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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in modern deer hunting — the one buck rule — and whether Nebraska should consider making the switch.

We break down what a true one buck state actually means and look at the five states currently leading the charge: Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Using real-world examples and data, we discuss how these states have seen major improvements in buck age structure, herd balance, and overall deer quality after implementing the rule. 

The conversation centers heavily around Indiana, which has become the go-to example for success after moving to a one buck system. We talk through the measurable increases in Boone & Crockett entries, how hunter behavior changes, and why limiting harvest can lead to more mature bucks and better hunting experiences overall. 

We also explore the opposing side — including concerns around hunter opportunity, tradition, and whether limiting tags actually benefits the average hunter. The discussion touches on Nebraska specifically, including current regulations, hunter success rates, and the role of Game & Parks commissioners in making decisions that impact the future of the sport. 

Beyond just trophy potential, this episode focuses on herd health, rut activity, hunter satisfaction, and what long-term sustainability could look like if Nebraska were to adopt a one buck model.

To wrap things up, we get into some lighter conversation around hunting culture, equipment debates, and real-world scenarios hunters deal with in the field.

In this episode:

What defines a true one buck state
 Current one buck states and how they compare
 Indiana’s success and Boone & Crockett growth
 How one buck rules impact buck age structure
 Buck-to-doe ratios and rut intensity explained
 Why most hunters already only harvest one buck
 Common arguments against the one buck rule
 Hunter psychology and decision-making in the field
 Nebraska’s current system and harvest data
 The role of Game & Parks commissioners
 Landowner vs public resource discussion
 Rifle season timing and its impact on harvest
 Non-resident vs resident hunting pressure
 Crossbow vs vertical bow debate
 How one buck could improve overall hunting experience
 Why herd management matters more than ever

This episode is about understanding the facts, challenging assumptions, and thinking critically about the future of deer hunting in Nebraska.

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes.

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Disclaimer:
 The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most important—and controversial—topics in hunting right now: proposed legislation in Iowa that could change deer hunting forever. From non-resident landowner tags to outfitter allocations and transferable permits, we break down what these bills mean and why they matter for hunters across the Midwest.

We unpack how these changes could shift Iowa from a world-class whitetail destination into a pay-to-play system, and what that means for everyday hunters trying to draw tags or gain access. The conversation goes beyond hunting too—touching on land ownership trends, habitat loss, farming practices, and the growing influence of outside investors.

We also talk about what hunters can actually do to push back, why staying informed matters, and how quickly things can change if people stay silent.

To wrap things up, we lighten it up with some spring fishing talk and what we’re looking forward to as the seasons change.

In this episode:

Breakdown of Iowa’s proposed hunting bills (HF22, HF388, SF255)
 Non-resident landowner tag set-asides explained
 Outfitter tag allocations and “pay-to-play” hunting concerns
 Transferable landowner tags and commercialization of hunting
 How these bills could impact tag draw odds and access
 The role of non-resident land ownership in the Midwest
 Why Iowa could lose its reputation as a top whitetail state
 Public vs private resource debate in deer hunting
 The impact of land leasing and rising costs for hunters
 Habitat loss and modern farming practices
 What hunters can do to oppose these bills
 The importance of contacting legislators and getting involved
 Broader discussion on conservation and the future of hunting
 Spring fishing talk and upcoming outdoor plans 

This episode is about awareness, action, and protecting the future of hunting before it’s too late.

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes.

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Disclaimer:
 The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we throw out the deep dives and go straight to the hot takes. Episode 10 is 20 rapid fire questions — the kind that start arguments at deer camp, blow up Facebook groups, and put your hunting buddies in uncomfortable positions. Cody, Matt, and Zach go round after round on topics from crossbows to cull bucks, and nobody's getting out clean.

We kick things off with a scenario that forces even the most anti-crossbow hunter to rethink everything — what if it's a world record whitetail and the only weapon in the stand is a crossbow? From there we get into Nebraska's deer harvest hitting an all-time low since 1993 and who's really to blame. Is it Game and Parks? Non-residents? Or the habitat loss happening on farm ground across the state? We also debate whether Nebraska should go to a one buck state, what to do with the landowner early rifle season tag, and whether food plots are fair chase or just baiting with extra steps.

