17 | OutdoorNebraska.org
while hunting. This certificate may be obtained once in each person's lifetime, expires on Dec. 31
and may be renewed once for a consecutive year. It may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.
*Accompanied is defined as: in the presence of a licensed, experienced hunter age 19 or older.
There may be no more than two hunters using the certificate accompanied by the experienced
hunter at any time and the experienced hunter must at all times be in unaided visual and verbal
communication with the child under age 12 and/or the apprentice hunter ages 12 through 29. The
experienced hunter must, if age 19-29, be certified in hunter education.
FIREARM RESTRICTIONS
• During the November firearm deer season, it is unlawful to hunt wildlife other than deer with
a centerfire rifle or centerfire handgun.
EXCEPTION: This does not apply to a holder of a valid unfilled firearm deer permit while hunting in the
unit for which the permit was issued. It also does not apply to a bona fide farmer or rancher who owns,
leases, or resides upon such farm or ranch land or a member of the immediate family of such farmer or
rancher while hunting on such farm or ranch land.
It is illegal to have or carry a loaded shotgun in or on any vehicle on any highway or roadway. A
shotgun is considered loaded if there is a shell or shells in the chamber, receiver or magazine.
METHODS OF TAKE
Upland Game and Webless Migratory Game Birds:
• Shotgun – Only 10 gauge or smaller may be used for all game birds. For waterfowl and other
migratory game birds, including doves, shotguns must be plugged to limit shell capacity to no
more than three shells in the chamber and magazine combined. No plug is required for upland
game birds. No plug or gauge restriction exists for cottontail rabbits and squirrels.
• Rifle or Pistol – Illegal for all game birds
• Archery – Legal for migratory game birds, rabbits, squirrels, and upland game birds. Crossbow
– Legal for rabbits, squirrels and upland game birds. NOT legal for migratory game birds.
• Trapping – Legal for furbearers, cottontails, jackrabbits and squirrels during open seasons.
