Hunters in Nebraska between the ages of 12 and 29 years old need to successfully complete a bowhunter or firearm hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
The crucial information you'll learn through a hunter safety course helps you stay safe and protect others in the field. You'll learn proper firearm and bow safety, tree stand safety, why hunters wear blaze orange for visibility, and more.
So, if you're planning a hunt in Nebraska in 2026, keep reading to learn how to get your firearm or bowhunter education certificate and your hunting license.
How Do I Get My Hunter Education Card in Nebraska?
All hunters ages 12–29 must pass a hunter safety course to earn a hunter education certificate in Nebraska.
This certification is required before purchasing a hunting license. The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) offers three options to get certified to meet this requirement.
1. In-Person Classroom Courses (Ages 11+)
In-person classes run at least eight hours and cover firearm and/or bowhunter safety education. If you choose the combination firearm/bowhunter course, the classroom instruction runs for at least 12 hours.
You'll learn about how to safely use a bow or firearm, hunter ethics, shooting and sighting techniques, game identification, and more. After the classroom instruction is complete, you'll take a multiple-choice and true/false test. Score at least 80% to pass and complete the certification.
Choose a class taking place on a date, time, and location that's convenient for you.
Make sure you complete the course ahead of the hunting season, allowing plenty of time to get your hunting license before your hunt.
2. Online Course (Ages 16+)
Nebraska residents ages 16-29 can complete the hunter education requirement completely online through an approved course. The online course teaches hunters everything they need to know to hunt safely, similar to the in-person course material.
Hunter-Ed is proud to be the approved online hunter education provider for the NGPC! We offer the firearm/bowhunter education course (in English and Spanish), as well as the bowhunter education course online.
This is the most convenient way to meet Nebraska's firearm and bowhunter education requirements!
3. Take a Hybrid Course (Ages 11+)
Take a combination of an approved online course through Hunter-Ed and an in-person Hunt Safe session. This is required for hunters between the ages of 11–16.
You'll start by completing the online course. Then attend a 2-hour Hunt Safe session that focuses on equipment safety and shoot/don't shoot scenarios. You'll need proof of your online course completion to attend the Hunt Safe session.
3 Easy Steps to Get Your 2026 Nebraska Hunting License
With your hunter safety certification, you're ready to get your license and hunt! Here are three easy steps to get your Nebraska hunting permits.
Meet the Requirements (and Complete a Hunter Education Course) Remember: All hunters ages 12–29 must complete a firearm, bowhunter, or combo firearm/bowhunter education course before hunting in Nebraska.
Hunter-Ed makes it easy to do that as the only online course approved by the NGPC!
Choose the Right License Type and Purchase It Determine which permit (license) you need. Choose from big game, small game, resident, non-resident, youth under 16, and other types of permits. Then, purchase your license online via the GoOutdoorsNE website or in person at an approved vendor or NGPC office.
Carry Proof of Your License When Hunting Hunters must carry a valid hunting license and any necessary tags, stamps, or permits when hunting. Nebraska allows digital versions of licenses and permits to make it easy to have them with you in the field.
Next, let's look at these steps in more detail.
Step 1: How to Take the Nebraska Hunter/Bowhunter Education Course
After completing the course through Hunter-Ed and passing the final exam, you've met the hunter education requirements for Nebraska!
In your Hunter-Ed student portal, print your temporary Hunter Education Certificate. You can hunt right away with your temporary card. Then, view and download your permanent card through your account on the NGPC GoOutdoorsNE website.
Your Hunter Education Card is Proof of Your Certification
Your hunter safety card is a crucial document. Always carry it (either a printed version or digitally) when you hunt (along with your hunting permit). Be prepared to show it to wildlife officials if they ask for it during a hunt.
If you lose your card, visit the NGPC GoOutdoorsNE website to get a replacement card before hunting season begins.
Step 3: Where to Get Your Nebraska Hunting License in 2026
Your Nebraska hunter safety course is now behind you. You're ready to get your hunting license and hunt!
Remember: you'll need a new hunting license every year, unless you have a 3-yr or 5-yr permit.
Buy a Nebraska Hunting Permit Online
The easiest way to get your license is to buy it online. This can be especially convenient if you don't live close to a retail location, or you plan to hunt in Nebraska as a resident of another state.
