Harlan County is
    . . .  A Hunters Paradise!

Harlan county has an abundance of big game, upland game and water fowl.  The Corps of Engineers opens up 17,750 acres for hunting, offering marshy grassland for duck blinds, prairie and pasture for big game hunting and a river and its banks for these and other forms of small game. 

Harlan County Lake offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals. Pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, Whitetail and Mule Deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel can be found in huntable populations. Fur-harvesters may also find coyote, bobcat, beaver, muskrat, mink, raccoon and opossum to pursue.

HUNTING LANDS

The US Army Corps of Engineers manages approximately 17,750 acres of land open to public hunting.  Public access is available to a majority of these lands but vehicles are restricted to existing roads.  Nearly all federally owned land is open to hunting with the exception of developed parks and administration areas.  The corps encourages all hunters to visit the project office for other information and guidance.

HUNTING BLINDS

The Corps of Engineers issues permits to construct permanent water fowl blinds at designated sites surrounding Harlan County Lake.  Permittees may construct a permanent blind and leave decoys in designated areas for hunting during regular seasons.  Harlan County Lake's annual water fowl blind drawing is held the first Sunday after Labor Day.  Blinds are issued on a lottery basis.  The Corps of Engineers asks that you practice hunter safety at all times. 

BOBCATS

Between the years of 1990 and 2001 the increase in bobcats in Nebraska was on a sharp rise with larger populations found in the south and southeastern parts of the state.  Harlan County and its two neighboring counties all combined had from 50 - 70 bobcats turned in during the 2000 - 2001 season.  Nebraska had 640 bobcats taken by either trapping or hunting that year.  From the number of sightings, it is apparent the populations have grown significantly since then.

MOUNTAIN LIONS

Although mountain lion sightings have been confined in this, the south central part of the state, most are seen in the panhandle and the far northwestern part of the state close to the Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota borders. More research is being done with regard to bobcat and mountain lion populations in Nebraska.  The findings will be posted here.