The conversation gets real when we talk about who the best whitetail hunters in the country actually are — southern volume hunters or Midwest guys chasing mature deer on limited tags. We break down why thermals matter more than wind in hill country, whether you should ever shoot a doe during the rut, and what cell cameras are really doing to the sport. Plus, we tackle hunter shaming on social media, the crossbow-during-archery-season debate, and whether the next generation of Nebraska hunters is being priced out, pressured out, or regulated out entirely.

Are hunting lease networks and land brokers helping or hurting deer hunting? Spoiler: nobody held back on that one.

In this episode:

• 20 rapid fire hunting questions — no holding back
• Crossbow vs compound bow: the world record whitetail scenario
• Nebraska deer harvest at an all-time low since 1993 — who's to blame?
• Should Nebraska go to a one buck state?
• The landowner early rifle season tag controversy
• Food plots: fair chase or baiting with extra steps?
• Best whitetail hunters in the country — southern states vs Midwest
• Thermals vs wind and why thermals matter more than most hunters think
• Shooting does during the rut — dumbest move or herd management?
• Crossbow hunters during archery season — bow hunters or rifle hunters with short barrels?
• Cell cameras: scouting tool or killing the unknown?
• Non-resident turkey tags selling out in 90 minutes — is it a problem?
• Hunter shaming and posting kills on social media
• Are hunting lease brokers the worst thing to happen to deer hunting?
• Is the next generation of Nebraska hunters being priced out of the sport?
• Best week to hunt whitetails in Nebraska — late October vs early November
• The marginal shot debate — should you need to buy another tag?
• Passing bucks to let them grow — are hunters actually doing it?

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes.

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Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we celebrate two of Nebraska's biggest spring traditions — Sandhill Cranes and morel mushrooms. With up to 800,000 cranes flooding a 150-mile stretch of the Platte River every spring and morel season just kicking off, Cody, Matt, and Zach break down why these two things matter more than most Nebraskans realize.

We start with the Sandhill Cranes — an ancient species that's been migrating through Nebraska for millions of years. We talk about the $28 million economic impact crane season brings to the state, the 35,000 visitors who show up annually, and the big question every hunter eventually asks: why can't we hunt them here when Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Texas, and Montana all have crane seasons? We dig into the economics, the politics, and whether a fall season could actually coexist with the spring tourism that keeps the money flowing.

Then we shift to morel mushrooms. The first confirmed find of 2026 dropped in Douglas County on April 2nd, and that means it's go time across the state. We share tips on where to look — river bottom timber, dying elms, cottonwoods, sandy soil — and the old-timer trick of watching for lilacs in full bloom as your trigger that morels are popping. We talk about the best way to combine turkey hunting, shed hunting, and mushroom hunting into one spring trip, the difference between true morels and false morels, and Cody's strong opinion that morels taste terrible.

This is a shorter episode built around two things every Nebraskan sees every spring but most of us don't think enough about.

In this episode:

• Sandhill Crane migration: 800,000 birds on the Platte River
• The $28 million economic impact of crane season in Nebraska
• 35,000 visitors annually for crane watching
• Why Nebraska is the only state in the corridor that doesn't allow crane hunting
• Could a fall crane season coexist with spring tourism revenue?
• Crane facts: two million years old, mate for life, 10,000-foot altitude, seven-foot wingspan
• The ag impact of cranes on Nebraska farmland
• First morel mushroom of 2026 confirmed April 2nd in Douglas County
• Where to find morels: river bottoms, cottonwoods, elms, ash trees
• Soil temps, moisture, and the lilac bloom trick for timing morel season
• True morels vs false morels — how to tell the difference
• Combining turkey hunting, shed hunting, and mushroom hunting in one spring trip
• Missouri River flood year and the massive morel haul along the dikes
• What morels sell for ($50+ per pound) and the Missouri mushroom market

Whether you're a crane watcher, a mushroom hunter, or just someone who loves getting outside in Nebraska's spring, this one's for you.

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes.

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Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we kick off spring 2026 with a full-on turkey season breakdown, swapping stories, strategies, and a few wild hunting experiences you won’t forget. With Nebraska’s archery opener right around the corner, we cover everything from early-season tactics to turkey populations across the state—plus we’re giving away custom turkey calls from Anthony Myers Customs.

