Nebraska Elk Unit 1
Plan an elk hunt in Nebraska Unit 1. Review season dates, license options, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts in Unit 1
This expansive unit is located in the far northwest corner of the state, bordering Wyoming and South Dakota. It is one of the most sought-after elk hunting areas, attracting applicants for years. Due to the varied terrain, many hunters prefer spot-and-stalk methods, while others choose to observe promising crop fields in the mornings or evenings, similar to deer hunting. Most elk taken in this unit come from the east-central region near Crawford. Recently, both Dawes and Sioux counties have produced several record-book bulls. While there is a significant amount of public land available, elk activity tends to be concentrated on private properties. Given that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for residents, many fortunate tag holders decide to secure access to private areas. Bulls in this region can reach impressive sizes, but limited public hunting options can make success challenging.
Nebraska Elk Opportunities in Unit 1
Early Antlerless
August 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: — Nonresident: — |
| 2025 draw odds 1:6.8. Yes, see below (special unit restrictions). |
Antlerless
August 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: — Nonresident: — |
| Eligibility: Landowner 2025 draw odds 1:1.3. Yes, see below (special unit restrictions). |
Archery
September 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Special Unit Restrictions: Yes, see below. Access permit required to hunt Fort Robinson SP and Fort Niobrara NWR. |
Firearm
September 21, 2026 – October 31, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Either-sex | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Special Unit Restrictions: Yes, see below. Access permit required to hunt Fort Robinson SP and Fort Niobrara NWR. |
Late Antlerless
November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: — Nonresident: — |
| 2025 draw odds 1:6.7. Yes, see below (special unit restrictions). |
Archery
December 16, 2026 – December 31, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Special Unit Restrictions: Yes, see below. Access permit required to hunt Fort Robinson SP and Fort Niobrara NWR. |
Firearm
December 16, 2026 – December 31, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Either-sex | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Special Unit Restrictions: Yes, see below. Access permit required to hunt Fort Robinson SP and Fort Niobrara NWR. |
License and Permit Options
Antlerless Elk Permit
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless Elk Permit | Resident | — | — | $210.00Application fee $11.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
| Antlerless Elk Permit | Resident | Landowner | — | $55.00Application fee $11.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
| Antlerless Elk Permit | Nonresident | Landowner | — | $602.00Application fee $11.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
Elk Permit
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Permit | Resident | — | Draw | $210.00Application fee $11.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
| Elk Permit | Resident | Landowner | Draw | $55.00Application fee $11.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
| Elk Permit | Nonresident | Landowner | Draw | $602.00Application fee $11.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
| Elk Draw Permit | — | — | Draw | —Application fee $11.00Nonrefundable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Elk season in Nebraska Unit 1 runs from August 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027. Antlerless phases occur from August through January; archery runs September 1–October 31 and December 16–31, while firearm hunting runs September 21–October 31 and December 16–31. An additional access permit is required for Fort Robinson State Park and Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.
You need an Elk Permit to hunt elk in Nebraska Unit 1; these permits are issued through a draw. Antlerless hunts require an Antlerless Elk Permit, and hunting at Fort Robinson State Park or Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge also requires an access permit. Eligible landowners can apply for one Elk Permit or purchase a preference point from May 18–29, 2026.
The landowner Elk Permit draw for Nebraska Unit 1 opens May 18 and closes May 29, 2026. Eligible landowners may apply for one elk permit or purchase a preference point during that window.
Yes. Elk permits for Nebraska Unit 1 are issued through a draw for residents and nonresidents. Eligible landowners have a separate May 18–29, 2026, draw window, and Fort Robinson State Park and Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge require an additional access permit.
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