NW Nebraska information

[Thueb]

I’m contemplating a move to NW Nebraska, specifically the area around Chadron.  I have a job interview (over the phone) in a couple of days for a job at a uranium mine in that area and I’m curious about the bowhunting opportunities in western Nebraska.  From what I gather, there isn’t much public land, is gaining permission to hunt private property difficult?  Also what are the game populations (mulies and whitetails, antelope, elk?) like?  Could I expect hunting licenses every year?  What about upland birds, small game, and predators?  

Also does anyone know of any local archery clubs that sponsor outdoor shoots in the summer and weekly leagues in the winter?  Any information would help.

It’s a great job opportunity and if I’m fortunate enough to get the job it would be a major mistake not to take it, so any information about that area (the sand hills?) would be appreciated.  Thanks

[dan ferguson]

I think there is quite abit of national and state ground availible around. I think if you do some homework alot of private could be possible. There is some great hunting in that part of the country. All the game you mentioned and throw turkeys in the mix.

[dan ferguson]

After I thought about it you have enough land to get lost never to be seen again. Oglala nat grasslands, Pine Ridge, Chadron State Park, You also but up against the badlands of S.D. Plenty game pilgrim.

[arrowflinger1]

I love that area and go up there all the time! All the big game you mentioned and also some darn good sharptail hunting also. Not many pheasants right there but some close by. Also you arent far from what I think is the best antelope hunting in the country (within an hour) good luck!

[swp]

Plenty of state and national land, plus more big game in WY and SD. I love that area! People are nice, Chadron has everything you need but with a small town feeling. The Niobrara River is close. My wife and I would like to retire there someday.

[fatman]

Don't they have some wetlands/lakes up that way with bass and pike fishing?
I thought at one time they also had a bighorn sheep herd?

[swp]

Bighorn sheep are supposed to be on Ft. Robinson and around the cliffs at Scottsbluff. Think the sandhills have all kinds of wetlands.

[Thueb]

Thanks for the information.  I'll let you know how the interview goes.  

If there are wetlands I may need to buy a shotgun and take up duck hunting...

[PSUBowhunter]

I hunted around Crawford last fall, which is about twenty miles west of Chadron. I love the area, there is plenty of public land to keep you busy. We saw mulies, whitetail, antelope, elk, and some bighorn sheep.

There were coyotes everywere, so that could give you some off season hunting. Plus, WY and SD are not far away, which could extend your season.

You are also allowed two antlered deer in NE.

[Wary Buck]

There is not that much public ground in NE, with the exception of that part of the state where there is actually a pretty fair amount of it.  A good corner of the state to be in as well, as you are very close to excellent opportunities in SD and WY, and not too far from CO or MT.  

The bighorn sheep herd is for residents only (with occasional auction permits for others) but your chances of drawing are 1 in many thousand.

Chadron is a nice town and has a state college if that is something one would be interested in as well.  The fishing in that part of the state is largely underutilized.  

Over half of Nebraska's population resides in 3 of the 93 counties, and those are all back east.  Very quiet area out in NW part of the state.  You are closer to Rapid City or Cheyenne than any major NE city.

[ArrowAtomik]

Sounds like a win to me.  There are trad spirits in that ground... Fred Bear used to have an annual deer camp in this area.  The Niobrara was one of his favorite places.  I would think with a little socializing and you could get onto a fair amount of private ground too.

[joe ashton]

It's been my expereince that the locals are very nice and getting access to land in the NW will take some door knocking but very doable.
I believe Nb has a trad club too.

Joe