Are you ready to take the field on opening day?

Nebraska's pheasant season opener is this Saturday, Oct. 26 – and all signs point to a stellar start to the upland season!

Field reports and surveys give an optimistic outlook, and pheasant counts were up 19% statewide compared to last year, so you don't want to miss it.

Here are a few resources to guide your hunt:

• Upland Game Bird Hunting Outlook: Learn what to expect in the field, including bird numbers, weather conditions and habitat/access trends. Check it out online.
• Stubble Access Guide: Wheat and milo stubble left tall following harvest provides excellent cover and hunting opportunities for pheasants and other wildlife. The 2024-2025 Stubble Access Guide displays these and other adjacent habitats open to public, walk-in hunting across portions of western Nebraska.
• Public Access Atlas: With over 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible lands, Nebraska offers an abundance of public, walk-in hunting opportunities for upland game birds. 

Remember to share your adventure with a new hunter — and if you have friends or family visiting from out-of-town, a two-day nonresident permit can be the perfect choice.

Also, keep in mind that conditions are extremely dry right now, so it's important to guard against the risk of wildfire. Learn more.

With a good outlook and plenty of opportunities, now is the time to get your permit in hand and get ready for a great season. See you out there!

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