail and mule deer bucks
has never been better. Pronghorn antelope and elk populations continue to grow, with
more permits available each year. Two state record antelope bucks and a state-record
typical whitetail were harvested in 2010. For 2011, permit quantities have increased for
elk and antelope, and a bighorn sheep season is authorized.
Nebraska has never had better big game hunting opportunities. We hope to see you out there.
Kit Hams
Big Game Program Manager, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HUNTING SEASONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
PERMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ANTELOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
BIGHORN SHEEP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
ELK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
DEER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CONSERVATION OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
VISIT US ONLINE
Visit OutdoorNebraska.org to: • Research hunting lands
• Buy permits • Make park reservations
• Research and register for hunting • Read and post Outdoor Reports
programs • Read this and other guides
ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This publication is only a guide to those regulations and laws. To read the state’s
regulations and laws, visit the following links:
Regulations:
http://outdoornebraska.ne.org/admin/regulations/regulations.asp
Statutes:
http://law.justia.com/nebraska/codes/s37index/s37index.html
Any program that receives federal funding from the National Park Service, or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, marital status, national origin, age, disability
or political affiliation. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, facility,
or service, should contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, NE 402-471-0641, the Equal Opportunity
Commission, Lincoln, NE 402-471-2024, TTY/TDD 402-471-4693; United States Fish Wildlife Service, Civil Rights
Coordinator, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203; Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U.S. Department of Interior,
National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Code 0008, Washington, D.C. 20240-0001.
2 | Table of Contents
HUNTING SEASONS
Restrictions may apply. Check the sections on individual species for details.
SPECIES - SEASON DATES
Antelope - Archery Aug. 20 - Dec. 31
Antelope - Muzzleloader Sept. 17 - Oct. 2
Antelope - October Firearm Oct. 8 - 23
Antelope - October Late Firearm Oct. 8 - Nov. 11
Antelope - December Late Firearm Dec. 1 - Jan. 31, 2012
Bighorn Sheep Nov. 29 - Dec. 22
Deer - Archery Sept. 15 - Dec. 31
Deer - Mule Deer Conservation Area Sept. 15 - Dec 31
Deer - October Antlerless Oct. 1 - 10
Deer - November Firearm Nov. 12 - 20
Deer - Earn-a-Buck November Firearm Nov. 12 - 22
Deer - Muzzleloader Dec. 1 - 31
Deer - Season Choice Sept. 15 - Jan. 18, 2012
Deer - Youth Sept. 15 - Jan. 18, 2012
Deer - Landowner Sept. 15 - Jan. 18, 2012
Deer - DeSoto Muzzleloader Oct. 1 - 2, Oct. 15 - 16, Dec. 10 - 11,
Jan. 7 - 8, 2012
Deer - Boyer Chute Oct. 22 - 23, Nov. 5 - 6, Dec. 17 - 18
Elk - Bull Sept. 24 - Oct. 23
Elk - Antlerless Sept. 24 - Oct. 23, Dec. 1 - 21
Elk - Boyd Unit Aug. 15 - Nov. 11, Nov. 21 - Dec. 31
BIG GAME PERMITS

WHO MAY BUY A PERMIT
All big game hunters in Nebraska are required to have a species-specific permit for deer,
antelope, elk, or mountain (bighorn) sheep. Except for residents younger than age 16 and
residents who hold veteran or 69 or older senior permits, all big game hunters also are required
to have a Nebraska Habitat Stamp. A Nebraska hunt permit is not required for big game.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT
The minimum age to buy or apply for a deer permit is 10 years. The minimum age is 12
for antelope, elk and bighorn sheep. Antelope youth archery hunters and deer archery,
firearm,and muzzleloader hunters younger than 16 years may purchase a youth permit.
2011 Hunting Seasons | 3
TYPES OF PERMITS
A big game permit is valid only for the season, weapon and unit or area for which it is
issued and may not be exchanged for another permit. Permits are not transferable or
refundable.
DEER
Restricted Statewide Buck – Valid in nine-day November firearm season. Bag limit:
one buck. No mule deer may be harvested in Mule Deer Conservation Area.
Resident — $73.50
Nonresident — $521
Whitetail Statewide Buck – Valid statewide Sept. 15-Dec. 31 for archery, muzzleloader
and November firearm season with weapon legal for each season. Bag limit: one
whitetail buck and one antlerless whitetail.
Resident — $73.50
Firearm – Valid in specific units during November firearm, Earn-a-Buck or late firearm
seasons. Bag limit: varies by sex and species. See map on page 37.
Resident — $30
Archery – Valid statewide. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one antlerless whitetail.
No mule deer may be harvested in Mule Deer Conservation Area.
Resident — $30
Muzzleloader – Valid statewide. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one antlerless
whitetail. No mule deer may be harvested in Mule Deer Conservation Area.
Resident — $30
Season Choice – Valid in specific units. Bag limit: antlerless only, but varies. Valid in
open seasons with the appropriate weapons. See maps on page 38-39.
Resident — $30
Nonresident antlerless only — $55
Landowner – Valid on property of landowner. Bag limit: one deer of either sex and one
antlerless deer in seasons with the appropriate weapons.
Resident — $15.50
Youth Deer – Valid statewide for all seasons with the appropriate weapons. Bag limit:
one deer of either sex and one antlerless whitetail. Limit one permit per youth.
Resident — $6
Nonresident — $6
Youth Whitetail – Valid statewide for all seasons with the appropriate weapons. Bag
limit: one whitetail and one antlerless whitetail.
Resident — $6
Nonresident — $6
4 | Big Game Permits

October Antlerless – Valid in October Antlerless Unit. Bag limit: two antlerless
whitetail deer. See map on page 36.
Resident — $11
Nonresident — $55
ANTELOPE
Firearm – Issued for and valid in specific units during October Firearm, October Late
or December Late Antlerless seasons for use with firearms and archery equipment. Bag
limit varies by sex. See map on page 12
Resident — $35*
Nonresident — $155.50* (antlerless only)
Archery – Valid statewide, except closed on Fort Robinson State Park, during the
archery season. The bag limit is one antelope of either sex, except in Bessey Ranger
District of Nebraska National Forest is one antelope with horns longer than ears.
Resident — $35*
Nonresident — $155.50*
Muzzleloader – Issued for and valid in specific units during muzzleloader season for
one antelope of either sex in North Sioux Unit and one antelope buck in Prairie Unit.
Resident — $35*
Nonresident — Not eligible
Landowner – Issued for and valid in specific units on property of landowner in open
seasons with the appropriate weapons. Bag limit varies by sex.
Resident — $20.50*
Nonresident — $74.75*
Youth Archery – Valid statewide during the archery season for one antelope of either sex.
Resident — $11*
Nonresident — $11*
*Includes nonrefundable $5 application fee
ELK
Antlerless – Issued for and valid in specific units for one antlerless elk. See map on page 16.
Resident — $159*
Bull – Issued for and valid in specific units for one bull elk.
Resident — $159*
Landowner – Valid in specific units. Landowners with property within an elk
management zone are eligible to apply. Valid in open seasons with appropriate weapons
for one elk (sex depends on unit). Bull permits issued by drawing and preference points.
Resident — $39.40*
Nonresident — $458*
*Includes nonrefundable $8.50 application fee
Big Game Permits | 5

BIGHORN SHEEP
Auction – Valid for one bighorn sheep in season (issued Feb. 2011).
Resident — Eligible
Nonresident — Eligible
Lottery – Valid for one bighorn sheep in season.
Resident — $25 nonrefundable application fee
OTHER
Super Tag Lottery – This multispecies permit is valid in 2011 and 2012 for one elk of
either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms
and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). The permit is valid in open seasons with
the appropriate weapons. One permit is available.
Resident — $25 nonrefundable application fee
Nebraska Habitat Stamp – Valid statewide and required of all big game hunters, except
residents younger than 16 years of age and residents who hold veteran or 69 or older senior
permits. EXCEPTION: Farmers and ranchers who hunt with a landowner permit on land
they own or lease for agricultural purposes are exempt. One stamp is required for all
hunting in a calendar year, but January deer hunters may use the previous year’s stamp.
Resident — $20
Nonresident — $20
WHEN TO BUY OR APPLY FOR PERMITS
All application/purchase periods begin on the first day at 1 p.m. Central Time.
All applications must be received by Game and Parks by 5 p.m. Central Time or online
by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the final day.
May 16 - June 3 — Residents may apply for one deer permit in any Draw unit
(see page 8). Residents and eligible landowners may apply for one elk permit and for one
buck or either-sex antelope permit in available units. One application allowed per
person per species.
July 11 - Close of Season — Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may
purchase remaining deer and antelope permits. Residents and eligible landowners may
purchase remaining elk permits.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT
• At OutdoorNebraska.org during the applicable periods.
• Mail a completed application to Game and Parks, 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE, 68503.
• In person at Game and Parks permitting offices.
NOTE: Game and Parks agents, such as Wal-Mart, cannot sell big game permits.

HOW TO BUY A PERMIT
You must provide:
• A 2011 Big Game Application
• Full name, birth date, address, and physical description
• Last four (4) digits of Social Security number (Non-U.S. citizens are exempt. Please
call (402) 471-5455).
• Hunter or bow hunter education number, if required
• Payment: Credit or debit cards (VISA and MasterCard only), checks, and money
orders are accepted as payment.
• E-mail address (used to notify successful applicants of permit drawings)
RULES FOR PERMITS

LIMITS ON PERMITS (NONLANDOWNERS)
Deer – No one may have more than two permits that allow the harvest of a buck.
Antelope – No one may have more than one permit per year.
Elk – No one may have more than one bull permit in a lifetime, except a Super Tag
permit will be allowed. No more than one cow permit every five years.
RESIDENCY QUALIFICATIONS
The requirements to qualify as a Nebraska resident to buy a hunting license:
• Reside in Nebraska continuously for 30 days or more before making application for a
permit and intend to become a resident of Nebraska.
• Residents attending school in another state or stationed outside the state of Nebraska
as part of a military assignment that have maintained Nebraska as their state of legal
residency.
• Military personnel and full-time students stationed or attending school in Nebraska
for a period of at least 30 days.
NOTE: A new resident should be prepared to provide documentation of residency
(driver’s license, voter registration, etc.) to an officer when in possession of a resident
permit.
LANDOWNER PERMITS
Residents and nonresidents:
• Eligible family members may hunt together on the described land.
• Eligible family members are not required to live in the same household.
Residents:
• Owning or leasing 80 acres or more of land dedicated to agricultural production may
receive a limited landowner permit for antelope and deer.
• Hunting activities are restricted to the land owned/operated by the owner and
described on the application.
• Spouse or child of owner or leaseholder.
• The maximum number of landowner permits allowed for one farm or ranch is
determined by the size of the property in acres divided by 80. For example, a farm of
240 acres could have a maximum of three landowner permits issued, but each person
may hold no more than one landowner permit per species per year.