We dive into what hunters can expect this season, including how weather swings, habitat changes, and predator populations are shaping turkey numbers across Nebraska. From Merriams in the Pine Ridge to Rios in the south-central region, we break down where birds are thriving and what’s impacting their success.

This episode also brings some of the best storytelling yet—from close-range encounters and first hunts to getting lost overnight in Florida and even a turkey hunt that turned into a SWAT situation near Disney property. It’s a mix of education, entertainment, and real hunting camaraderie.

More importantly, we talk about what makes turkey hunting special—introducing new hunters, getting kids involved, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

In this episode:

Spring 2026 turkey season outlook in Nebraska
 Archery, youth, and shotgun season dates and expectations
 Breakdown of Nebraska turkey species (Merriams, Rios, Easterns)
 Current turkey population trends and habitat impacts
 The role of predators like raccoons, skunks, and possums
 Why trapping and predator control matter for turkey numbers
 Early-season strategies: roosting, calling, and decoy setups
 Scouting tips and how to avoid educating birds
 How weather (90° to snow swings) affects turkey behavior
 Giveaway details for Anthony Myers Custom turkey calls
 Memorable hunts: first birds, close encounters, and crazy stories
 Getting youth involved and why turkey hunting is perfect for beginners
 Why Nebraska is a sleeper state for turkey hunting

This episode is all about getting ready for turkey season, learning from experience, and enjoying the hunt—whether it’s your first bird or your fiftieth.

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for more episodes.

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Podcast Home: https://bucksofnebraska.com/podcast

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Disclaimer:
 The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we bring you an emergency episode covering the devastating wildfires sweeping across western Nebraska. With nearly a million acres impacted and the largest wildfire in state history unfolding, we break down what’s happening, how it started, and what it means for the people, land, and wildlife of Nebraska.

We dive into the Morrill Fire — now approaching 700,000 acres — along with other active fires like Cottonwood and Road 203. From extreme wind conditions to dry fuel loads, we talk through how quickly these fires spread and why containment has been such a challenge.

More importantly, we discuss the real impact. From confirmed fatalities to displaced wildlife, destroyed habitat, and major losses for ranchers, this is more than just a wildfire — it’s a statewide crisis. With tens of thousands of cattle potentially affected and critical feed supplies destroyed, the ripple effects will be felt for months and years to come.

We also talk about how the hunting community and everyday Nebraskans can step up to help. From donating hay and supplies to supporting local hubs like Krusty’s Feed Store, this is a time for Nebraska to come together.

This episode is a raw, real-time look at one of the most significant natural disasters Nebraska has faced — and what comes next.

In this episode:

Overview of the western Nebraska wildfires
 The Morrill Fire and how it started (downed power line)
 Total acres burned across multiple fires nearing 1 million
 Fire spread conditions: wind, drought, and fuel load
 Containment updates and current fire status
 Confirmed fatalities and state of emergency declaration
 Impact on ranchers, cattle, and feed supply loss
 Estimated livestock impact and economic ripple effects
 How wildfires affect deer, elk, antelope, and habitat
 Short-term devastation vs. potential long-term regrowth
 Stories from those on the ground fighting the fires
 How to donate hay, fencing, and supplies to those in need
 Key donation hub: Crusty’s Feed Store (Arthur, Nebraska)
 The importance of community response — “Nebraska Strong”

This episode is about awareness, support, and action during a critical time for Nebraska’s land, wildlife, and people.

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode.

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Disclaimer:
 The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we kick things off with a huge moment for Nebraska sports — the Cornhuskers men’s basketball team making their first-ever Sweet 16 run. We break down the electric atmosphere, what it means for the state, and why this run has everyone in Nebraska fired up.

From there, we shift into two major legislative topics that could significantly impact hunters across the state. First, we dive into proposed deer permit fee increases under LB 979, discussing what the price hikes mean for residents and non-residents, where that money is actually going, and whether hunters are seeing a real return on investment in habitat and access.

We also get into the ongoing debate around herd management, including the idea of moving Nebraska to a one-buck state. We talk through the potential benefits, concerns, and what it could mean for deer populations, hunting opportunity, and the future of the sport.

