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)…  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. 

Elk were extirpated from Nebraska by the 1880s, but sporadic sightings began in the 1950s.  The Wyoming Game and Fish department trapped elk in Yellowstone National Park and released them in eastern Wyoming in the early 1960s.  Following this, sightings in the Pine Ridge increased, and by the 1970s, a resident herd became established in the Bordeaux Creek drainage.  Over the next 50 years, elk have expanded to inhabit portions of the western half of the state with a total population of about 2,500. 

“Since Nebraska is 97% privately owned, landowner support for elk is critically important.  Programs like our limited landowner permits, the free earned landowner permit and the elk access program help build that support for elk in Nebraska,” says Luke Meduna, big game program manager for the NGPC. 

The Elk Access Program is designed to increase elk hunter opportunity on private land while assisting and compensating landowners for coordinating with hunters.  By partnering with the 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 NGPC 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.

“The program has been successful due to our field staff working one on one with landowners to expand general tag opportunities and respond to landowner needs,” says Adam Kester, NGPC access program manager.