Nonresidents:
• Owning 320 acres or more of land dedicated to agricultural production may receive a
limited landowner permit for deer.
• Only one permit will be issued per 320 acres.
• Spouse or child of owner or siblings sharing ownership is eligible.
DRAW UNIT OR BUY UNIT?
Nebraska issues some big game permits as draw units or buy units. The following are
draw unit permits:
• antelope firearm
• antelope muzzleloader
• antelope landowner
• Republican Mule Deer
• Republican Whitetail
• DeSoto December Muzzleloader deer
• All elk
Draw Units are:
• Determined by the overall demand on the unit’s permits.
• Established to provide equal opportunity to obtain permits in the units.
• May be applied for during the draw unit application period. (May 16 - June 3)
Buy Units are:
• Units that typically don’t sell out quickly or have an unlimited number of permits
available such as statewide archery deer.
• Issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
• May be purchased online during applicable periods or at Game and Parks permitting
offices.
BUDDY APPLICATION
Hunters who want to ensure that both or neither of their party will draw a permit in the
same unit should apply as “buddies.” If one person fails to draw a permit, both will be
excluded.
• Must be submitted during the first application period for draw units. (Later
applications treated on a first-come, first-served basis.)
• Only two persons may submit applications together as buddy applicants. If applying by
mail, both applications must be marked as buddy and submitted in the same envelope.
• One check is allowed for payment. If paying by credit card, buddies must use same
credit card.
• Preference based on the individual with the fewest preference points.
• A buddy permit does not allow party hunting. Each permit holder must harvest his or
her own animal.
NOTIFICATION OF SUCCESS
All applicants for permits in draw units will be notified of the results of the drawing.
• Check your success at OutdoorNebraska.org after the draw.
• Persons are notified before July 11 to give all applicants who do not receive their
permit of choice time to obtain a permit in an unfilled unit.
• Do not call Game and Parks offices to inquire about your success.

PERMIT SELLOUT DATES
Information on current permit availability may be found at OutdoorNebraska.org.
PREFERENCE
Applicants who did not receive a deer permit in a draw unit in 2010 will be given
preference in the 2011 permit drawing.
YOUTH BIG GAME HUNTING

Minimum Age: Deer – age 10; Antelope, Elk, Bighorn – age 12
Seasons: Elk and Bighorn – Same as adult hunts; no special permit or season
Antelope – Permit: Youth archery permit, $11, for residents and nonresidents.
Seasons are the same as for adults.
Deer – Permit: Youth deer permits, $6, for residents and nonresidents
Youth Whitetail permit - valid for one either-sex whitetail and one antlerless
whitetail
Youth Deer permit – valid for one deer of any type and one antlerless whitetail
Youth Deer permits valid in all general seasons with weapons legal for that season.
Archery: Sept. 15 – Dec. 31
October Anterless: Oct. 1 - 10 in units open during
November Firearm: Nov. 12 - 20
November Firearm in Earn-A-Buck units: Nov. 12 - 22 (Youth and
Landowner not required to shoot a doe.)
Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 - 31
Late Firearm Antlerless: Dec. 26 – Jan. 18, 2012 (antlerless only)
Antlerless only if hunting during the October antlerless firearm season
Archery, Muzzleloader, SCA, MDCA, October Antlerless Season
Permit Limit: maximum of two youth permits, but no more than one that
allows mule deer
Application Age: Youth age 16 may get a youth permit if they purchase before turning 16.
Youth may apply before reaching legal age if legal age is reached before season opens
Habitat Stamp: Required of nonresident youth only.
Hunter Education: See page 35

ANTELOPE
2011 FORECAST
Antelope populations are increasing, firearm permit quantities have increased and three
doe/fawn units have been added, giving hunters more opportunity to draw a permit.
Harvest is at a 25-year high. Two state-record antelope were taken in 2010.
NEW IN 2011
• Preference points used for resident and nonresident landowner permits
• Late antlerless seasons added in Box Butte East, Dismal and North Sioux units
• Archery season open during firearm seasons for deer and antelope
• $11 youth archery permit (age 12-15)
• Antelope taken outside the October firearm season must be checked via Telecheck
within 48 hours of kill
WHO MAY APPLY FOR ANTELOPE PERMTIS
• Persons age 12 or older or those persons age 11 if they are age 12 by Oct. 1.
• Resident and nonresident landowners. Firearm and muzzleloader permits have quotas
while archery permits are unlimited. Residents have preference, so all muzzleloader
and firearm buck or either-sex permits will be purchased by them. Archery permits
are available to residents and nonresidents. Antlerless permits are available to
residents and nonresidents starting in July. Firearm permits are available to
nonresident landowners however, resident landowners have preference and are
expected to purchase most permits.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF AN ANTELOPE
A buck is defined as an antelope with horns longer than its ears.
LANDOWNER PERMITS
Quota is 50 percent of the general permit quota for each unit.
ANTELOPE PREFERENCE POINTS
• Any resident who properly applies for and is denied a firearm or muzzleloader
antelope permit in the first application period will receive one preference point for
each unsuccessful year. Nonresident landowners gain 0.9 preference points.
• Accumulated points shall be used to determine priority in the permit drawing.
• In buddy applications, priority will be given based on the lower number of points
possessed by either applicant.
• Any person who is issued firearm or muzzleloader buck or either-sex permits shall
lose all preference points.
• Any person who does not apply during a five-year period shall lose all preference points.
• Purchasing an archery or antlerless permit will not cause you to lose preference points.
• Antlerless permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis to residents or
nonresidents. Preference points are not used.
10 | Antelope
ANTELOPE PERMIT INFORMATION
2010 Bucks
2011 2011 2010 2010 Minimum Harvested
Unit
Permits Bag Limit2 Harvest3 Success Points Age 2 or
Required Older
Archery – Statewide1 UNL ES 185 22% 0 86%
Prairie MZ 1
90 ES 76 71% 2 88%
North Sioux MZ 26 ES 23 68% 3 90%
Banner North 76 ES 76 68% 2 79%
Banner South 40 ES 48 92% 2 87%
Box Butte 0 0 48 80% 3 95%
Box Butte East 20 BO — — — —
Box Butte West 40 ES — — — —
Cherry 90 ES 92 70% 1 91%
Cheyenne 26 ES 24 80% 2 79%
Dismal 16 ES 15 65% 2 100%
Eastern Sandhills 20 BO 20 67% 1 100%
Garden 35 BO 37 70% 1 97%
North Sioux 100 ES 123 84% 3 92%
Box Butte East Late 26 doe/fawn — — Buy Permi
Permit —
Cherry Late 26 doe/fawn 26 65% Buy Permit —
Dismal Late 20 doe/fawn — — Buy Permit —
North Sioux Late 46 doe/fawn — — Buy Permit —
1 - The Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest in Blaine and Thomas counties is
closed to muzzleloader and firearm hunting. Open to archery for bucks only.
2 - ES - Either Sex BO - Buck only horns longer than its ears.
3 - Includes landowner harvest.
MZ - Muzzleloader UNL - Unlimited
Antelope | 11
CHECKING OF ANTELOPE
Antelope harvested during the 16-day October firearm season must be delivered to a
check station no later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. Each
permit holder must accompany the animal to the check station. Antelope harvested
during the archery, muzzleloader or late firearm seasons must be checked via Telecheck
within 48 hours of kill and before 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season.
Hunters must record the seal number and security code on the permit. The carcass may
be separated into halves or quarters, provided that evidence of sex is retained on each
hind quarter or half. Head and hide must accompany the carcass to the check station.
The permit and check station seal numbers must be retained while transporting the
animal to a point of permanent storage or processing. A list of check stations may be
found on the regulations sheet and at OutdoorNebraska.org.
ANTELOPE FIREARM UNITS

North Sioux Late Cherry Late
Sioux OGLALA
NATIONAL Dawes
GRASSLAND Sheridan
North Sioux 83
Cherry Keya
Paha
Boyd
Chadron 87 Fort Niobrara

Valentine
National Butte
Wildlife Refuge
Springview
SOLDIER
20
Harrison CREEK
Rushville
WILDERNESS
20 SAMUEL R. MCKELVIE
NEBRASKA
NATIONAL
FOREST
Box NATIONAL FOREST Brown
Rock
385 Butte
East Cherry Ainsworth
Bassett
Eastern Sandhills
Valentine
National
Box Butte
Wildlife Refuge
Holt
East Late
O'Neill
Box Butte West 11

Box
Butte
250 83
Alliance
Grant
Scotts 2 Hooker
Bluff 26 North Platte
Morrill Hyannis
2 Mullen
Blaine Garfield
National
North
Wildlife Refuge
Thedford
Gering Platte River Brewster

Thomas
Garden 61
NEBRASKA
NATIONAL
Loup
FOREST
11
385 Crescent Lake
National
Banner Bridgeport Wildlife Refuge 91 Burwell
Arthur McPherson Taylor
Custer
Dismal & Logan
Banner North Garden

Harrisburg
North Arthur Dismal Late 83

Valley
Ord
Platte River Tryon
Cheyenne 61 92
Oshkosh
Stapleton
183
385 Broken 92
Bow
Kimball
80 Kimball North 40
Cheyenne Deuel
Loup City
Keith Platte River

Sherman
Banner South Sidney
Chappell
Ogallala
North
Platte River
30 Platte
19 138
Lincoln
Perkins 47
Grant Dawson
Buffalo
Lexington
Kearney
ANTELOPE MUZZLELOADER UNITS

PRAIRIE AND NORTH SIOUX
North Sioux Muzzleloader
OGLALA
NATIONAL
GRASSLAND
87 Butte
Chadron
Valentine
Fort Niobrara
National
Keya Boyd
Wildlife Refuge Paha
Springview
20
Harrison SOLDIER
CREEK
Dawes Rushville
WILDERNESS
NEBRASKA
20 SAMUEL R. MCKELVIE
NATIONAL FOREST
NATIONAL
Hartington
FOREST
Knox
Bassett Center Cedar Ponca
Sioux Cherry Ainsworth
Sheridan Valentine
National
O'Neill
Dixon Dakota
Wildlife Refuge
Brown Holt City
Rock Dakota
Box
Butte Pierce Wayne
Pierce
Wayne Thurston
Alliance
Antelope Thurston
Neligh
Mullen
North Platte Hyannis
National Thedford
Wildlife Refuge Stanton
Scotts Brewster
Grant Hooker Thomas Stanton Cuming
Bluff Gering Crescent Lake Blaine Loup Garfield Wheeler Madison
National NEBRASKA
Bartlett Madison West Burt
Wildlife Refuge NATIONAL Point Tekamah
FOREST Burwell
Morrill Taylor
Bridgeport
Logan Boone
Harrisburg
Banner Garden Albion
Arthur Tryon Ord Washington
Arthur McPherson Dodge
Prairie Muzzleloader Valley Greeley Platte Colfax Blair Desoto National
Wildlife Refuge
Stapleton Greeley Boyer Chute
Oshkosh Schuyler Fremont National
Broken Columbus
Wildlife Refuge
Bow
Custer Nance
Kimball Fullerton
Loup David Douglas Omaha
Kimball Cheyenne City City
Keith Butler Saunders

