Youth and Small Game. Opportunities for kids to hunt rabbit, squirrel, or upland birds are incredible in Nebraska! They are a great way to introduce your youngster to hunting. Hunting pressure for small game in Nebraska is light and access is found throughout the state.

Hunter Education Requirements

• Hunters ages 12 through 29 must have completed firearm hunter education when hunting ANYTHING with a firearm or crossbow.
• Bow hunter education is required for bow and arrow hunting of ONLY deer, antelope, elk or mountain sheep.
• An Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate is available for those who have not completed the education requirements.
• Firearm or crossbow hunters under age 12 and those using the exemption certificate can never hunt alone and must be accompanied when hunting anything with a firearm or crossbow. The accompanying person, must be  age 19 or older, a licensed hunter and if age 19-29, must be certified in hunter education. Accompanied means you must be in unaided verbal and visual communications at all times

Minimum Age

• No minimum age

License Requirement

• Resident (15 years old or younger)
  • Do not need any license or habitat stamp
  • Hunter Education (if age 12 or older)
• Nonresident (15 years old or younger)
  • Hunt permit
  • Habitat Stamp
  • Hunter Education (if age 12 or older)
  • All hunters age 16 or older must have valid Nebraska hunting license and habitat stamp

Seasons

• For a list of 2010 small or upland game and seasons click here

2010
Special Youth Seasons

• Youth Waterfowl Season. September 25 – September 26. Only youth age 15 and younger may hunt waterfowl during this weekend. A non-hunting parent or guardian must accompany the youth hunter.
• Youth Pheasant Hunt. Oct 23 – 24. Only youth age 15 and younger may hunt pheasant, quail and partridge during this weekend. A non-hunting parent or guardian must accompany the youth hunter.

Mentored Youth Hunts

• For information on youth mentored pheasant hunts, waterfowl hunts or small game click here.