Firearm deer harvest down seven percent statewide

Preliminary results from the 2025 Nebraska November firearm deer season show statewide harvest fell seven percent from 2024, which was expected, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Harvest went from 28,056 last year to 26,029 this year. Given that populations are down after several years of drought, harsh winters, and disease outbreaks— and permit numbers have been reduced to aid in recovery—the lower harvest was no surprise.

Whitetail harvest is down ten percent from last year. Whitetail buck harvest is off three percent from 2024. Antlerless harvest fell twenty-six percent from last year and fifty-four percent from five years ago.