Buy In Person at a Retailer or NGPC office
If you prefer to pick up a license in person, the State of Nebraska has plenty of approved retail locations that offer hunting licenses. You can also buy hunting permits at the following NGPC office locations:
Nebraska Parks & Game Commission Office Locations
Alliance
Northwest District Office 1317 W. 3rd St. Alliance, NE 69301-0725 308-763-2940
Lincoln
Headquarters 2200 N. 33rd St. Lincoln, NE 68503-0370 402-471-0641
Omaha
Service Center 8495 Frederick St. Omaha, NE 68124 402-595-2144
Bassett
Service Center 524 Panzer St. Bassett, NE 68714-0508 402-684-2921
Norfolk
Northeast District Office 2201 N. 13th St. Norfolk, NE 68701-2267 402-370-3374
Schramm Education Center
Service Center 21502 W. Hwy 31 Gretna, NE 68028-7264 402-332-3901
Kearney
South-Central District Office 1617 First Ave. Kearney, NE 68847-6057 308-865-5310
North Platte
Southwest District Office 301 E. State Farm Rd. North Platte, NE 69101-0430 308-535-8025
Why Hunter Education Is Important
Before purchasing a license or heading into the field, hunter education helps ensure you’re prepared. Whether you’re new to hunting or have years of experience behind you, the course provides a solid refresher and reinforces best practices that matter in real-world situations.
Hunter education covers the fundamentals every hunter depends on: safe firearm handling, sound judgment, and responsible decision-making in the field. The instruction is practical and experience-driven, with one clear purpose: keeping you, your hunting partners, and others safe.
A successful hunt is one where everyone returns home safely.
The course also builds skills you’ll use in the field, including navigation, basic first aid, and how to respond when conditions don’t go as planned. Equally important, it emphasizes respect for landowners, fellow hunters, and the wildlife we pursue.
At its core, hunter education is about responsibility and ethics. It helps protect our natural resources and ensures the hunting tradition remains strong and respected for generations to come.
Why are a State-Specific Hunter Education Courses Important?
Many states recognize hunter education reciprocity, meaning a valid hunter education card from another state is often accepted. That can be a real benefit if you’ve already completed a course and plan to hunt beyond your home state.
However, if you’re new to hunting in Nebraska, completing the Nebraska-specific hunter education course is still the smart choice. A state-focused course prepares you for the regulations, expectations, and conditions you’ll face here.
Hunter education courses are not interchangeable when it comes to understanding state laws. A course taken in Texas, for example, won’t cover Nebraska’s seasons, regulations, or safety requirements. Those details matter once you’re in the field.
Before relying on an out-of-state course, take the time to complete the Nebraska Hunter or Bowhunter Education course. It’s a solid investment that helps ensure you’re hunting legally, safely, and with confidence when it matters most.
Why Choose Hunter-Ed
You get more with Hunter-Ed.
Hunters benefit from a learn-at-your-pace online course that covers everything you need to know to hunt safely (while meeting the NGPC's requirements). Plus, you also get access to Hunter Perks.
As soon as you purchase your course, you gain access to:
Ongoing Education Opportunities: Choose additional courses offered at a discount to help you learn about things like archery and saddle hunting.
Digital Hunting Tools: Enjoy hunter-proven resources at a discount (like app subscriptions) to help you hunt more successfully.
Hunting Regulations: Links to learn about the hunting regulations for Nebraska each year.
Curated Blog and Video Content: Informational blogs and videos to help you keep learning and exploring how to be a better hunter.
Your Hunter Perks also include contests to win free stuff and discounts on gear, so you have everything you need for great hunts (while saving money).
Get Hunter Safety Certified in Nebraska with Hunter-Ed
Don't wait for the hunting season to get here before you take the course for your Nebraska firearms or bowhunter education certificate. You won't be able to hunt without it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about the Nebraska bowhunter education certificate!
Q: Do I need a hunter education course to hunt in Nebraska?
Yes, you need hunter education in Nebraska to hunt legally if you are between the ages of 12–29.
Q: Can you take the Nebraska Hunter Safety course online?
Yes, you can take the Nebraska hunter safety courses online as part of the state's requirements. Hunter-Ed is the only approved online course!
Q: How Soon Should I Sign Up for a Hunter Education Course?
Sign up for your hunter education course to complete it with at least a few weeks to spare before your hunting season begins.
Q: Do I Need a Certification for Every Season?
No, you don't need to recertify for hunter safety every season. Your Nebraska firearm or bowhunter education course covers the only certification you'll need to hunt in the state after completing the course and passing the final exam. Your certification is valid for life!
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Get My Hunter Education Certification?
When taking the hunter/bowhunter course through Hunter-Ed, the course fee is $29.95. The bowhunter education online course is $30. These costs include the course and study guide, unlimited tries to pass the final exam, your hunter education card, and Hunter Perks.
Q: What happens if you hunt without hunter ed?
Hunting without the required Hunter Education certification can result in fines and other penalties. Your hunting license may also be invalid until you complete the course.
