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20 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641 Elk 2026 FORECAST Elk populations have declined from recent highs, but numbers are still good across much of their range. They have expanded their range in recent years, as well. In response, management units recently have been restructured to help distribute permits and hunters appropriately. SEASON DATES • Archery Bull: Sept. 1 – Oct. 31 and Dec. 16 – 31, 2026 • Firearm Bull: Sept. 21 – Oct. 31 and Dec. 16 – 31, 2026 • Landowner Antlerless: Aug. 1, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 • General Early Antlerless: Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2026 • General Late Antlerless: Nov. 1, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 • State and federally owned land closed to Antlerless Elk permits from Aug. 1 – Sept. 20, 2026 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF AN ELK • Bull – A male with antlers 6 inches or more in length. • Antlerless – No antlers or antlers less than 6 inches in length. PERMIT MAXIMUMS • Individuals may have one elk permit per year and may submit one application per year. • General Cow: No more than one in five years. • General Bull: No more than one in five years; bull harvest limit of once in a lifetime. • Landowner Cow: One per year. • Landowner Bull: No more than one in three years. PERMIT DRAWING • In Nebraska, applicants must be at least 12 years old, or turn 12 before the start of the first open season, to apply for and hold an elk permit. • All elk permits are draw permits. • General Bull permits are drawn based on a bonus-point squared system. Unsuccessful applicants are given a point, which is applied to future drawings. You earn a bonus point only if you apply for a bull permit as your first choice and are not selected in the drawing. • General Antlerless permits are drawn on a lottery system following the completion of the Bull permit drawing from the same application. Applicants have one chance in the antlerless drawing. • Landowner Bull permits are drawn on a preference point-based system. Unsuccessful applicants are given a point that is applied to future drawings; nonresident landowners receive 0.9 points instead of 1. Applicants with the most points are given preference in the