Then we tackle one of the more controversial proposals — allowing landowners to transfer (and potentially sell) hunting permits under LB 1197. This opens up a bigger conversation around access, commercialization of hunting, rising land costs, and how these changes could impact everyday hunters, youth involvement, and the long-term health of hunting in Nebraska.

This episode is a mix of current events, policy discussion, and real-world hunting implications — and we’re asking for your feedback on where things should go from here.

In this episode:

Nebraska basketball’s historic Sweet 16 run
 Breaking down LB 979 and deer permit fee increases
 Where are hunting permit dollars actually going?
 Resident vs. non-resident tag pricing and impact
 One-buck vs. two-buck state debate
 Declining deer populations and habitat concerns
 LB 1197 and the potential sale of hunting permits
 How landowner incentives could change hunting access
 The impact of rising land prices and property taxes
 Public vs. private land opportunity for hunters
 Concerns around pricing out the average hunter
 The future of hunting participation and youth involvement

This episode dives into the intersection of hunting, policy, and economics — and why these conversations matter now more than ever for the future of Nebraska hunting.

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode.

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Disclaimer:
 The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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In this episode of the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in deer hunting this time of year: shed hunting. Who gets the match set if two people find opposite sides? If you invite buddies onto your farm to shed hunt, who keeps the sheds? And if someone kills a deer later, should they get the sheds back? We kick things off with a fun but surprisingly heated debate on all of it.

From there, we get into bigger hunting questions around pressure, scouting, trail camera intel, entry and exit strategy, luck vs. skill, and what it really takes to kill mature bucks consistently. We also talk about how much shed hunting actually helps for fall success, how far deer really travel between seasonal ranges, and whether hunters have become too obsessed with score.

We also dig into the culture side of hunting — asking whether modern deer hunting has become more about content, ego, and control than connection, camp, and camaraderie. It’s one of our more honest conversations yet, and there’s a lot in this episode that serious hunters will relate to.

In this episode:

• Shed hunting debates: who keeps the set?
• Do landowners automatically own the sheds?
• Should trail cam photos be shared after a deer is harvested?
• Is shed hunting more competitive than actual hunting?
• How much does shed hunting help with fall scouting?
• How far do mature bucks really travel?
• Entry and exit strategy vs. simply having big deer on the property
• Skill vs. luck in killing mature deer
• Are hunters too obsessed with score?
• Has hunting become more about content than connection?
• Camp culture, tradition, and what’s been lost in modern deer hunting

This episode is a mix of fun debate, real hunting philosophy, and honest conversation about where deer hunting is today and where it’s headed.

Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share the Bucks of Nebraska Podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode.

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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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Whether you’re chasing whitetails, scouting public land, managing property, or just counting down the days until season, this podcast is for you.

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Episode #1 We're Just Getting Started...

“Everyone knows Nebraska produces big deer—but that’s not what this podcast is really about.

This is Bucks of Nebraska, and we started this podcast to tell the stories behind the hunts. The long sits. The blown stalks. The lessons learned on public and private ground. The people who live for this lifestyle year-round.

We’re Nebraskans. We hunt here. We scout here. We screw up here—and we learn here. And this podcast is about sharing that journey with anyone who loves the outdoors as much as we do.”

Detailed Episode Summary

In the launch episode of Bucks of Nebraska, we introduce who we are, where we hunt, and why this podcast exists.

We talk about:

• Our backgrounds as Nebraska hunters
• The hunting culture in Nebraska and why it deserves its own platform
• What listeners can expect from future episodes—whitetails, turkey, land management, conservation, and real-world hunting stories
• Why this podcast is about the process, not just the harvest

This episode sets the foundation for a podcast built around authenticity, respect for the outdoors, and the shared obsession that keeps hunters coming back season after season.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

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Episode #2 Taking Three 170 + Nebraska Whitetail in 2025  

Detailed Episode Summary

In the launch episode of Bucks of Nebraska, we introduce who we are, where we hunt, and why this podcast exists.

We talk about:

• Our 3 170"+ Inch Nebraska Whitetail 
• Recap of our 2025 Season
• Nebraskas future for deer hunting

Follow Bucks of Nebraska and join the conversation:

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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or partners. All hunting stories and tactics discussed are shared for educational and entertainment purposes. Always follow local, state, and federal hunting regulations and practice ethical, responsible hunting.

Support the show