Sidney
North
Sherman Howard Polk Wahoo Papillion
Ogallala
Chappell
Deuel Platte
St. Paul
Merrick Osceola
Sarpy
Plattsmouth
Lincoln
Grand
Island Seward Cass
Perkins Dawson Hall Hamilton York Seward
Grant Buffalo Aurora York Lincoln
Lexington Lancaster Nebraska
City
Kearney
Otoe
Elwood Hastings
Clay
Chase Imperial Hayes
Stockville
Frontier Center Geneva
Saline
Gosper Phelps Kearney Adams Clay Fillmore Wilber
Hayes
Center Holdrege Minden
Johnson Nemaha
Auburn
Tecumseh
Beatrice
Gage
McCook Nelson
Dundy Hitchcock Red
Furnas Harlan Franklin Webster Nuckolls Thayer Jefferson Richardson
Trenton Willow Beaver Red Hebron Fairbury Pawnee
City Alma Franklin Falls
Benkelman Cloud Pawnee
City
City
12 | Antelope
BIGHORN SHEEP
2011 FORECAST
The long-term outlook for bighorn sheep is good, with approximately 300 bighorns in
two populations in the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills. Once native to western Nebraska,
bighorn sheep were reintroduced in 1981. Unfortunately, disease losses are limiting herd
growth.
PERMITS
• One lottery and one auction permit authorized for 2011
• Only residents age 12 and older are eligible to apply for permit
• Lottery application fee – $25 (nonrefundable)
• Lottery application period – April 18 - Aug. 5
• Lottery drawing date – Aug. 30
LOTTERY AND AUCTION
Proceeds from lottery entries and auctions have raised more than $800,000 for the
Bighorn Sheep Program. These proceeds are a critical revenue source for the program.
BIGHORN SHEEP HUNTING AREA
All of Banner, Box Butte, Dawes, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties.
Applications
Year Total Year Total Year Total
1998 3,443 2003 1,595 2008 1,357
1999 1,996 2004 1,585 2009 1,547
2000 1,806 2005 1,445 2010 None
2001 886 2006 None
2002 1,838 2007 None
Auction Results
1998 - $87,500 Safari Club International
2000 - $85,000 Foundation for North American Wild Sheep
2002 - $55,000 Safari Club International
2005 - $83,000 Grand Slam/Ovis
2009 - $80,000 Foundation for North American Wild Sheep
2011 - $117,500 Grand Slam/Ovis
Bighorn Sheep | 13
ELK
2011 FORECAST
Nebraska elk herds continue to grow. The population should exceed 2,200 by the start
of the 2011 season. Hunter success in 2010 was 61 percent, with 92 percent of harvested
bulls having six or more points on one antler. Permit draw odds average 25:1 for bull
tags and 6:1 for cow tags. The time has never been better to harvest an elk in Nebraska.
NEW IN 2011
• Preference points used to issue resident and nonresident landowner bull permits
• Landowner application rules have changed
• Nonresident landowners may apply
• 16 bull permits added
• 6 antlerless permits added
WHO MAY APPLY FOR PERMITS
• Persons age 12 and older are eligible.
• General permits are available to residents only.
• Landowner permits are available to residents and nonresidents.
PERMIT AVAILABILITY
• General permits: Bull - once in a lifetime; Cow - once in 5 years
• Landowner permits: Bull – once in 3 years; Cow – annually
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF AN ELK
Bull – A male with antlers 6 inches or more in length
Antlerless – No antlers or antlers no more than 6 inches in length
LANDOWNER ELK PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS:
1) Obtain an application by:
• requesting from Game and Parks
• picking up from Game and Parks district office
• downloading from OutdoorNebraska.org
2) Determine if your land is in an elk zone and if you qualify
3) By June 3, mail completed application and check or credit card for the permit price
and application fee to the following Game and Parks district office, depending on
unit (see address on page 44):
Northwest District, Alliance: Ash Creek, Bordeaux Creek, Hat Creek, and
North Platte River
Northeast District, Norfolk: Boyd and Niobrara
Southwest District, North Platte: Box Elder
4) District staff will validate your application and enter in drawing if eligible
5) Failure to provide complete and accurate information may lead to disqualification
Resident and Nonresident Landowner Elk Eligibility Rules:
• Eligible property must be located within the Elk Management Zone
• Minimum acres: Resident (own 320 or lease 640); Nonresident (own 1,280)
• Land must be used for agricultural purposes
• Spouse or child of resident owner/leaseholder or sibling sharing ownership is eligible
• Spouse or child of nonresident owner is eligible
• One application is allowed per described property
14 | Elk
ELK BULL PERMITS
2011 2011 2010 2010
Unit Name General Landowner Bulls Permit
Permits Permits Harvested Draw Odds
Ash Creek 10 5 8 14:1
Bordeaux 18 9 17 27:1
Box Elder 4 2 3 103:1
Boyd 2 1 0 40:1
Hat Creek 20 10 23 23:1
Niobrara River 6 3 8 23:1
North Platte River 14 7 17 37:1
Lottery and Auction 3 — 1 —
ELK ANTLERLESS-ONLY PERMITS

2011 2011 2010 2010
Unit
General Landowner Cow/Calf Permit
Name
Permits Permits Harvest Draw Odds
Ash Creek 14 7 9 4:1
Bordeaux 34 17 25 6:1
Box Elder 14 7 7 9:1
Boyd 4 2 2 11:1
Hat Creek 34 17 32 4:1
Niobrara River 6 3 4 5:1
North Platte River 14 7 8 12:1
NOTE: Nebraska’s elk populations move freely between private and public land, but the majority of elk are
sighted on private property. Landowners may charge a fee for permission to hunt on their property.
Resident and Nonresident Landowner Elk Procedure Rules:

• Persons receiving a bull permit in 2009 or 2010 cannot get a bull permit in 2011.
• No more than one permit per person per year or one bull permit every three years.
• Persons may apply for a bull permit each year and earn preference points.
• Preference points awarded to unsuccessful landowner bull applicants (first
application period only).
• Bull permits are issued on a basis of preference points (cow by random draw).
• Preference points are lost when a bull permit is issued (not when a cow is issued).
• Hunting is restricted to the elk management unit for which the permit is issued.
• Residents have preference over nonresidents (acres, price, preference points, leases).
Elk | 15
16 | Elk
Lake Francis Case
Gregory County
Mis
281
sou
ELK UNITS
ri R
South Dakota 18
ive
Nebraska
r
Boyd Unit
Sioux
OGLALA
NATIONAL
Dawes
GRASSLAND 281
Keya
Chadron
Valentine
Paha Butte
Boyd
Boyd Boyd County
Fort Niobrara
71 27 National
Ask Bordeaux
Springview
Harrison SOLDIER
Wildlife Refuge 12
CREEK
WILDERNESS SAMUEL R. MCKELVIE
Creek
Rushville
NATIONAL FOREST
NEBRASKA
Hat
NATIONAL
FOREST 12
2 385
Bassett
281
Creek Sheridan
Cherry Valentine National
Wildlife
Niobrara
Ainsworth
Boyd Unit permit holders

Refuge
O'Neill
Holt
2 River Brown
Rock
also may hunt in the S. D.
Box
Butte
portion of the unit.
71 Alliance
26 2 2
Mullen
Blaine Wheeler
National
Wildlife Refuge Thedford
Scotts Brewster
Gering Grant Hooker 281
Bluff Thomas 2 91 Loup Garfield
61 NEBRASKA
NATIONAL
FOREST Burwell
Morrill Crescent Taylor
91 70
North
Bridgeport Lake National
Wildlife Refuge
Arthur McPherson
Platte Garden
Harrisburg
Banner Arthur Ord
Tryon
Logan
River
Valley
Stapleton 183
Oshkosh
Broken
Bow
61 Custer
Lincoln
Kimball
Loup
Kimball Cheyenne City
Deuel Keith
Sidney Sherman
Ogallala North
Chappell Platte
80
76
Perkins
Box
Grant
Elder Dawson
Buffalo
Lexington
Kearney
Hayes Frontier
Kearney
Hayes
Chase Imperial
Center
Stockville
Gosper Phelps Minden
Holdrege
Hitchcock Harlan
McCook 183
Dundy Trenton Red
Willow Furnas Beaver
Franklin
City
Alma Franklin
Benkelman
Residents Nonresidents
• Unsuccessful bull applicants earn 1 point • 0.9 point
• Permit: $39.40 • Permit: $458
• Own 320 acres; Lease 640 • Own 1,280 acres
• Leaseholder eligible • Leaseholder not eligible
CHECKING OF ELK
Elk must be delivered to a check station within 48 hours of the time of kill. Following
the kill, hunters who harvest elk must immediately punch or notch the permit or tag to
indicate sex and date of kill. The canceled permit or tag must be attached to the animal,
or it may remain with the hunter if the carcass remains in the hunter's possession. The
carcass may be separated into halves or quarters, provided that evidence of sex is
retained on each hind quarter or half. Head and hide must accompany the carcass to the
check station. The permit and check station seal numbers must be retained while
transporting the elk to a point of permanent storage or processing. A list of check
stations may be found on the regulations sheet and at OutdoorNebraska.org.
Elk | 17
DEER
2011 FORECAST
The 2011 season should set a record for antlerless whitetail harvest. To accomplish herd-
reduction goals, Game and Parks has authorized more than 250,000 permits and bonus
tags that allow the harvest of antlerless whitetail. Another strategy is Earn-a-Buck,
which is required for the Blue Northwest, Blue Southeast, Elkhorn, Missouri, and
Wahoo units. The 20-year trend of greater numbers of older bucks likely will continue.
In 2010, 75 percent of harvested whitetail bucks and 83 percent of harvested mule deer
bucks were age 2 or older.
NEW IN 2011
• Limit of one per hunter on mule deer buck permits in the Mule Deer Conservation Area.
• Limit of one per hunter on youth deer permits that allow take of mule deer bucks.
• Youth Whitetail permit.
• Deer taken outside the November firearm season must be checked via Telecheck
within 48 hours of kill.
• Archery season open during November firearm (hunter orange required).
• Crossbow is a legal weapon on archery permits.
• SCA 17 White River expanded to 6-mile width.
• Bonus antlerless whitetail tags on Youth Whitetail, Calamus East, Loup East.
• 400 mule deer permits added in Frenchman Unit.
• Permit quota and bag limit changes in SCA4, SCA8 West, SCA20, SCA24 River, Pine
Ridge units.
• Federal and state land in the Pine Ridge is closed to antlerless mule deer harvest.
• Samuel R. McKelvie NF is closed to use of bonus antlerless tags and SCA 22 permits.
• Clear Creek Refuge is open during the October antlerless season.
• Fort Niobrara NWR is open to muzzleloader, archery, youth, and October antlerless permit
holders using archery or muzzleloader weapons. Closed during November firearm season.
Access permit required from Fort Niobrara NWR office at (402) 376-3789.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF DEER
Buck – A deer having at least one antler 6 inches or more in length.
Antlerless – A deer with no antlers or antlers no more than 6 inches in length.
HUNTING SEASON DETAILS

YOUTH, LANDOWNER AND SEASON CHOICE PERMITS
Persons who obtain a statewide youth permit may hunt with the following weapons:
• Firearm: Nov. 12 – 20; Nov. 12 – 22 in Earn-a-Buck units
• Late Firearm: Dec. 26 – Jan. 18, 2012
• Archery: Sept. 15 – Jan. 18, 2012
• Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 - Jan. 18, 2012
• Any weapon: Oct. 1 – 10 in October Antlerless units
Note: Jan. 1 – 18, 2012, is open in SCA units for antlerless deer only. The Dec. 26 – 31
antlerless season extension in SCA units is not valid for antlered deer if a centerfire rifle
is used.
18 | Deer
SEASON CHOICE AREAS WITH SPECIAL RULES AND BOUNDARIES
Area 1: All land within 3 miles of the landward banks of the Platte River between Neb.
Hwy. 47 and Neb. Hwy. 14.
Area 2: Harlan County Reservoir is closed.
Area 4: Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska
National Forest are closed.
Area 8 West: Red Willow SRA/WMA is closed.
Area 9 River: That portion of the Platte Unit within 3 miles of the landward banks of
the Platte, South Platte and North Platte rivers. No permits are authorized, except as
provided in the October Antlerless season.
Area 17: All federal and state lands are closed to antlerless mule deer harvest.
Area 17 White River: That portion of the Pine Ridge Unit within 3 miles of the banks
of the White River between Neb. Hwy. 71 and the South Dakota border.
Area 20: All land within a line beginning on U.S. Hwy. 81 at the Nebraska-Kansas
border, north on U.S. Hwy. 81 to U.S. Hwy. 34, west on U.S. Hwy. 34 to Neb. Hwy. 14,
then north on Neb. Hwy. 14 to the Platte River, continuing east, within 3 miles of the
landward banks of the Platte River, to Neb. Hwy. 50, then south on Neb. Hwy. 50 to the
NebraskaKansas border.
Area 21: All of Douglas and Sarpy counties, and
Washington
Colfax Dodge Blair

Platte
all land bordering the Missouri River south of

Fremont
Nance Columbus
Schuyler
Saunders
Fullerton
Polk David Douglas Omaha
U.S. Hwy. 30 and east of Neb. Hwy. 50, and land

Howard City
Wahoo
Butler
Osceola Papillion
Merrick
Sarpy
within 3 miles of the banks of the Platte River

Plattsmouth
Hamilton
Cass
Hall
Area
beginning at the Missouri River confluence and
Aurora
Area 21 Otoe
21
Nebraska
City
extending west to Neb. Hwy. 14. Johnson

Nemaha
Auburn
Tecumseh
Area 22: Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and Pawnee

Richardson
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest are closed.

