Forecast: Nebraska pheasant hunters can expect another good year.
The July rural mail carrier survey indicated that pheasant numbers match the five-year average in most parts of the state. Most areas can expect hunting much like last year’s or only a little poorer. Two exceptions are the Sandhill and Central regions, where pheasant numbers, compared with last year, jumped 62 percent and 15 percent, respectively.
According to Jeffrey Lusk, upland game program manager with Nebraska Game and Parks, the Southwest and Panhandle regions will again provide Nebraska’s best pheasant hunting. The remainder, ranked from best to poorest, are Sandhills, Central, Northeast, and Southeast.
Mild winter weather, with few heavy snowfalls, and timely spring rainfall contributed to the abundance of birds. Heavy storms may have hurt nests and chicks in localized areas. Pre-hunt scouting is recommended to account for these local variations.
Season Dates: October 29, 2016 through January 31, 2017
Daily Bag Limit: 3
Possession Limit: 12
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