Prepare for your next hunt

November Hunting Outlook – The Central FlY

October Recap

October brought the start of some of Nebraska’s most anticipated seasons. Pheasant, quail, and partridge opened statewide on October 25 and will remain open through January 31. Hunters have reported solid upland numbers where habitat and crop harvest conditions align.

Prairie grouse season also continues through January, providing excellent opportunities in Sandhills grasslands.

Squirrel season remains open through January 31, offering consistent small-game action and a great way to introduce new hunters to the outdoors.

For big game, the archery deer season has been active since September, and early antlerless hunts wrapped up in October. Elk hunters closed out their archery and firearm bull seasons at the end of October.

Waterfowl hunters saw strong migration movement late in the month as northern fronts pushed birds into the state, setting the stage for prime hunting through November.

November Seasons

November is one of the busiest and most rewarding months of the year for Nebraska hunters. Nearly every game species offers opportunities.

Deer:

The statewide firearm deer season runs November 15–23, drawing hunters from across Nebraska. Archery remains open through December 31, and muzzleloader season begins December 1.

Turkey:

The fall turkey season runs through November 30. Flocks are grouped up and active in harvested fields, offering great chances for archery and shotgun hunters.

Upland Game:

• Pheasant, Quail, and Partridge: Open through January 31.

• Prairie Grouse: Open through January 31.

November is peak upland season — as harvest wraps up, birds concentrate in heavier cover and grasslands.

Waterfowl:

Duck and goose seasons are fully open statewide. Cold fronts bring fresh birds, and November often produces some of the best hunts of the year. Focus on shallow wetlands and harvested corn near roost areas for consistent success.

Small Game:

Squirrel and rabbit seasons continue statewide. These long-running seasons are great for introducing youth to hunting or getting out between larger game trips.

Top Public Lands for November Hunts

Best Public Areas for Waterfowl Hunting

1. Lake McConaughy SRA (Keith County) – Nebraska’s largest reservoir attracts excellent numbers of migrating ducks and geese.

2. North Platte River WMAs (Lincoln, Keith, Garden Counties) – Productive waterfowl areas along the river and return-flow wetlands.

3. Jack Sinn WMA (Lancaster County) – A top-tier waterfowl spot close to Lincoln. Restored wetlands provide ideal habitat for ducks, geese, and teal throughout the season.

4. Desoto Bend NWR (Washington County) – Located along the Missouri River flyway; top-tier for late-season migration (check refuge-specific regulations).

5. Platte River Basin Wetlands (Buffalo, Hall, Polk Counties) – Managed wetlands that consistently hold ducks and geese during peak migration.

Best Public Areas for Upland Game

1. Sherman Reservoir WMA (Sherman County) – Excellent mix of grassland and cropland for pheasants and quail.

2. Buffalo Creek WMA (Lincoln County) – Strong upland numbers with accessible terrain.

3. Burchard Lake WMA (Pawnee County) – Great southeast Nebraska option with consistent pheasant action.

4. Pine Ridge Area (Dawes and Sioux Counties) – Productive for prairie grouse and turkeys in rugged grassland and pine habitat.

5. Jack Sinn WMA (Lancaster County) – Also notable for upland hunting. Prairie plantings and field edges hold both pheasants and quail later in the season.

Final Notes

November offers some of the most memorable hunts of the year in Nebraska. From the excitement of the firearm deer opener to the steady action of waterfowl and upland birds, opportunities abound across the state.

As you head out, remember to check current regulations, wear hunter orange during firearm deer season, and respect both private and public land boundaries. Scouting, patience, and flexibility remain key to consistent success.

Whether you’re glassing deer at first light, following a bird dog through CRP, or setting decoys in a frosty marsh, there’s no better month to be in the Nebraska outdoors.

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