Pawnee
City Falls
City
Area 24 River: Within 3 miles of the banks of the

North Platte River from NE Hwy 27 to Wyoming.
MOUNTAIN LIONS ON CAMERA

Game and Parks would like anyone who captures an image of a mountain lion on
their trail camera to contact the nearest agency district office (see list of offices on
page 44) or Sam Wilson, nongame mammal/furbearer program manager at
(402) 471-5174 or sam.wilson@nebraska.gov.
Deer | 19
MULE DEER CONSERVATION AREA (MDCA)
The Need for New Rules
Mule deer populations are declining in some units and increasing in others. The
statewide population is at or near a record high and landowner tolerance for more mule
deer is limited. Populations are under pressure because of habitat conversion to row-
crop agriculture, brain worm mortality and chronic wasting disease. Populations are
declining in the Buffalo, Frenchman and Platte units. Republican Unit mule deer have
declined approximately 75 percent over the past 15 years. Nonresident hunter demand
for mule deer permits is increasing as mule deer hunting opportunities become more
limited nationwide. In the Frenchman Unit, hunter demand for mule deer exceeds
permit availability. In addition, Game and Parks biologists wish to maintain a higher
level of older bucks in the population. The current objective is 75 percent age 2 and
older bucks in the harvest. We need new rules to manage mule deer, and we have
selected these four units in southwest Nebraska to implement them.
Hunting Season Dates –
Buffalo, Frenchman, Platte, and Republican MDCA permits:
With archery equipment, Sept. 15 - Dec. 31
With muzzleloaders, Dec. 1 – 31
With firearms, Nov. 12 - 20
Buffalo Whitetail, Frenchman Whitetail, Platte Whitetail, and Republican Whitetail
permits:
With firearms, Nov. 12 – 20
Important – No person may obtain more than one permit that allows the take of a mule
deer buck, including Republican Mule Deer, Buffalo, Frenchman, and Platte permits.
Hunting Area – Buffalo, Frenchman, Platte, and Republican units (see page 37)
Permits – Hunters wishing to harvest a mule deer buck in the MDCA must purchase a
Youth, Landowner, Buffalo, Frenchman, Platte, or Republican mule deer permit. There
is quota of MDCA permits in each unit that are valid in the archery, muzzleloader and
firearm seasons. Buffalo, Frenchman and Platte permits are valid for any deer. The
Republican Mule Deer permit is valid for a mule deer buck. Frenchman and Platte
permits include a bonus antlerless whitetail tag. Mule deer doe harvest is allowed on
Landowner permits, Youth permits and SCA 8 West, SCA 9 North and SCA 25 North
permits. The following permits are valid only for the November firearm season: Buffalo
Whitetail, Frenchman Whitetail, Platte Whitetail, and Republican Whitetail. Statewide
Archery, Muzzleloader and Restricted Statewide Buck permits may not be used in the
MDCA for mule deer. They are valid for whitetail in the MDCA.
Objective – Increase the number, distribution and age structure of mule deer in the
MDCA while addressing the concerns of landowners and hunters. In 2011, hunters will
notice that there is a one permit limit on hunters who buy a mule deer permit in MDCA
units. There is also a one-permit limit on Youth Deer permits that allow mule deer
harvest. These changes will increase permit availability to hunters.
20 | Deer
EARN-A-BUCK
Hunting Season Dates – Nov. 12 - 22
Hunting Area – Blue Northwest, Blue Southeast, Elkhorn, Missouri, and Wahoo units
(see page 37)
Rules – Hunters must check a doe before they may check a buck. Both deer may be
checked at the same time. Hunters who wish to avoid the possibility of a violation may:
1) harvest a doe first;
2) purchase an archery, muzzleloader or antlerless permit instead of the either-sex
permit for Earn-a-Buck units;
3) purchase a Statewide Whitetail Buck permit with a bonus antlerless whitetail tag.
Objective – Herd reduction
Background – Forty-nine percent of hunters surveyed support Earn-a-Buck.
OCTOBER ANTLERLESS
Hunting Season Dates – Oct. 1 – 10
Hunting Area – Within the boundaries of the following Season Choice Areas: 1, 3, 4, 5,
6, 9 River, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22. (see page 38-39)
Bag Limit – two antlerless whitetail deer
Permit Price – For October Antlerless, $11 for residents; $55 for nonresidents
Permits – October Antlerless, Youth, Landowner, and Season Choice Area
Rules – Hunter orange is required for all firearm deer hunters within the areas listed for
the October Antlerless season, but it is not required for archers. Legal weapons are
archery, muzzleloader, centerfire rifle, and crossbow.
Others Who May Hunt – Persons with Youth, Landowner and Season Choice Area
permits who hunt within the boundaries of the October antlerless unit may hunt with
archery equipment or firearms during the October antlerless season provided that only
antlerless deer may be taken with firearms.
Closed Area – The following areas are closed to this season: Valentine National Wildlife
Refuge, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest and Bessey Ranger District of Nebraska
National Forest.
DESOTO MUZZLELOADER
A described portion of the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County
near Blair. Access permit is required, contact Mindy Sheets at (712) 642-5405 for more
information.
October Early: Oct. 1 - 2; 80 permits. Bag Limit: Two antlerless deer.
October Late: Oct. 15 - 16; 140 permits. Bag Limit: Two antlerless deer.
December: Dec. 10 - 11; 100 permits. Bag Limit: One either-sex deer and one antlerless deer.
January: Jan. 7 - 8, 2012; 160 permits. Bag Limit: Two antlerless deer.
More on page 30
Deer | 21
NEBRASKA BIG GAME APPLICATION
Instruction: Check all applicable boxes and provide information as requested. Submitting incomplete information will result in the return of
your application. Make checks payable to Nebraska Game and Parks and enclose the appropriate fee with your application. Mail to: Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission, PO Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370. Photocopied application forms are acceptable.
Permit (Choose only one)
Resident
— Antelope* . . . . . . . . . . . $35 First Name Middle Initial Last Name
— Youth Antelope* (archery only) $11
— Bighorn Sheep . . . . . . . . $25 Mailing Address
— Deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30
— October Antlerless Deer . . . $11 City State ZIP Code
— Statewide Buck (Deer) . . $73.50
— Youth Deer. . . . . . . . . . . $6
— Elk** . . . . . . . . . . . . $159
Hair Color Eye Color Ft. In. Weight Month Day Year Sex
— Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24
— Youth Turkey . . . . . . . . . $6 Height Date of Birth
— Super Lottery Tag . . . . . . $25
Nonresident Daytime Phone Number Last 4 Digits of Social Security No.
— Antelope* (archery only) $155.50
— Youth Antelope* (archery only) $11
— Deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . $209 Archery Education Number – State Certified Firearm Hunter Education Number – State Certified
— October Antlerless Deer . . . $55
— Season Choice (antlerless) . . $55
— Statewide Buck (Deer) . . . $521 Credit Card # – VISA or MasterCard Only Expiration Date 3 digit code
— Youth Deer. . . . . . . . . . . $6
Yes No
— Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . $91 £ £ I certify that I am a RESIDENT of the State of Nebraska as defined by the rules and regulations

— Youth Turkey . . . . . . . . . $6 of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
All permit prices include a $1 issuing fee. £ £ I certify that my privilege to hunt, fish or harvest fur is NOT currently revoked in any state, and
I am NOT delinquent on any child support payments.
During the draw application period, do not request a habitat stamp when applying for deer, antelope or
Weapon Type (choose one) elk draw permits.
— Firearm
— Archery
— Muzzleloader
— Season Choice (antlerless deer only) Unit Name (first choice):
— Check if Buddy Application***
Unit Name (second choice):
Name of Buddy E-mail address:
— Habitat Stamp . . . . . . . . $20
AWARDING PERMITS
The draw status information will be available their status. If successful, an applicant may
Paddlefish
10 days after the draw. An applicant may print his or her permit. Applicants who do not
Resident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21
go online through the Nebraska Game and print their permits will receive their permits in
— Snagging Parks Commission quick link which will be the mail in late June or early July.
— Archery established at Landowner applicants are encouraged to go
Nonresident . . . . . . . . . . . . $41 ngpc-permits.ne.gov/NGPC-PS/faces/public/welcome online early and enter their legal descriptions.
— Snagging to direct applicants to the “Check Draw Parcel identification numbers are no longer
— Archery Application Status.” After providing last name, acceptable.
— Check if Buddy Application*** date of birth and last four digits of their social Online enrollment assistance is available
security number, applicants will be linked to from our district offices.
Name of Buddy
3-digit card
* Includes $5 nonrefundable application fee verification No.
on back of card
** Includes $8.50 nonrefundable application fee
*** Complete an application for each individual when applying for a buddy permit.
Please submit one total payment for both applications, mail together in the same envelope.
Rev. 03-11 SO
LIMITED LANDOWNER BIG GAME APPLICATION
Instruction: Separate applications must be submitted for each permit request. Applicants are limited to one landowner permit per species per
year except for spring and fall turkey. Check applicable boxes and provide the legal description of all qualifying property you will be hunt-
ing. Make checks payable to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and enclose the appropriate fee with your application. Mail to: Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503-0370

Resident
— Antelope* . . . . . . . . . $20.50 First Name Middle Initial Last Name
— Deer . . . . . . . . . . . . $15.50
— Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . $12.50 Mailing Address
Nonresident
— Antelope* . . . . . . . . . $80.75 City State ZIP Code
— Deer . . . . . . . . . . . . . $105
— Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . $46
All permit prices include a $1 issuing Hair Color Eye Color Ft. In. Weight Month Day Year Sex
fee.
* Includes $5 nonrefundable Height Date of Birth
application fee
** Includes $8.50 nonrefundable
application fee
Daytime Phone Number Last 4 Digits of Social Security No.
3-digit card
verification No. Archery Education Number – State Certified Firearm Hunter Education Number – State Certified
on back of card
Credit Card # – VISA or MasterCard Only Expiration Date 3 digit code

Yes No
£ I certify that I am a RESIDENT of the State of Nebraska as defined by the rules and regulations
£
of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
£ £ I certify that my privilege to hunt, fish or harvest fur is NOT currently revoked in any state, and
I am NOT delinquent on any child support payments.
Submitting incomplete information will result in the return of your application.
Unit Name (first choice): Unit Name (second choice):
The farm or ranch land listed in this application must be used for agricultural purposes.
Check the box below that best certifies your qualifications for a limited landowner permit:
q I qualify as the owner/leaseholder of the land listed.
q I qualify as the spouse or child of the owner or leaseholder, or sibling sharing ownership, of the land listed.
FARM AND RANCH LAND - LEGAL DESCRIPTION Check One Box

