Use GOHUNT Maps to help navigate public and private lands
Private access can drastically help the odds of success
Public access opportunities can be found throughout the unit
Species
General Size
Trophy Potential
Whitetail Deer
120"-150"
170"+
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
November 2024
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Located in the southeastern corner of the state, bordering Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri, this unit boasts healthy deer populations and offers exceptional hunting opportunities, particularly for bucks. While public lands are scarce, hunters can explore non-traditional access options such as Open Fields and Waters Program lands and wildlife management areas to enhance their hunting experience.
Accessing private lands presents the greatest challenge for hunters in this area. While securing private access is optimal, diligent research can lead hunters to excellent public hunting opportunities as well.
Most of this area is comprised of private agricultural lands, which does create access issues, but also facilitates excellent herd health and antler growth. With minimal elevation fluctuations, apart from occasional creek and river beds, navigating the unit is straightforward and effortless for hunters.
The majority of this region comprises agricultural crop lands, interspersed with scattered stands of mature hardwoods. Ground cover thrives within these wooded areas, creating prime deer habitat. Numerous creeks, rivers, and reservoirs dot the landscape. The south central portion of the unit does have a good collection of mostly undeveloped lands that are characterized by rolling grass slopes and timbered bottoms and draws.
Given the scarcity of public lands, hunters must depend on maps and e-scouting to uncover viable hunting prospects. While there are some scattered state-owned parcels, hunters can also explore wildlife management areas and lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters Program for additional access opportunities. These property types are spread out throughout the unit but are found in the most abundance throughout the central portion of the unit. There are some decent public sections on the far east side of the unit along the Missouri River as well. This is one of the top units in the state in terms of Boone & Crockett record entries for whitetail deer. Record book entries have been record all over the unit but some of the more notable areas would include Gage, Jefferson, Otoe, and Richardson counties.
Lincoln is located about an hour north of the unit and is the largest city around, but several larger towns can be found here including Beatrice, Fairbury, and pawnee City. Hunters will find hotels, motels, and rental properties scattered throughout the unit. Additionally, many public campsites are available unit wide. Sporting goods can be found through the area with some of the best selections generally being found in the larger cities.