Hunting in Nebraska: 4 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Your Kids

Nebraska has long been regarded as one of the friendliest states to young hunters, but there are some important things to know before signing your children up for a hunting permit in Nebraska.

1. Hunter Education Requirements

All kids at least 12-years-old need to complete a firearm education course or bowhunter education course depending on the type of weapons they plan to use according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

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Once certification has been received, hunters ages 12 to 29 must always carry proof of course completion with them while hunting in Nebraska. These requirements can be met through online courses with fees or free classroom courses.

All students ages 11 to 15 must complete a Firearm Independent Study/Field Day or Bowhunter Hunt Safe Session depending on the type of weapons a student plans to use.

2. Apprentice Certificate
For one time in a hunter’s life, an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate can be used. This certificate can be purchased for hunters who, because of their age, are required to have either firearm or bowhunter education but have not yet completed the course.

Any child using this certificate must be accompanied while hunting by a licensed hunter who is at least 19-years-old. If that licensed hunter is between the ages of 19 and 29, he or she must have and carry proof of a completed hunter education course.

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3. PATH
The Passing Along the Heritage Program — PATH for short — began in 2006 in Nebraska. The program unites the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Nebraska landowners.

According to the Commission, PATH gives young hunters and their mentors access to private lands volunteered by Nebraska landowners in an effort to support and foster mentored experiences for young hunters.

4. Deer and Turkey Permits
Hunters 15-years-old and younger can purchase deer and turkey permits for Nebraska for just five dollars. Young hunters receive up to three turkey tags and two deer tags per year, allowing for great hunting experiences throughout the seasons.

Additionally, Nebraska does not have a minimum age for turkey hunters, so that is a great animal on which to teach younger children how to hunt.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission holds family hunting as one of the state’s greatest pastimes, and it is doing all it can to support and encourage that activity for years to come.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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