(If additional room is needed, an attachment form is available. Photocopied application forms are acceptable.) for Each Parcel Listed
Quarter Section Township Range County Acres Own Lease

W1/2NW1/4 16 28N 15E Cather 80 ü
I certify that I am eligible to apply for a limited landowner permit. All farm and ranch land listed is qualifying property owned and/or leased
by me or a member of my immediate household. I, as the qualified applicant, request a limited landowner permit to be issued to me.
Signature of Qualified Applicant: Date:
E-mail address of applicant for permit notification:

33-384LOA/Rev. 03-11 SO
DEER HUNTING SEASONS
Deer| 27
SEPT.15 OCT.1 NOV. 12 DEC.1 DEC.26 DEC.31 JAN.18
Archery Sept. 15 - Dec. 31
Mule Deer Conservation Area Sept. 15 - Dec. 31 (Buffalo, Frenchman, Platte, and Republican units)
October Antlerless (any weapon) Oct. 1-10
November Firearm Nov. 12-20
Earn-a-Buck November Firearm (Blue NW, Blue SE, Elkhorn, Missouri, and Wahoo units) Nov. 12-22
Muzzleloader Dec. 1-31
Season Choice (antlerless) Sept. 15-Jan. 18, (archery); Dec. 1-31 (muzzleloader) and Nov. 12-20 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1-18, (firearm)
Youth and Landowner Sept. 15-Dec. 31 (archery); Dec. 1-31 (muzzleloader); Nov. 12-20 (firearm); and
Dec. 26-Jan. 18, 2012 (antlerless only; archery or firearm)
DeSoto Muzzleloader – Oct. 1-2; Oct. 15-16; Dec. 10-11; and Jan. 7-8
Boyer Chute – Oct. 22-23; Nov. 5-6 and Dec. 17-18
DEER PERMIT INFORMATION
2011 2011 2010 2010 2010
Unit
Permits Bag Limit Permits Sold Deer Harvested Success
Archery* UNL 1ES 3 , 1AOWT 15,609 6,315 45%
Muzzleloader* (MZ) UNL 1ES 3 , 1AOWT 11,484 4,252 37%
Youth Deer* UNL 1ES, 1AOWT 11,255 8,055 72%
Youth Whitetail UNL 1WT, 1AOWT — — —
October Antlerless UNL 2AOWT 7,223 2,696 38%
DeSoto Oct. Early MZ 80 2AO 140 26 19%
DeSoto Oct. Late MZ 140 2AO 96 20 21%
DeSoto Dec. MZ 100 1ES, 1AO 98 30 31%
DeSoto Jan. MZ 160 2AO 118 38 32%
Boyer Oct. MZ 70 2AO 70 22 31%
Boyer Nov. MZ 70 2AO 37 8 22%
Boyer Dec. MZ 70 2AO 62 24 39%
Landowner UNL 1ES, 1AO 13,202 8,702 66%
SCA 1 2,000 2AOWT 1,087 688 64%
SCA 2 2,000 2AOWT 1,545 915 59%
SCA 3 400 2 AOWT 239 160 67%
SCA 4 300 1AO, 1AOWT 160 112 70%
SCA 5 1,000 2AOWT 1,000 599 60%
SCA 6 500 1AO, 1AOWT 334 172 51%
SCA 8 1,400 2AOWT 832 399 48%
SCA 8 West 300 1AO 199 165 83%
SCA 9 1,200 2AOWT 876 390 45%
SCA 9 North 300 2AO 133 99 74%
SCA 11 500 1AO, 1AOWT 381 289 76%
SCA 12 1,500 2AOWT 1,494 1000 67%
SCA 13 400 1AOWT 400 133 33%
SCA 17 800 1AO, 1AOWT 799 688 86%
SCA 17 White River 400 2AOWT 112 86 77%
SCA 18 1,600 2AO 1,035 508 49%
SCA 19 2,000 2AO 2,001 929 46%
SCA 20 5,800 2AOWT 6,003 2,874 48%
SCA 21 8,000 2AO 4,793 2,456 51%
SCA 22 700 2AO 440 348 79%
SCA 23 600 2AO 500 405 81%
SCA 24 300 1AO 300 137 46%
SCA 24 River 300 2AOWT 116 24 21%
SCA 25 400 1AOWT 400 126 32%
SCA 25 North 150 1AO 150 45 46%
28 | Deer
DEER PERMIT INFORMATION
2011 2011 Bag Limit 2010 2010 2010
Unit
Permits or % of Either-Sex Permits Sold Sellout Date Success
Blue Northwest 2,700 1ES, 1AO 2,700 Oct. 11 82%
Blue Southeast 3,900 1ES, 1AO 3,900 Oct. 15 76%
Buffalo (MDCA) 1,700 1ES 1,700 Oct. 1 62%
Buffalo WT 1,750 1ES WT 1,749 Nov. 10 55%
Calamus East 1,300 1ES2 ,1AOW 1,300 Nov. 12 60%
Calamus West 1,800 1ES, 1AOWT 1,800 Nov. 17 80%
Elkhorn 3,600 1ES, 1AOT 3,600 Oct. 2 107%
Frenchman (MDCA) 1,600 1ES, 1AOWT 1,225 June 16 83%
Frenchman WT 1,600 1WT, 1AOWT 1,994 DSO 74%
Keya Paha 2,300 1ES2 , 1AOWT 2,300 Nov. 16 90%
Loup East 2,400 1ES2 , 1AOWT 2,400 Nov. 2 59%
Loup West 1,700 1ES, 1AOWT 1,700 Nov. 11 86%
Missouri 3,200 1ES2 , 1AOWT 3,200 Oct. 27 87%
Pine Ridge 2,800 1ES 3,000 Nov. 19 61%
Plains 1,500 1ES 1,500 Nov. 12 72%
Platte (MDCA) 1,200 1ES, 1AOWT 1,200 Oct. 31 79%
Platte WT 1,600 1WT, 1AOWT 1,290 DSO 67%
Republican (MDCA) 100 1MD Buck 100 June 24 37%
Republican WT 3,000 1WT, 1AOWT 3,000 Oct. 3 88%
Sandhills 2,400 1ES, 1AOWT 2,400 Nov. 13 93%
Upper Platte 1,200 1ES 1,200 Nov. 12 62%
Wahoo 4,500 1ES, 1AO 4,500 Nov. 5 106%
Restricted Statewide
UNL BO3 2,501 — 50%
Buck
WT Statewide Buck UNL 1BOWT, 1AOWT 6,663 — 61%
Deer Bag Limit Definitions

Antlerless - no antlers or both antlers less than six inches in length
WT = Whitetail
MD = Mule deer
1ES - One either sex (WT or MD)
1ES2 - One antlerless WT or one buck (WT or MD)
1ES WT - Any whitetail
1AO - One antlerless (WT or MD)
1AOWT - One antlerless WT
BOWT - Buck only WT
BO3 - Buck only - No mule deer allowed in MDCA
1ES3 - No mule deer allowed in Mule Deer Conservation Area
*Statewide Unit
UNL – Unlimited
DSO - Did not sell out
Deer | 29
BOYER CHUTE ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER
A described portion of the Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County
near Fort Calhoun. Only persons with a Boyer Chute permit are allowed on the area during
the hunt. Access permit required, contact Mike Ellis (402) 468-4313 for more information.
October: Oct. 22 - 23; 70 permits. Bag Limit: Two antlerless deer.
November: Nov. 5 - 6; 70 permits. Bag Limit: Two antlerless deer.
December: Dec. 17 - 18; 70 permits. Bag Limit: Two antlerless deer.
GIFFORD WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA)
Hunting Season Dates – Sept. 15 - Jan. 18, 2012
`
Hunting Area – Gifford WMA in Sarpy County

