Upcoming 2025 Hunting Seasons: Nebraska, South Dakota & Wyoming

Nebraska

Season Highlights (2025)

• Deer (Archery): Sept 1 – Dec 31

• Deer (November Firearm): Nov 15 – 23

• Deer (Muzzleloader): Dec 1 – Dec 31

• Deer Antlerless (Early & Late): Early Oct & Jan 1–15, 2026

• Elk: Archery Bull: Sept 1–Oct 31; Firearm Bull: Sept 21–Oct 31; Antlerless: Aug 1–Oct 31 (early), Nov 1–Jan 31 (late)

• Antelope: Archery: Aug 20–Dec 31; Muzzleloader: Sept 20–Oct 5; Firearm: Oct 11–26; Late Doe/Fawn: Nov 1–Jan 31, 2026

• Turkeys (Spring): Archery Mar 25–May 31; Youth Shotgun Apr 5–May 31; Shotgun Apr 12–May 31

• Small Game Broad Seasons: Pheasant, Quail & Partridge: Oct 25–Jan 31; Prairie Grouse: Sept 1–Jan 31; Dove: Sept 1–Oct 30

Licenses & Regulations:

• Purchase Nebraska Hunting Permits & Stamps

• Nebraska Hunting Regulations

South Dakota

Season Highlights (2025)

• Antelope (Archery): Aug 16 – Oct 31

• Special Landowner Archery: Oct 4–19

• Deer Seasons:

  • West River Special Buck: Nov 15–30

  • East River Special Buck: Nov 22–Dec 7

  • East River Landowner: Nov 22–Dec 21

  • Custer State Park: Nov 1–Dec 15

• Pheasant, Grouse & Partridge:

  • Prairie Grouse: Sept 20 – Jan 31

  • Pheasant Youth: Sept 27–Oct 5

  • Pheasant Traditional: Oct 18 – Jan 31

• Migratory Birds & Small Game: Mourning Dove: Sept 1–Nov 9; Rabbit & Squirrel: Sept 1–Mar 31; Coyote: Nov 1–Apr 30

Licenses & Regulations:

• Apply for South Dakota Hunting Licenses

• South Dakota Hunting Regulations

Wyoming

Season Highlights (2025)

• Deer: Archery Sept 1–30; General until Dec 31 (area specific)

• Antelope: Archery Aug 15–Oct 4; General Oct 1–Dec 31

• Elk: Archery Sept 1–30; Rifle Oct 1 – Jan 31, 2026

• Moose: Archery Aug 15–Sept 30; Rifle Sept 10–Nov 20

• Bighorn Sheep / Mountain Goat: Archery Aug 1–31; Rifle Aug 1–Nov 30

• Black Bear: Apr 15–Jun 15 & Aug 1–Nov 15 (area specific)

• Turkey (Fall): Archery Sept 1–30; General Oct 1–Dec 31

• Waterfowl & Small Game: Dates vary by species and zone

Licenses & Regulations:

• Apply for Wyoming Hunting Licenses & Draws

• Wyoming Hunting Regulations

Get Ready for Your Hunt

As the seasons approach, now is the time to plan your trips, secure your tags, and review the latest regulations. Each state offers unique opportunities—whether you’re chasing mule deer in the Sandhills, pheasants across the prairies, or elk in the high country.

Check deadlines early, mark your calendars, and get your applications in. With the right preparation, 2025 is shaping up to be another incredible hunting season across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain region.