Be Informed
Sportspeople are responsible for knowing the regulations,
orders and statutes before hunting, trapping or
fishing in Nebraska.
• To view rules, regulations and orders, visit
OutdoorNebraska.gov and search "Regulations."
• To view statutes, visit
law.justia.com/codes/nebraska/2022/chapter-37.
Common Violations and Rules:
• Shooting from the Road – It's illegal to shoot from a
bridge or public road, including the traveled surface
and right-of-way.
• Landowner Permission – It's the responsibility of
every individual to obtain permission to hunt, trap, fish
or retrieve downed game on privately-owned lands
(non-OFW), whether the boundary is posted or not.
• Party-hunting – It's illegal to hunt as a party – every
hunter must harvest his/her own game.
• 200 & 100 Yard Rule – It's illegal to hunt with a rifle
within 200 yards of an inhabited dwelling or feedlot
and to hunt or trap with all other equipment within 100
yards without permission. Trapping is prohibited within
200 yards of any livestock crossing (road or bridge)
without permission.
• Loaded Shotgun – It's illegal to have or carry
a loaded shotgun (shell(s) in the chamber,
receiver, or magazine) in/on any vehicle on any
highway or roadway.
• Target Shooting & Nontoxic Shot – Many publicly
accessible lands prohibit target shooting or require
nontoxic shot (reference the index on pages 116-128).
Only nontoxic shot can be used/possessed while
pursuing waterfowl.
• Hunter Orange – Not required for upland game hunting
or trapping but is strongly encouraged. Hunter orange
(minimum of 400 square inches on head, chest and
back) is required for most big game hunting (see Big
Game Guide for more information).
• Custody Tag – Any person transferring game, fish
or parts thereof to another person must provide a
custody tag. The tag must remain with the game until
it is consumed (OutdoorNebraska.gov and search
"Custody tag"). It's unlawful to waste game.
• Penalties – Fines ($25 – $15,000), jail time, or loss
of hunting privileges are legal consequences of
Nebraska game or fish violations. Call Nebraska
Wildlife Crimestoppers toll-free at 800-742-7627 to
report a game violation.
For an overview of permit/stamp requirements, bag
and possession limits, open seasons, units/zones,
legal methods of take, shooting hours, transportation
requirements (leaving leg or head attached for
identification of certain bird species), or for more details
on rules pertaining to baiting, electronic calls, artificial
lights and more, please reference the appropriate guide at
OutdoorNebraska.gov/Guides-Maps.
REGULATIONS, ORDERS AND STATUTES
NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS
COMMISSION GUIDES
Available:
• In person at permit
vendors across the state
• By mail through requesting copies at
OutdoorNebraska.gov and search "Brochure"
• Online at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Guides-Maps
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