Permits – Special access permits are available to archery, youth deer, muzzleloader,
October antlerless, and Season Choice Area 21 permit holders.
Rules – A special access pass is required. There are 200 access permits issued by
drawing. Contact the Lincoln Game and Parks office at (402) 471-0641 or Omaha office
at (402) 595-2144 to apply from July 15 -Aug. 15. All regulations relating to season dates
and weapon types apply, except that archers may hunt with archery equipment during
the November firearm season. Centerfire weapons are prohibited.
DEER PROGRAMS
ANTLERLESS DEER MANAGEMENT
The deer population is higher than desired in some areas. Season Choice Area (SCA)
antlerless-only permits and bonus antlerless-only tags will be used to increase antlerless
harvest. Doe harvest is the only method of reducing populations. Avoid buck fawns and
consider taking a doe instead of a small buck.
Antlerless Deer Hunter Program
This program is designed to:
• help landowners find hunters who will shoot does
• help hunters find a place to hunt antlerless deer
• Hunters may sign up at OutdoorNebraska.org on the Hunting page under the
Programs section to harvest antlerless deer. Landowners who need antlerless deer
hunters may search the list by county and contact hunters by phone or e-mail.
Antlerless Harvest: Hunter and Landowner Considerations
Hunters and landowners should work together to manage our deer herds and achieve
antlerless harvest goals. The rules to successfully manage a local deer herd are fairly simple:
• Landowners should determine if the number of deer is adequate, too high or too low.
• If too low, restrict antlerless harvest.
• Too high, increase antlerless harvest.
• Much too high: recruit hunters who will take multiple antlerless deer.
• If the problem is too many deer on neighboring property, talk to the neighbor.
• If you lease your property for hunting, specify the antlerless harvest quota.
• If your hunters will not take antlerless deer, find new hunters.
• Hunters should talk to the landowner and be willing to harvest antlerless deer.
• Visit the Deer Exchange website if you cannot eat all the deer you harvest.
30 | Deer
DEER EXCHANGE
The Deer Exchange program allows hunters and nonhunters to sign up to exchange deer
or deer meat. Interested persons or organizations may sign up to receive or donate deer
or may search the site by county and call people who have already signed up and
arrange a transfer of the deer.
• Deer must be legally harvested.
• A transfer tag must be filled out by the donating party.
• Hunters donating deer need to provide clean, high quality deer meat.
• Recipients of deer meat should inspect the deer before receiving it.
• Deer meat may not be sold.
Typically we have more people who sign up to receive, so we need more hunters to
participate. Register at: outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/program/deerexchange
TRANSFER TAG
Any person transferring game meat to another person must provide a transfer tag. See
example below.
TURKEY HUNTING
Turkey hunting is legal during the November firearm deer season. People hunting with
a fall turkey permit are required to wear hunter orange when hunting during the
November firearm deer season. Legal weapons include shotgun and archery only; rifles
are not allowed.
RECOVERING DEER
The use of tracking dogs is legal for the recovery of deer.
Deer | 31
CHECKING OF DEER
Deer harvested during the November firearm season must be delivered to a check station no
later than 1 p.m. on the day following the close of the season. Each permit holder must
accompany the animal to the check station. Deer harvested during the archery, muzzleloader
or late firearm season must be checked via Telcheck within 48 hours of kill and before 1 p.m.
on the day following the close of the season. Hunters must record the seal number and
security code on the permit. The carcass may be separated into halves or quarters, provided
that evidence of sex is retained on each hind quarter or half. Head and hide must accompany
the carcass to the check station. The permit and check station seal numbers must be retained
while transporting the animal to a point of permanent storage or processing. A list of check
stations may be found on the regulations sheet and at OutdoorNebraska.org.
WHERE TO HUNT
PRIVATE LANDS
It is the responsibility of every hunter to get permission to hunt, trail game or retrieve
downed game on private land, whether posted or not (including railroad right-of-ways).
Hunting without permission may result in a fine of up to $500, three months in jail and
the loss of hunting privileges for up to three years.
OPEN FIELDS AND WATERS PROGRAM
Starting in 2011, the Conservation Reserve Program-Management Access Program (CRP-
MAP) is merged into the Open Fields and Waters Program, bringing into one access
program the upland game focus of CRP-MAP and the deer/turkey focus of Open Fields.
The program opens tens of thousands of acres of private land to public walk-in hunting
access. For locations of participating tracts of land, read the 2011 Nebraska Public Access
Atlas, available at OutdoorNebraska.org, Game and Parks offices and permit vendors.
PUBLIC LANDS
The Nebraska Guide to Hunting and Public Lands lists 300 publicly owned areas that
cover more than 800,000 acres. Refer to that guide for area-specific regulations. Unless
otherwise posted, big game hunting is allowed on all wildlife management areas
(WMA). Hunting is allowed on most state recreation areas (SRA) beginning the Tuesday
following Labor Day.
Some areas have specific restrictions:
• State parks (SP), wayside areas, hatcheries, reserves, and state refuges are closed to
hunting unless otherwise posted. Indian Cave, Niobrara and Ponca SPs are open to
archery deer hunting during the last half of the season. A free permit is required.
Contact the park superintendent.
• Portable tree stands and steps may be used on WMAs but may not be installed, used
or left in place from Feb. 1 through Aug. 31. They may be used on SRAs open to
hunting, but must be removed at the end of each day. It is unlawful to build or use any
permanent tree stand or steps that attach to any tree with nails, screws, bolts, or wire.
Screw-in steps may be used on WMAs but may not be used on SRAs.
• On state-owned lands, all motorized vehicles are restricted to roadways and parking
areas. No ATVs are permitted.
• Target shooting is permitted on most WMAs but prohibited on certain posted areas.
32 | Where to Hunt
REFUGES
Most national wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
national forests and grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service are open to hunting,
unless otherwise posted. Check with those agencies for special regulations.
OTHER INFORMATION
HUNTER ORANGE
Any persons hunting antelope, elk, mountain (bighorn) sheep, or deer under the
authority of a firearm permit during an authorized firearm season must display on his
or her head, chest and back at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material.
Archery deer hunters must do the same while archery hunting during the November
firearm deer season and during the Dec. 26 - Jan. 18 deer season.
FIREARM RESTRICTIONS
During the November firearm deer season, only hunters with a valid unfilled deer
permit may hunt wildlife other than deer with centerfire rifles or centerfire handguns,
provided they are hunting in the deer management unit for which their deer permit is
valid.
TELECHECK
This allows hunters to check deer or antelope by telephone or online, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. All deer harvested outside the November firearm and Earn-a-Buck
seasons and all antelope harvested outside the October firearm season MUST be
checked via Telecheck. To use Telecheck, call (800) 405-7700
or visit NEdeercheck.com.
Instructions for completing Telecheck:
1. Write the seal number and security code on the permit after completing TELECHECK.
2. Required information from your permit or animal:
Species: Whitetail Mule deer Pronghorn
Unit Code: Permit number:
Date of Kill: (mm/dd/yyyy) Example: 09/15/2010 / /
County of Kill: Name or license plate 2 digit code:
Telecheck by phone is easiest if you know the two digit license plate county code.
(01=Douglas, 02=Lancaster, 03=Gage, 59=Sarpy, 70=Dakota, etc.)
Sex of animal: Male or Female Age of animal: Adult or Fawn
The following information may be requested:
Deer: How many antler points are 1 inch or greater:
Inside spread in inches:
Weapon type: Bow Crossbow Rifle Shotgun
Muzzleloader
Pronghorn: Measure horn from the base around the outside curve to the horn tip.
Is the longest horn less than or greater than 9.5 inches?
Other Information | 33
WEAPONS LEGAL FOR BIG GAME PERMITS
LEGAL WEAPONS (See descriptions below chart)
12
Rifle Handgun Shotgun Crossbow Longbow, Muzzleloading Muzzleloading Muzzleloading
Recurve Bow, Handgun Rifle 3 4 Musket
Compound Bow
Firearm 1      3 
34 | Other Information
Deer and
Archery  
Antelope
Muzzleloader  3 
PERMIT TYPES
2   4
Elk and Bighorn Sheep  
DESCRIPTIONS OF LEGAL WEAPONS
Weapons Comments
1
Rifle -- At least 22 caliber and delivers at least 900 foot-pounds of energy at Semi-automatics may hold no more than 6 cartridges; fully automatic
100 yards weapons; full-metal jacket and incendiary bullets are prohibited.
2
Rifle -- At least 26 caliber and delivers at least 2,000 foot-pounds of energy at
100 yards
Handgun -- Delivers at least 400 foot-pounds of energy at 50 yards
Shotgun -- 20 gauge or larger that fires a single slug
Crossbow -- Draw weight of at least 125 pounds, non-electronic and shoulder-fired Arrows must have sharpened hunting head with a blade of at least 7/16-inch
Longbow, recurve bow, compound bow cutting radius from the center of the shaft. Arrows containing poison or
stupefying chemical or having an explosive tip are prohibited.
Muzzleloading handgun -- Delivers at least 400 foot-pounds of energy at 50 yards Magnifying and variable-power scopes are allowed for hunting big game,
3
Muzzleloading rifle -- 44 caliber or larger including the use of muzzleloaders. Scopes capable of using electricity to
4
Muzzleloading rifle -- 45 caliber or larger amplify natural light (night vision) and those that project a visible light
Muzzleloading musket -- 62 caliber or larger that fires a single slug beam to a target are not allowed
HUNTER REQUIREMENTS
Age 10-11 Age 12-15 Age 16 and Up
Neb. Waterfowl Stamp

Hunter Education
Hunter Education
Federal Duck Stamp
Federal Duck Stamp

Federal Duck Stamp
4 5 Accompaniment
Accompaniment
May Legally Take
Hunter Education
Accompaniment
May Legally Take
May Legally Take
Habitat Stamp
Habitat Stamp
Habitat Stamp
HIP Number
HIP Number
HIP Number
Permit Type
Permit Type
Permit Type
123
123
56
6
Deer R • D • • D • • • D • • •
Deer N • D • • • D • • • • D • • •
Antelope R • A • • • A • • •
Antelope N • A • • • • A • • •
Elk R • E • • • E • • •
Elk N
Bighorn Sheep R • S • • • S • • •
Bighorn Sheep N • S • • • • S • • •
PERMITS: D – Deer, E – Elk, A – Antelope, S – Bighorn Sheep, R – Resident, N – Nonresident, • Required.
Hunter Education
1 Hunters ages 12 through 29 must have on their person proof of successful completion of
firearm hunter education while hunting with a firearm or crossbow.
2 Hunters ages 12 through 29 must have on their person proof of successful completion of bow
hunter education while hunting deer, antelope, elk, or mountain (bighorn) sheep with bow and
arrow.
3 Hunters ages 12 through 29 who have not completed firearm and/or bow hunter education may
obtain an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate.
Accompaniment
4 Firearm hunters ages 11 or younger must be accompanied by a licensed person age 19 or older.
5 Any deer, elk, antelope, or bighorn sheep hunters ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by a
licensed person age 19 and older.
6 Hunters holding an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate must be accompanied
by a licensed person age 19 or older. The accompanying person, if age 19-29, must be certified
in hunter education.
Definitions
Accompanied – In the presence of a licensed hunter age 19 or older. The accompanying hunter
may not accompany more than two hunters at a time using the Apprentice Hunter Education
Exemption Certificate. The accompanying adult hunter must at all times be in unaided visual
and verbal communication with the novice hunter.
Licensed – Has a valid Nebraska hunting permit.
Apprentice Hunter Education Certificate

Persons who have not completed a firearm hunter and/or bow hunter education course may
obtain an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate from Game and Parks. This
certificate provides the novice hunter age 12 and older an opportunity to hunt and receive
training before completing hunter education. The certificate may be obtained once in a person’s
lifetime, expires on Dec. 31 and may be renewed once. The fee is $5.
Other Information | 35
OCTOBER (ANTLERLESS ONLY) UNIT
36 | Maps
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is closed

McKelvie National Forest to SCA 4 and SCA 22 permit holders.
is closed to SCA 22 permit holders.
Bessey National Forest is closed to SCA 4 permit holders.
OGLALA
NATIONAL
GRASSLAND
Sheridan
83 Fort Niobrara Keya Butte
Chadron
27 National
Wildlife Refuge
Paha Boyd
Valentine Springv
Area 11
Harrison SOLDIER
CREEK Dawes Rushville
Knox
281
Area
NEBRASKA NATIONAL FOREST
NATIONAL
FOREST Hartington Dixon
Cedar
12
Bassett Center Ponca
Sioux Cherry 20 sworth
Valentine
National Dakota
27 Wildlife Refuge
Holt
O'Neill
20 City
wn
Box
Area Rock
11 20
Antelope Dakota
Butte
22 83
Area 4 14
Pierce
Pierce
Wayne
Wayne
Thurston
Alliance
Thurston
Scotts North Platte 2

Grant
Hyannis
Mullen Area 3
Wheeler
Neligh
Area 19 Cuming
National Morrill Thedford
Blaine 77
Bluff Wildlife Refuge Stanton Burt
Brewster
Gering
Hooker Thomas Madison Stanton
91 Loup Garfield Bartlett West
61 NEBRASKA Boone Point
Area
Madison
NATIONAL
Crescent FOREST Burwell Tekamah
Bridgeport
Lake National
Wildlife Refuge
Taylor
91
18
Arthur Logan Platte
McPherson Valley Greeley Albion
91
Area
Harrisburg
Banner Garden
Arthur
92 Tryon 83 70
Ord
81 Dodge Blair
Greeley Colfax Desoto National
Washington
6
Wildlife Refuge
Stapleton Boyer Chute
Area 30
Schuyler Fremont National
Oshkosh Nance Columbus
Wildlife Refuge
Broken Saunders
Keith Custer Bow 58 Fullerton
5
Kimball 27 Sherman Howard
Loup Polk David Douglas
Kimball Cheyenne City Omaha
Deuel
2 City
St. Paul Merrick Butler
Wahoo
Sidney
North 30 Osceola Papillion
Chappell Ogallala Platte 10 Sarpy
Plattsmouth
Lincoln
Buffalo Lancaster
Area 9 River 2
Perkins 47 Grand
York Cass
Island
Hamilton Seward
Grant
Dawson
Aurora
34 York
Seward 50
Area 1
Hall Lincoln
Lexington
Kearney
Area Nebraska
City
Open to Hunting
Chase Hayes
Hayes
Frontier
Elwood Kearney Hastings
Clay
Clay
Fillmore 20 Otoe
Imperial
Center Stockville Center Geneva Nemaha
Gosper Adams Saline
Phelps Minden Wilber
Area
Johnson
Holdrege
81 Tecumseh Auburn
Hitchcock
Red
Furnas Webster Thayer Jefferson Beatrice
Gage
21
McCook Nelson Pawnee
Dundy Trenton Willow Beaver Hebron Pawnee
City Harlan Franklin Nuckolls Fairbury City Richardson
Red
Alma Franklin Falls
Benkelman Cloud
136 City
NOVEMBER FIREARM DEER UNITS
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and
All federal and state lands in the Pine Ridge McKelvie and Bessey National Forest are closed to use of bonus antlerless tags.
are closed to antlerless mule deer harvest in all seasons.
OGLALA
Dawes
NATIONAL
GRASSLAND
Sheridan
Keya
83
Fort Niobrara Butte
27 Paha
Pine Boyd
National
Chadron
Keya
Wildlife Refuge
Valentine ringview
Harrison SOLDIER
Ridge
CREEK Rushville
SAMUEL R. MCKELVIE
Paha Knox
WILDERNESS
NATIONAL FOREST
NEBRASKA
NATIONAL 281
Missouri Dixon
FOREST Hartington
Niobrara River 20 Bassett Center Cedar Ponca

