Best Places to Hunt Pheasants in Nebraska

by PheasantHunter.com staff

Nebraska is known for its excellent pheasant hunting, thanks to its diverse habitat and strong populations in certain regions. Here are the top areas to consider:

 1. Southwest Nebraska

• Counties: Perkins, Chase, Hayes, Hitchcock, and Red Willow
• Why Hunt Here? These counties consistently rank among the best in Nebraska for pheasant numbers. The mix of grasslands, croplands, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields creates excellent pheasant habitat.

2. Nebraska Panhandle

• Counties: Cheyenne, Box Butte, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff
• Why Hunt Here? The rolling prairies and agricultural lands in this region provide quality cover for pheasants. It’s less pressured than eastern Nebraska, offering good opportunities on both public and private lands.

3. Central Nebraska

• Counties: Dawson, Custer, Buffalo, and Phelps
• Why Hunt Here? This region offers a mix of wetlands, grasslands, and farmland, making it a prime spot for pheasants. Public lands like the Sherman Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are great options.

4. Northeast Nebraska

• Counties: Cedar, Knox, Dixon, and Wayne
• Why Hunt Here? Though pheasant populations are lower than in the southwest, northeast Nebraska offers solid opportunities in areas with restored grasslands and CRP lands.

5. Southeast Nebraska

• Counties: Richardson, Gage, Lancaster, and Jefferson
• Why Hunt Here? This area has a mix of public and private lands with decent pheasant numbers. Look for Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and Open Fields and Waters (OFW) lands.

Tips for a Successful Pheasant Hunt in Nebraska

1. Hunt Public Lands Strategically

   • Nebraska has thousands of acres of public land, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Open Fields and Waters (OFW) sites, and Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). Use Nebraska’s Public Access Atlas to find hunting locations.

2. Time Your Hunt Right

   • Early in the season (October to early November), pheasants are less pressured and easier to find.
   • Late-season hunting (December to January) can be productive since birds will concentrate in heavy cover, but they’ll be more wary.

3. Target Prime Habitat

   • Look for areas with a mix of grasslands, shelterbelts, crop fields, and wetlands.
   • CRP fields and thick cattails are excellent spots for late-season birds.

4. Use a Well-Trained Dog

   • A good flushing or pointing dog significantly increases your success rate. Labrador Retrievers, English Setters, and German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent choices.

5. Be Prepared for Long Walks

   • Nebraska’s best pheasant hunting often requires covering a lot of ground. Wear comfortable boots and be prepared to hike several miles.

6. Hunt in Groups, But Spread Out

   • Hunting with 2-4 people allows you to effectively cover fields and block escape routes. However, make sure to spread out to avoid spooking birds too early.

7. Check Nebraska’s Hunting Regulations

   • Make sure you have the proper permits and follow Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regulations, including season dates and bag limits.

8. Use the Right Shotgun and Load

   • A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun with No. 5 or No. 6 shot is ideal for pheasants.

9. Take Advantage of Nebraska’s “Rooster Booster” Program

   • This program enhances habitat and increases pheasant populations on certain public lands. Check the Nebraska Game and Parks website for updates.

10. Get Landowner Permission for Private Land Access

• Some of the best pheasant hunting in Nebraska is on private lands. Knock on doors, ask politely, and you may gain access to prime hunting areas.

Final Thoughts

Nebraska offers some of the best pheasant hunting opportunities in the Midwest, especially in the southwest and central regions. With the right strategy, gear, and locations, you can have a successful and rewarding hunt.