The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2026 bighorn sheep regular lottery permit beginning April 20.

A $34 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible for the lottery. It is unlawful to submit more than one application in a calendar year for a regular lottery permit. Residents may receive only one permit in a lifetime. The permit is not transferable.

The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time April 20 and ends Aug. 7. Applications will be received at Game and Parks offices until 5 p.m. or, if applying at OutdoorNebraska.gov, through 11:59 p.m. CT Aug. 7.

The permit will be drawn later in August, and the successful applicant will be notified.

The 2026 bighorn sheep regular season is Dec. 1-22.

Commission will consider big game hunting recommendations

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider staff recommendations for 2026 deer, antelope and elk hunting seasons when it meets April 17 at Chadron State Park.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. Mountain time at the Group Lodge within the park at 15951 U.S. Hwy. 385, Chadron.

A public hearing is scheduled for proposed amendments to Commission orders pertaining to permit quotas, season dates, bag limits, permit quantities and areas open for deer, antelope and elk hunting. The proposed changes will help the agency meet management goals for big game populations. Management goals take into consideration population and harvest data, as well as input from hunters, landowners, and the public, with the goal of maintaining long-term opportunities and access for hunters.

Staff will recommend, among other big game proposals:

removing 80 general either-sex and 142 general doe/fawn antelope permits,
removing 10 bull and 12 antlerless elk permits overall, expanding the bull season to include Dec. 16-31, and adjusting the boundary between units 4 and 10,
restructuring buck deer permits to a Season Choice format,
removing the Mule Deer Conservation Area name,
reducing available November Firearm permits by 6% and Antlerless Only permits by 13%, and adjusting the unit boundary between Plains and Pine Ridge units at Box Butte Reservoir, and
restructuring River Antlerless into four units/permits: Niobrara, Lower Platte, Blue, and Lower Missouri, and reducing River Antlerless permits by 31%.

In other business, staff will recommend Commission approval to amend the Sherman County Reservoir Operating Agreement and Conservation Easement with Loup Basin Reclamation District to remove the Trail 12 Cabin Area currently subleased by Game and Parks to cabin owners on approximately 75 acres of leased land.

The commissioners also will hear reports about:

the Soldier Creek Restoration Project at Fort Robinson State Park,
the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year presentation, and
trout fishing opportunities in northwestern Nebraska.

To view a complete agenda, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and click on Public Notices. Search “Regulations” to view the 2026 Big Game Recommendations.

Nebraska Birding Bowl welcomes all experience levels

Registration is open for the Nebraska Birding Bowl, a friendly competition to observe as many bird species as possible while supporting wildlife conservation. All birders are welcome.

The fourth annual Birding Bowl will take place May 1-31 to help celebrate Nebraska Bird Month.

This free, statewide competition will be a great opportunity to try out this fun hobby, improve skills, and share your love of birding with others.

“Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just getting started, this friendly competition is a great way to explore Nebraska’s incredible bird diversity,” said Watchable Wildlife Biologist Meghan Thompson, organizer of the event.

Participants of all experience levels are invited. Birders can compete as individuals or teams, registering online in April or May. They may participate in one of the following categories:

Fledgling Flock — for youth groups and families to introduce birding to youth.
Backyard Birder — for households that enjoy watching birds from their home.
Dabbling Birder — for beginner-to-casual birders.
Competitive Birder — for those who like to observe the most bird species.

Birders will use eBird, a community science platform, to track observations while contributing data for bird conservation.

Teams have a chance to win prizes, such as Vortex binoculars and a $1,000 cash prize.

Thompson is hoping to increase participation in this year’s Birding Bowl after more than 450 adults and 60 youth participated in the 2025 event. “You don’t need to be an expert birder to participate,” she said. “Many teams include beginners, families, and youth who simply enjoy getting outdoors and discovering birds together.”

The Nebraska Birding Bowl is organized by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, with additional support from sponsors, including Wild Bird Habitat Store, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Kowa Optics, and Vortex Optics.

Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Birding Bowl” to register and learn more.

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