What are the laws for hunting fox in Nebraska? This article covers many of the fundamental laws you will need to know to get started. It also provides information such as seasons, harvest limits, and required permits for bobcat hunting in Nebraska. It is not a legal document and is not intended to cover all hunting laws and regulations.
In Nebraska, the red and gray fox hunting seasons runs from November 1st until February 28th. A valid license, a Fur Harvest permit, and a Habitat Stamp are required. There is no bag limit. Gray foxes harvested must be registered and tagged by Game and Parks within 2 days of the close of season.
Purchase a Nebraska hunting permit here.
First time hunting fox? Check out these articles:
Read: How to call in a fox.
Read: How to use tracks and scat to hunt a fox.
Related: Read the laws for hunting coyotes in Nebraska.
Related: Read the laws for hunting bobcats in Nebraska.
General laws for hunting fox in Nebraska
Electronic callers are legal.
Read this article and watch the video to learn how to use a closed reed rabbit squealer.
You can check Amazon for electronic predator caller prices here.
Decoys are legal. You can read about some highly effective but inexpensive ($20) coyotes decoys here.
Night hunting fox in Nebraska.
Using lights while hunting bobcats on foot is permitted.
Artificial lights may be used only while hunting on foot to take unprotected species, including coyotes and the following furbearers: badger, bobcat, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, Virginia opossum, raccoon, Red fox and striped skunk.
They may not be used to take any of these species if used from or attached to a vehicle or boat.
Fox hunting in Nebraska with thermal and infrared riflescopes.
There are no regulations regarding the use of night vision or thermal riflescopes to be found in NEBRASKA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE: Title 163 – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Chapter 4 – Wildlife Regulations (Last Approved Date: April 29, 2021).
All regulations regarding lights and electronic rifles scopes are specifically linked to game animals and birds, not furbearers.
With artificial lights, night vision, infrared, and thermal scopes available, the choice is up to you and your budget.
Related: Going the budget route? Make sure you pick the right color lens.
Related: Infrared riflescopes for new predator hunter good for 200 yards? Check out this article.
Related: Thinking you want a low budget thermal good for 150 yards? Check out this article.
Using private land while fox hunting in Nebraska.
PRIVATE LAND
Much of the land in Nebraska is privately owned. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property.
Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner. Hunters must ensure they respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times. Trespassing on private land is Nebraska is prohibited.
Related: Need access to more properties? Find out how to ask for permission here.
Using public land while hunting fox in Nebraska.
There are nearly 800,000 acres of public land within the state of Nebraska, much of which is open to hunting. The state purchased nearly 50,000 acres of public land space due to the Nebraska Habitat Stamp program, meaning it wouldn’t be accessible to hunters without their contributions to the program.
While public land space in Nebraska encompasses only 2% of the state’s total land access, there’s still no shortage of hunting space. Public lands that may be accessible to hunters within the state include Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), State Parks and Recreation Areas, National Forests, Federal Reservoirs, and Waterfowl Production Areas. To find a land-space open to hunting near you, use the Nebraska Public Access Interactive Atlas.
Can I kill a property destroying fox in Nebraska?
Yes, under some circumstances and under Neb. Rev. St. § 37-559 to 563.
In Nebraska, any farmer or rancher owning or operating a farm or ranch may destroy or have destroyed a fox preying on livestock or poultry or causing other agricultural depredation on land owned or controlled by him or her without a permit issued by the commission.
As always, please check with your local game warden or animal control officer before proceeding.