Prepare for your next hunt

Small Game: Squirrel & Teal Hunting

Nebraska’s squirrel season continues through January 31, giving hunters a long window to get outside. With a daily bag limit of seven and plenty of fox squirrels in hardwoods, it’s a great way to introduce young or new hunters to the outdoors. Early mornings and evenings remain the best times.

Early teal season runs September 6–14 statewide in both the Low Plains and High Plains zones. This nine-day season offers fast action and a fun challenge. Hunters can take six teal daily (possession limit 18). Be sure you can quickly identify teal in flight, as only teal are legal during this short window.

Big Game: Deer & Elk

Nebraska’s archery deer season kicks off September 1, running through December 31. This long season is perfect for bowhunters looking to get into the field early and hunt pressured deer before rifle season.

Elk hunters also have plenty to look forward to. Archery bull season opens September 1–October 31, while firearm bull season runs September 21–October 31. Early antlerless hunts remain open through the end of October. Elk hunting in Nebraska is limited-entry, but for those who drew a tag, September brings some of the best opportunities as bulls respond to the rut.

Where to Hunt in Nebraska (September 2025)

Nebraska offers excellent opportunities for both small and big game hunters. Here are top public areas this month:

Top Public Lands for Elk (Permit Required)

  1. Fort Robinson WMA (Dawes & Sioux Counties) – Nebraska’s premier elk area with rugged pine ridges and excellent habitat.

  2. Peterson WMA (Sioux County) – Remote, rough terrain with a solid elk population.

  3. Bordeaux WMA (Dawes County) – Core elk range near Chadron with seasonal restrictions.

  4. Bessey Ranger District (Thomas County) – Elk sightings are on the rise here, making it worth a look.

Best Public Areas for Squirrel Hunting

  1. Indian Cave State Park (SE Nebraska) – Mature hardwoods with abundant fox squirrels.

  2. Branched Oak & Pawnee WMAs (Lancaster County) – Close to Lincoln, great squirrel cover.

  3. Red Willow WMA (Frontier County) – Productive later in the season.

  4. Two Rivers SRA (Douglas County) – Convenient and reliable squirrel hunting.

Best Public Areas for Early Teal

  1. Lake McConaughy (Keith County) – Large water attracts big numbers of teal during migration.

  2. Twin Lakes WMA (Rock County) – Good wetland habitat, reliable teal hunting.

  3. Niobrara River Marshes (Knox County) – Productive early-season stopover.

  4. Desoto Bend NWR (Washington County) – Excellent teal flights near the Missouri River (note refuge-specific rules).

Final Notes

September is one of Nebraska’s busiest hunting months. Whether you’re chasing teal over decoys, still-hunting squirrels in the hardwoods, or glassing elk in the Pine Ridge, it’s a great time to be outdoors. Remember to check regulations, carry the right stamps, and scout ahead of time for the best success.

For maps and detailed access information, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov. Always confirm local rules before heading out.

Upcoming Season Dates

Squirrel: Aug 1, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026

Dove: Sept 1, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025

Deer (Archery): Sept 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Fall Turkey: Oct 1, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025

Early Teal:

Low Plains: Sept 6 - 14 2025

High Plains: Sept 6 - 14 2025

Duck and Coot:

  • Zone 1: Oct. 11 – Dec. 23, 2025

  • Zone 2: Oct. 4 – Dec. 16, 2025; and Jan. 7 – 28, 2026 (High Plains portion)

  • Zone 3: (High Plains) Oct. 25, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026 and Jan. 7 – 28, 2026

  • Zone 4: Oct. 25, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026

  • Daily bag

    • Tier 1: six ducks, with restrictions;

    • Tier II: three ducks, any species, any sex;

    • Possession limit: Three times the daily bag limit