Plan an elk hunt in Nebraska Unit 6. Review season dates, license options, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
This smaller unit is positioned in the north-central part of the state, bordering South Dakota. While there is a good amount of public land available, the best elk habitats and hunting spots are primarily on private property. A small yet robust herd of elk resides in this area, with almost all encounters and harvests occurring on private lands. To improve chances of success, it is advisable to secure private access or work with an outfitter. Most elk taken from this unit are typically found in two main areas: one is located just west of Valentine, between the Niobrara River and the town of Nenzei, while the other is situated on the far eastern side, also between the Niobrara River and Sparks.
August 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: — Nonresident: — |
| 2025 draw odds 1:2.9. Yes, see below (special unit restrictions). |
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). |
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. |
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. |
November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: — Nonresident: — |
| 2025 draw odds 1:4.8. Yes, see below (special unit restrictions). |
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. |
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 | 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 |
| 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 |
Elk season in Nebraska Unit 6 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 6; 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. Some draws are limited to landowners, with applications open May 18–29, 2026.
The landowner Elk Permit draw for Nebraska Unit 6 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 6 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.