The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) accomplished its goal of doubling the enrolled acres in its Elk Hunter Access Program for the 2025-2026 season Aug. 1 to Jan. 31 which they accomplished… and more. Thanks in part to RMEF matching funds, which helped compensate landowners for their participation, the number of acres enrolled in the program increased from roughly 25,000 to more than 60,000. The access program depends on voluntary enrollment over multiple elk management units.
Nebraska reintroduced elk in 1960. Elk were brought into the state in the 60’s from Western populations, establishing a stable population by the 1980s. Currently, over 1,400 elk persist in seven distinct herds, primarily in the Western part of the state. NGPC notes that the state’s elk population predominately resides on private land, and the Elk Hunter Access Program is designed to increase elk hunter opportunity on this land while assisting and compensating landowners for coordinating hunters. By partnering with NGPC, RMEF advocates for the sustained hunting and conservation of Nebraska’s elk.
2024-2025 Nebraska Elk Season
Total Acres – 25,268
Total Harvest – 16
2025-2026 Nebraska Elk Season
Total Acres – 60,470
Total Harvest – 34
Landowner participation, hunter opportunity, and harvest increased considerably and directly contributed to meeting its management goals. NGPC plans to grow the program for 2026 and beyond. RMEF worked with NGPC in 2024 to develop the program, and NGPC reports elk hunting permit sales have increased in recent years along with demand for elk hunting access.