Valentine
National Dakota
27 Wildlife Refuge
Holt
O'Neill
20 City
Brown Rock Antelope Dakota
Box Sandhills 11 20
Butte Calamus 14
Pierce
Wayne
Wayne
Thurston
83 Pierce
West Thurston
Alliance
Calamus
Plains
Neligh
Grant Mullen
Scotts Morrill 2 Stanton Cuming
Blaine
East 77
Bluff National Thedford
Gering
26
Wildlife Refuge
Hooker Thomas
Brewster
Loup Garfield Wheeler Madison

Elkhorn
Stanton
West
61 NEBRASKA 91 Boone Madison
Point Burt
NATIONAL Bartlett
Tekamah
385 Crescent FOREST
Taylor Burwell
Lake National 91
Loup
Wildlife Refuge
Bridgeport Arthur McPherson Logan Valley Greeley Albion
91 Platte
Harrisburg
Banner Garden
26 Arthur
92 83 Ord Washington
West
Tryon
81 Colfax Dodge Blair Desoto National
Upper
Greeley
Wildlife Refuge
Boyer Chute
61 Stapleton Schuyler Fremont
30
Loup
Oshkosh National
Broken Nance Columbus
Wildlife Refuge
Platte 92
92 Custer
Bow
Sherman Howard
Fullerton
Saunders
East
Kimball
2 Polk David Douglas
Kimball Cheyenne 40 Loup
City
City
Wahoo
Omaha
Sidney Deuel Keith St. Paul Merrick Butler

30 Osceola Papillion
Wahoo
North
Platte 10
Ogallala
Platte
Chappell Sarpy
385 Plattsmouth
Lincoln
Buffalo Seward
Perkins 47 2 Grand
Hamilton
York Cass
Mule Deer Conservation Area

Island Seward
23 Grant Dawson Buffalo Hall

Aurora
34 York 34
Lincoln
34
Lexington Lancaster Otoe Nebraska
City
Kearney 14
23
Chase Hayes Frontier
Elwood Phelps Kearney
Adams
Hastings
Fillmore Saline
Blue 50
Northwest
Hayes Clay
Imperial
Center Stockville 6 Center Geneva
Gosper Minden Clay Nemaha
23 Holdrege Wilber
Johnson
Frenchman
Auburn
81 Tecumseh
Hitchcock Furnas Republican Thayer Jefferson Beatrice

Gage 136
Dundy Trenton
McCook
Red
Willow Nelson
Hebron
Blue Pawnee
Pawnee
Richardson
Harlan Franklin Webster Nuckolls Falls
Southeast
Beaver City City
Fairbury
Alma City
Franklin
Benkelman Red
283 Cloud 136
Maps | 37
SEASON CHOICE (ANTLERLESS ONLY) UNITS
38 | Maps
McKelvie National Forest is closed to SCA 22 permit holders.
All federal and state lands in SCA 17 are closed Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is closed to SCA 4 and SCA 22 permit holders.
to antlerless mule deer harvest in all seasons. Bessey National Forest is closed to SCA 4 permit holders.
OGLALA
NATIONAL
GRASSLAND
Chadron 83Fort Niobrara Keya

Butte
27 National Boyd
Wildlife Refu Paha
Springview
Area 11
Harrison SOLDIER
Dawes Rushville
Area 17
CREEK
NEBRASKA
NATIONAL
NATIONAL FOREST
281
Hartington
FOREST
KnoxCenter
Niobrara River Bassett Cedar Ponca
Area 12
Sioux Cherry 20 Ainsworth
Sheridan Valentine
National Dixon Dakota
27 Wildlife Refuge
Holt
O'Neill
20 City
Brown Rock Dakota
Box
Butte
Area 22 11 20
Pierce Wayne
Alliance 83 Area 4 14
Antelope
Pierce
Wayne Thurston
Thurston
Area 3
Neligh
North Platte
National
Wildlife Refuge
Area 23 2 Hyannis
Mullen
Thedford
Area 19 77
Scotts
26 Brewster Stanton
Bluff Blaine Loup Garfield Wheeler Madison
61 NEBRASKA 91 Bartlett West Burt
Area
Madison
NATIONAL Point
385 Crescent Lake FOREST Burwell
Morrill National
Wildlife Refuge
Taylor
91
Boone 91
18
Bridgeport
Area 6
Harrisburg
Garden Albion
Banner 26 Arthur
92 Tryon 83 Washington
Arthur McPherson Logan 70 81
Platte Colfax Dodge Blair
Valley Greeley Desoto National
Wildlife Refuge
Area 24
Greeley Boyer Chute
Oshkosh 61 Stapleton
Broken Columbus
Schuyler Fremont
30 National
Wildlife Refuge
Area 5
Bow
92 Custer 58 Nance
Fullerton
Kimball
David Douglas
Kimball Cheyenne 27 40 Loup City City Omaha
30 Keith
2 Butler Saunders
Sidney
Sherman Howard 30 Papillion
Area 9
North Polk Wahoo
Deuel
Ogallala
Platte 10 St. Paul
Merrick Osceola
Sarpy
385 Plattsmouth
Lincoln
47
Area 25 2 Grand
Island Seward Cass
Perkins Dawson Hall Hamilton 34 York Seward 50
23 Grant Buffalo Aurora York Lincoln
Lexington Lancaster
Area 20
Nebraska
City
14
23
Elwood
Area 1 Hastings
Clay
Otoe
Chase Imperial Hayes Frontier

Stockville 6 Center Geneva
Saline
Gosper Adams Clay Fillmore Wilber
23 Phelps
Minden
Hayes Center Kearney
Area 8 Area 13
Holdrege Auburn
81 Johnson Nemaha
Tecumseh
McCook
6 34 4
Nelson
Beatrice
Gage Area 21
Dundy Hitchcock Red Hebron
Trenton Willow Fairbury Pawnee
Area 2
Alma Red Falls
Benkelman Franklin Pawnee
283 Cloud
136 City
City
Harlan County Reservoir is closed to SCA 2 permit holders.

SEASON CHOICE (ANTLERLESS ONLY) UNITS
Area 17 White River
OGLALA
NATIONAL
GRASSLAND
Butte
Chadron
Valentine
Fort Niobrara
National
Keya Boyd
Wildlife Refuge Paha
Harrison SOLDIER Springview
CREEK Dawes Rushville
71 NEBRASKA
NATIONAL
NATIONAL FOREST
Hartington
FOREST
Knox
Bassett Center Cedar Ponca
Sheridan Valentine
National
O'Neill
Dixon Dakota
Wildlife Refuge
Brown Holt City
Rock Dakota
Box
Butte Pierce Wayne
Pierce
Wayne Thurston
Alliance
Antelope Thurston
Neligh
Mullen
National Morrill Thedford
Wildlife Refuge Stanton
Scotts Brewster
Bluff Gering Crescent Lake Blaine Loup Garfield Wheeler Madison
Burt
Area 24 River
National NEBRASKA Madison West
Wildlife Refuge NATIONAL Bartlett Point Tekamah
FOREST Burwell
Taylor
Bridgeport
Custer Boone
Harrisburg
Banner Garden Albion
Arthur Ord WashingtonBlair
Arthur 92 Tryon
McPherson Colfax Dodge
Logan Valley Greeley Platte Desoto National
Wildlife Refuge
Stapleton Greeley Boyer Chute
61 92 Broken Columbus
Schuyler Fremont
30 National
Area 9 North 92
Oshkosh Wildlife Refuge
Bow
Nance
Kimball
Kimball
27
40 Area 25 Loup
City
Fullerton
David Douglas Omaha
Cheyenne City
Sidney Keith
Ogallala North
North Sherman Howard Polk
Butler Saunders
Wahoo Papillion
St. Paul
Merrick
Area 9 River Lincoln
Chappell
Deuel Platte Osceola
Sarpy
47
21 Plattsmouth
Grand 14
Island Seward Cass
Perkins
Grant 23 30Dawson Buffalo Hall Hamilton York
York
Seward Lincoln
Aurora
Lexington Lancaster Nebraska
Area 1
City
Kearney
Otoe
Elwood Hastings
Clay
50
Chase Imperial Hayes
HayesCenter
Stockville
Frontier Center Geneva
Saline
Gosper Phelps Adams Clay Fillmore Wilber Nemaha
Kearney
Area 8 West 83
Holdrege Minden
Johnson
Tecumseh
Area Auburn
McCook Nelson
Beatrice
Gage 21
Dundy Hitchcock Red
Trenton Willow Fairbury Pawnee
Benkelman
34 Beaver
City Alma Franklin
Red
Cloud
Hebron
Pawnee
Falls
City
City
Red Willow SRA/ WMA

is closed to SCA 8 West permit holders.
Maps | 39
90
PERCENTAGE OF BUCKS HARVESTED
80
AGE 2½ OR OLDER 965-200
70
60 Mule Deer
50 Whitetail
40
30
20
1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
9,000
MULE DEER HARVEST
8,000
965-200
7,000
6,000 Mule Deer Buck

5,000 Mule Deer Doe
4,000
3,000
2,000
1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
40,000 TOTAL
35,000
WHITETAIL BUCK AND DOE HARVEST
30,000
965-200
25,000
20,000 Buck
15,000 Doe
10,000
5,000
1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
40 | Percentage of Bucks and Does Harvested

BUCKS HARVESTED PER 00 SQ. MILES
All Seasons in 2010
This table demonstrates density of whitetail and mule deer by showing the number of
bucks harvested per 100 square miles in each county.
County WT MD County WT MD County WT MD

Adams 47 0 Frontier 34 32 Nance 119 1
Antelope 59 2 Furnas 88 9 Nemaha 97 0
Arthur 8 16 Gage 106 0 Nuckolls 88 0
Banner 2 20 Garden 12 13 Otoe 129 0
Blaine 22 25 Garfield 48 11 Pawnee 116 0
Boone 51 2 Gosper 45 10 Perkins 3 10
Box Butte 13 16 Grant 8 14 Phelps 33 2
Boyd 108 19 Greeley 49 7 Pierce 42 0
Brown 33 11 Hall 56 0 Platte 60 0
Buffalo 75 4 Hamilton 55 0 Polk 64 0
Burt 87 1 Harlan 133 4 Red Willow 43 19
Butler 108 0 Hayes 16 32 Richardson 107 0
Cass 137 0 Hitchcock 33 26 Rock 32 6
Cedar 69 0 Holt 60 3 Saline 119 0
Chase 15 15 Hooker 7 17 Sarpy 163 0
Cherry 19 15 Howard 100 1 Saunders 110 0
Cheyenne 3 10 Jefferson 101 0 Scotts Bluff 21 23
Clay 50 0 Johnson 136 0 Seward 102 0
Colfax 75 2 Kearney 30 0 Sheridan 18 20
Cuming 58 0 Keith 29 12 Sherman 55 8
Custer 39 31 Keya Paha 78 16 Sioux 14 16
Dakota 132 0 Kimball 1 8 Stanton 88 0
Dawes 48 31 Knox 127 4 Thayer 74 0
Dawson 51 13 Lancaster 116 0 Thomas 26 30
Deuel 7 5 Lincoln 30 16 Thurston 74 1
Dixon 108 1 Logan 18 26 Valley 64 11
Dodge 87 0 Loup 42 25 Washington 135 0
Douglas 92 0 Madison 50 0 Wayne 30 0
Dundy 11 16 McPherson 7 16 Webster 90 0
Fillmore 44 0 Merrick 84 0 Wheeler 39 5
Franklin 82 1 Morrill 16 21 York 59 0
Bucks Harvested per 100 Sq. Miles | 41

