Nebraska is frequently referred to as a flyover state and gets overlooked by tourists. What many don’t realize is that the state offers a plethora of excitement for those who visit Nebraska. In the spring, nearly one million sandhill cranes stop in Nebraska along their migratory journey. Not only is the state excellent for bird watching opportunities, but also for hunting experiences. Particularly, waterfowl hunting.

The producers from MeatEater found the Western Sandhills of Nebraska to be so fruitful, they took a special trip to document the opportunities. 

The Sandhills is a Northwestern region of Nebraska consisting of mixed-grass prairies on grass-stabilized sand dunes. They are considered a National Natural Landmark as well as home to a diverse population of wildlife. In fact, the Nebraska Sandhills are the most intact of all the temperate grasslands remaining in the world, according to a new study. The rolling terrain in the Sandhills combined with seasonal weather patterns and the high water table formed by the Ogallala aquifer, provide ample watering holes throughout the prairies for waterfowl to enjoy. Sean Weaver, a producer from Meat Eater and self acclaimed duck-nerd, notes that the lakes “create a waterfowl oasis of seeds and freshwater shrimp that provide nesting and migration habitat for ducks.” Growing in those lakes and ponds is Smartweed, a red grass that the ducks love to eat and is one of the many reasons why they touch down in Nebraska. The species of waterfowl in the Sandhills vary, but do consist of Mallard, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Blue and Green-Winged Teal, and much more!

During Sean’s trip to the Sandhills, he and his co-producer from MeatEater, Janis Putelis, faced the issue of door-knocking in the hopes to find private hunting land in the area. They did consider hunting public land in Nebraska, but faced the fact that 97% of the state’s land is privately owned.

Smartweed, Sandhills, and Ducks with Janis Putelis | S1E03 | Duck Lore

Door-knocking for access to private land for hunting can be successful for some, but is time consuming and frequently comes with added stress for both the sportsman and landowner. LandTrust eliminates that stress and provides the perfect platform for sportsmen and landowners to connect. Sportsmen can use LandTrust to find private hunting land across the country while providing landowners an additional revenue stream for their operation. Our listings have grown exponentially in the last year and we are now happy to offer many options in Nebraska  for private land hunting opportunities in the Sandhills.

When you book a hunt on one of our many amazing Nebraska ranches, you’ll also receive property maps & waypoints from our friends at onX Hunt or Huntwise so that you can properly scout before your trip on your preferred mapping app. Here are a few of our awesome waterfowl listings in the Sandhills of Nebraska:

Meduna Family Farms: 

Operated by a band of five brothers who can attest to the waterfowl haven themselves, this 80 acre plot of corn and soybean row crops feature a flooded wetland at the center. Every year the area floods, attracting all sorts of waterfowl to the field; Canada and Snow Geese, ducks, etc. 

Meduna brothers hunting on their family farm.

Red Deer Ranch:

With Red Deer Lake providing a source of about 100 acres of water along with many small ponds, creeks and wetlands scattered throughout the land, there is an abundance of waterfowl wildlife on this 20,000 acre ranch. Sitting right above the aquifer and adjacent to the National Wildlife Refuge, there is a natural progression of migration for these waterfowl birds.

Cullom Ranch:

The Cullom Ranch features almost 10,000 acres of land split across the western part of the Nebraska and South Dakota state line. There are numerous ponds and lakes scattered throughout the property, however, the prime habitat area is about a quarter mile east of the house. This features a marsh that hosts an abundance of wildlife such as grouse, pheasants, ducks, geese, swans, pelicans and gophers.

Waterfowl grounds at Cullom Ranch.

Schaeffer Hardy Ranch:

This 5,500 acre ranch is home to two creeks, the Calf Creek to the South and the Cow Creek to the North, and is only 3/4 of a mile from the North Loup River. The various dams, gravel pits, and water holes make the property a hot spot for both fishing and waterfowl hunting. Landowner Orrin Schaeffer states, "A professional birder with the US Fish & Wildlife once said he saw more birds here than any other property he has ever been on."

Abbott Ranch:

With over 30,000 acres of rolling, natural grass in the heart of the Sandhills in Nebraska, the Abbott Ranch hosts an impeccable habitat for waterfowl hunting! The ranch consists of 30 miles of spring-fed, open-water tributaries of natural rivers, creeks and man-made ditches, including an 11 mile stretch along the Snake River. This provides a home for a variety of waterfowl that can frequently be found throughout the entire ranch.

The Abbott Ranch - home to thousands of waterfowl.

With amazing habitat, long seasons, readily available tags & its central location, Nebraska hunting could be one of the best kept secrets amongst sportsmen. But with 97% private land, you either need to know landowners or use LandTrust to connect with landowners to find private land hunting opportunities. Last November, Joe Stough, a Ducks Unlimited board member, used LandTrust to connect with & book a waterfowl hunt at the storied Abbott Ranch in the Sandhills. You can read his review of his experience below. 

Sean Weaver considers the Sandhills, “A paradise for those addicted to duck hunting.” Although, Nebraska also boasts opportunities for other forms of recreation such as the exciting turkey grand slam or upland slam, epic whitetail & mule deer hunting and outstanding birdwatching. You can use LandTrust to find and book all of those opportunities and more.

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