Nebraska Game and Parks is celebrating the state's 100th pheasant season this fall, while also encouraging public participation in a summer turkey brood survey and reminding hunters of upcoming lottery deadlines and permit sales. The pheasant season officially opens on October 31, inviting hunters to continue traditions and introduce newcomers to upland hunting.
The centennial pheasant season will be complemented by the prairie grouse season, which begins on September 1. Hunters can also anticipate news regarding the 2026-27 Upland Slam, offering challenges and prizes from partners like Pheasant Forever. The commission encourages hunters to plan their trips and engage with the state's rich hunting heritage.
Meanwhile, the annual Summer Turkey Brood Survey is underway from July 1 through August 31, asking the public to report all wild turkey sightings. These observations are crucial for biologists to estimate brood-rearing success and understand population trends. Additionally, the deadline to apply for Nebraska's Super Tag and multi-species Combo lotteries is July 3, with a separate bighorn sheep lottery available for Nebraska residents, benefiting conservation efforts.
Key dates for hunters include resident deer and antelope permit sales on July 8, 2026, and nonresident sales on July 22, 2026. Remaining permits go on sale August 5. Other season openings include dove and early teal in September, and youth pheasant, quail, and partridge season on October 24-25. The November firearm deer season is scheduled for November 14-22, 2026, with permits now in a Season Choice format.