200 DEER HARVEST INFORMATION
All seasons, including Archery, Muzzleloader, November Firearm, Youth, Landowner,
and Season Choice.
2010 Adult Percent of Bucks
Antlerless Harvest
Bucks Harvested 2 Years or Older
Mule Mule Mule
Unit Whitetail Whitetail Whitetail
Deer Deer Deer
Blue Northwest 3 2,907 NA 71% 2 3,579
Blue Southeast 4 3,761 NA 68% 6 4,010
Buffalo 533 2,614 72% 74% 133 2,037
Calamus East 96 1,094 75% 74% 5 522
Calamus West 506 1,158 88% 79% 104 648
Elkhorn 21 3,578 NA 67% 12 5,333
Frenchman 1,215 1,665 79% 67% 265 1,461
Keya Paha 386 1,997 86% 89% 43 1,209
Loup East 94 2,232 63% 65% 7 1,735
Loup West 672 1,122 76% 77% 141 833
Missouri 118 3,056 81% 76% 8 2,730
Pine Ridge 957 1,252 86% 85% 419 1,033
Plains 877 562 85% 82% 456 299
Platte 699 1,261 81% 73% 172 1,324
Republican 101 3,477 80% 77% 17 3,220
Sandhills 1,287 1,151 95% 93% 392 896
Upper Platte 619 342 79% 68% 255 198
Wahoo 6 4,592 NA 68% 11 7,617
NA = Data not available
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

Nebraska, like other western states, is seeing an increase in the number and distribution of
deer testing positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). In 2010, 3,645 lymph node
samples were collected during the November firearm season, then tested. Fifty-one new
positives were confirmed, a record high for the state. Counties with positive deer were:
Sioux, 11, Sheridan, seven; Dawes and Garden, six each; Box Butte and Scotts Bluff, four
each; Morrill, three; Banner and Hitchcock, two each; and Cherry, Hall, Hooker, Keith,
Lincoln, and Loup, one each. CWD was found for the first time in Hitchcock, Hooker,
Lincoln, and Loup counties. Also, 18 deer were tested through culling or targeted
surveillance. An adult male whitetail showing clinical symptoms was collected north of
Harrison in Sioux County. It tested positive for CWD. One elk from Sioux County tested
positive. CWD appears to be a prion disease that attacks the central nervous system and
causes fatal damage to the brain of white-tailed deer, mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk.
42 |
UNLAWFUL ACTS
Shooting from the Road – It is illegal to shoot from a bridge or public road, including
the travelled surface and right of way.
Hunting Over Bait – It is illegal to take or attempt to take big game within 200 yards of an
area that has been baited. A baited area includes feed, supplement or bait that has been
placed within the last 60 days. Baiting does not include instances where the feed, supplement
or bait has been placed in the active operation of husbandry for domesticated livestock.
Guiding for Fee – It is illegal to provide guide service for a fee on WMA.
Weapon Sights – Red-dot and illuminated reticle sights and laser rangfinder scopes are
permitted.
TRAVEL ON U.S. FOREST SERVICE LAND
Visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/nebraska for information about traveling on U.S. Forest Service
land in Nebraska. This includes the Pine Ridge and Bessey ranger districts of Nebraska
National Forest, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, and Oglala National Grasslands.
HUNTING NEAR DWELLINGS
200-Yard Rule: It is unlawful to hunt any form of wild mammal or wild bird with a
rifle within a 200-yard radius of an inhabited dwelling or livestock feedlot, unless
permission to do so has been granted by the owner or tenant of that dwelling or feedlot.
100-Yard Rule: It is unlawful to hunt any form of wild mammal or wild bird with
archery equipment, handgun or shotgun within a 100-yard radius of an inhabited
dwelling or livestock feedlot, unless permission to do so has been granted by the owner
or tenant of that dwelling or feedlot.
SHOOTING HOURS
It is legal to hunt big game 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes following sunset.
LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
The following are penalties for illegally killing big game in Nebraska.
Bighorn Sheep — $15,000
Note: Penalty for unlawful take or possession of bighorn sheep or parts thereof may
exceed $5,000.
Elk
• Bull, 12 points or more — $5,000
• Other elk — $1,500
White-tailed Deer
• 8 points or more with 18-inch spread — $5,000
• Other antlered bucks — $1,500
• Antlerless — $250
Mule Deer
• 8 points or more with 24-inch spread — $5,000
• Other mule deer — $1,500
Antelope
• Buck with 14-inch horn length — $5,000
• Other antelope — $1,500
Bear or Moose — $1,500
| 43
NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION OFFICES
These offices sell permits over the counter, including landowner permits.
DISTRICT OFFICES SERVICE CENTERS
HEADQUARTERS AND SOUTHEAST BASSETT
2200 N. 33rd St. / P.O. Box 30370 524 Panzer St. / P.O. Box 508
Lincoln, NE 68503-0370 Bassett, NE 68714-0934
(402) 471-0641 (402) 684-2921
NORTHEAST KEARNEY
2201 N. 13th St. 1617 First Ave.
Norfolk, NE 68701-2267 Kearney, NE 68847-6057
(402) 370-3374 (308) 865-5310
NORTHWEST OMAHA METRO
299 Husker Rd. / P.O. Box 725 1212 Bob Gibson Blvd.
Alliance, NE 69301-0725 Omaha, NE 68108-2020
(308) 763-2940 (402) 595-2144
SOUTHWEST
301 E. State Farm Rd.
North Platte, NE 69101-0430
(308) 535-8025
44 | Other Useful Information

Other Useful Information | 45
CONSERVATION OFFICERS
Headquarters
Officer City Phone
Ted Blume (Administrator) Lincoln (402) 471-5531
Craig Stover (Asst. Adm.) Lincoln (402) 471-5532
Northwest
Officer City Phone
Jim Zimmerman (Supervisor) Alliance (308) 763-2940
Greg Hesse Alliance (308) 760-3647
Scott Brandt Gering (308) 631-0663
Heath Packett Gordon (308) 360-0682
Dan Kling Harrison (308) 430-0572
Frank Miller Valentine (402) 389-0444
Northeast
Officer City Phone
Tom Zimmer (Supervisor) Norfolk (402) 370-3374
Dale Davis Bassett (402) 760-0712
Steve Oberg Columbus (402) 910-3366
Daniel Roberts Fremont (402) 719-1108
Jeff Jones Hartington (402) 762-5022
Jon Reeves Kennard (402) 889-8508
Patrick George O’Neill (402) 340-0787
Tim Williams Neligh (402) 929-0051
Cory Krause West Point (402) 380-6410
Randy Pomplun Fullerton (308) 550-0489
Doug Pollard Ord (308) 778-7101
46 | Other Useful Information

CONSERVATION OFFICERS
Southwest
Officer City Phone
Roger Thompson (Supervisor) North Platte (308) 535-8025
Ray Dierking Broken Bow (308) 870-0322
Michael Thome Cozad (308) 529-8146
Terry Brentzel Doniphan (402) 469-5795
Matt Andrews Elwood (308) 746-2418
Dirk Greene Imperial (308) 882-0015
Dale Johnson Kearney (308) 440-3847
Jerry Pecha (Supervisor) Kearney (308) 865-5327
Dudley Sorensen North Platte (308) 530-0016
Rich Routh Republican City (308) 920-0367
Dennis Thompson Ogallala (308) 289-0755
Nicholas Fix Ogallala (308) 289-0427
Southeast
Officer City Phone
Duane Arp (Supervisor) Gretna (402) 332-2965
Sean McKeehan Ashland (402) 521-0159
William Krause Auburn (402) 274-8063
Mike Luben Colon (402) 443-6392
Dan Zuehlke Cortland (308) 289-3399
Darin Gress Hebron (402) 768-8665
Douglas Kramer Lincoln (402) 890-6465
Dina Barta Lincoln (402) 890-6463
Stacey Lewton Lincoln (402) 890-7140
Levi Krause Louisville (402) 949-0593
Robert Finke Milford (402) 947-1363
Russell Mort Nebraska City (402) 209-1506
Dan Evasco Papillion (402) 616-5961
Jeff Clauson Valley (402) 658-7057
Other Useful Information | 47

2011 Big Game Guide

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2011

Big Game Guide

View all guides and buy your permits at OutdoorNebraska.org

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

BIG GAME PERMITS

4 | Big Game Permits

Big Game Permits | 5

6 | Big Game Permits

RULES FOR PERMITS

Big Game Permits | 7

8 | Big Game Permits

YOUTH BIG GAME HUNTING

Big Game Permits | 9

ANTELOPE FIREARM UNITS

Chadron 87 Fort Niobrara

Box Butte West 11

Gering Platte River Brewster

Banner North Garden

North Arthur Dismal Late 83

Keith Platte River

ANTELOPE MUZZLELOADER UNITS

Keith Butler Saunders

ELK ANTLERLESS-ONLY PERMITS

Resident and Nonresident Landowner Elk Procedure Rules:

Lake Francis Case

Boyd Unit permit holders

Gosper Phelps Minden

HUNTING SEASON DETAILS

Colfax Dodge Blair

all land bordering the Missouri River south of

Polk David Douglas Omaha

U.S. Hwy. 30 and east of Neb. Hwy. 50, and land

within 3 miles of the banks of the Platte River

extending west to Neb. Hwy. 14. Johnson

Area 22: Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and Pawnee

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest are closed.

Area 24 River: Within 3 miles of the banks of the

MOUNTAIN LIONS ON CAMERA

Permit (Choose only one)

Credit Card # – VISA or MasterCard Only Expiration Date 3 digit code

Submitting incomplete information will result in the return of your application.

Unit Name (first choice): Unit Name (second choice):

FARM AND RANCH LAND - LEGAL DESCRIPTION Check One Box

Quarter Section Township Range County Acres Own Lease

Signature of Qualified Applicant: Date:

E-mail address of applicant for permit notification:

Deer Bag Limit Definitions

Hunting Area – Gifford WMA in Sarpy County

Neb. Waterfowl Stamp

Neb. Waterfowl Stamp

Federal Duck Stamp

PERMITS: D – Deer, E – Elk, A – Antelope, S – Bighorn Sheep, R – Resident, N – Nonresident, • Required.

Apprentice Hunter Education Certificate

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge is closed

Scotts North Platte 2

Niobrara River 20 Bassett Center Cedar Ponca

Loup Garfield Wheeler Madison

Sidney Deuel Keith St. Paul Merrick Butler

Mule Deer Conservation Area

23 Grant Dawson Buffalo Hall

Hitchcock Furnas Republican Thayer Jefferson Beatrice

Harlan Franklin Webster Nuckolls Falls

McKelvie National Forest is closed to SCA 22 permit holders.