Nebraska--Go Nov 18th-24 or mid-December?

[Bivyhunter]

Need some advice from all of you whitetail hunters.  I had a trip planned to go back to Nebraska for whitetails at the end of the rifle season, lapping into the re-opening of archery season just before Thanksgiving.  This should coincide with the tail end of the rut.  The hunt is on private property with little pressure from rifle hunters, so that isn't too much of a factor.  Got online to buy my license and find out that the archery license isn't valid during the rifle season.  There is a way around it by buying a statewide tag that is valid all of the way through, but I'd have to shell out over $500 for it--not my first choice.  So, with scheduling conflicts, my other option is to go back and hunt mid-December (keep in mind I'm from northern CA and not used to single digit temps).  My friend in NE says the bucks will be coming in like clockwork to food sources trying to rebuild fat reserves after the rut.  I've never hunted the end of the rut or December, what is your opinion?  I'll have a buck tag and a pocket full of doe tags.  And oh,the property is ag (cut corn by then) with excellent timber and bedding cover.

[Caleb the bow breaker]

You better read up on your regs.  Even if you get the statewide tag you cant use a bow during the nine day gun season.  

C

[droptine82]

Never been hunting in NE but I see my biggest bucks every year in December.  Other than about 4 days in Nov.  Go late and dress warm.  I think your friend is right.

[Txnrog]

Go late, your pressure situation may be a bit different, but I've noticed things get screwed up for a while after the rifle season. Temps will still be highly variable - you could be looking at snow and single digits, but you could just as easily be in 50s and sunny.

[Caleb the bow breaker]

Also,  I am sorry but I was wrong, this year the regs were changed so that you can use a bow during gun season.  However you do have to wear blaze orange.  Sorry for the mistake

C

[KentuckyTJ]

Nov 18th and after will most likely be on the late side of the rut the way they are acting around here now. I would be worried about the bucks being in lock down with the overly harassed does. During that phase around here sightings are very limited with not much action at all. I would without a doubt rather do the late season food source hunt. Just put on extra gear and pack some hand warmers. If you stick one of those Nebraska studs you won't even know its cold.

[Bivyhunter]

Thanks guys, I think I'll go late. I'll pass on dressing up as a pumpkin!

[Guru]

South, I agree with the later hunt bud. Just throw on an Incinerator jacket and you'll be good to go!    

[Bivyhunter]

I was already on the phone with the guys over at Sitka and bummed one off of them. I'm praying for something above their average for their cold tempatures!

[mooseman1967]

Aw come on now, ya just havn't hunted till your arrow looks like a broomstick from all the frost hanging off it! Now on a serious note IMO your chances in Dec should be pretty good especially if your friend has some insight on their feeding spots, but bear in mind in Dec will also be muzzle loading season. And for my area that seems to be a continued rifle season sometimes seeing deer drives of 10 or more people going after it.