By Derek Beck
OGALLALA, NEB - Nebraska hunters are gearing up for the start of pheasant and quail season this weekend, and experts say bird numbers across southwest Nebraska are showing strong signs of recovery after recent drought years.
Pheasants Forever Coordinating Wildlife Biologist Addie Piernicky said during a recent interview that the season officially opens for adults on Saturday, Oct. 25, following a successful youth weekend last week.
“We are still somewhat recovering from our drought two years ago,” Piernicky said. “But our numbers — it’s amazing how well they have come back.”
According to Piernicky, recent crow count and rural mail carrier surveys show bird numbers are up significantly across southwest Nebraska, including in the McCook area and parts of Perkins and Keith Counties.
“We’re seeing about a 150% increase in our crow count surveys,” she said. “We’re still down from a few years ago when we had really, really good numbers, but they’re getting close.”
Hunters heading out this weekend are reminded to follow safety and access rules. Piernicky said firearms must be unloaded in vehicles, and hunters need permission—either written or verbal—from landowners before entering private property. Public access areas enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters program are clearly marked, and maps can be found in printed atlases available at gas stations, Walmarts, and online through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
For those targeting pheasants, the daily bag limit is three roosters, with a possession limit of 12. The quail limit is six per day, with a possession limit of 24.
Piernicky also reminded hunters pursuing waterfowl to carry a valid HIP number, along with state and federal duck stamps.
As excitement builds for opening weekend, Piernicky encouraged hunters to show respect for one another in the field.
“Have common courtesy,” she said. “We might all have the same public access area in mind. If someone’s already there, maybe try another spot — or make some new friends.”
Pheasant and quail season begins Saturday across Nebraska, and Piernicky said conditions in southwest Nebraska make this year one of the best opportunities in recent memory.
“This is the heyday of quail right now in southwest Nebraska,” she said. “Get out there, have fun, and happy hunting.”