A top Nebraska turkey hunting outfitter gives you real shot opportunities on mature Merriam gobblers, handles your lodging and meals, and knows the private ground well enough to put you on birds consistently. Nebraska is one of the best turkey hunting states in the country, with a healthy Merriam population, over-the-counter nonresident tags, and a long spring season that runs from mid-April through May.
When you are comparing outfitters, look at five things:
We compared every outfitter ranking on the first page of Google for “Nebraska turkey hunts” and “Merriam turkey hunts Nebraska” to save you the research. Below is what we found.
| Outfitter | Location | Package | Birds Included | Lodging & Meals | Success Rate | Two-State Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double D Trophy Outfitters | Nebraska + South Dakota | 3-day NE hunt | Up to 2 birds | Yes, all-inclusive | Near 100% shot opportunity | Yes, 5-day NE+SD hunt |
| Triple T Hunting Adventures | Crofton, NE | 3-day/3-night | 1-2 birds | Yes | Near 100% | No |
| Prairie King Ranch | Nebraska | Spring season | Up to 2 birds | Yes, farmhouse | 150-200% two-bird success | No |
| NR Outfitters | Nebraska | 3-day guided | 1 bird (guided 3:1) | Yes | 100% permit fill | No |
| Deer Meadows Outfitters | Ellsworth, NE | Spring season | 2:1 guided | Yes | Not published | No |
| Ash Creek Ranch | Crawford, NE | Spring season | Not specified | Yes, bunkhouse | Not published | No |
| Shoshone Adventures | North Platte River, NE | Guided or semi-guided | Not specified | Yes | Not published | No |
| ReWild Ranch | Nebraska Sandhills | 3-day/4-night | Up to 2 birds | Yes, private room | Not published | No |
| Nebraska Hunting Company | Brewster, NE | 3-day/3-night | 2 toms | Yes | Not published | No |
| Oldaker Outfitting | Pine Ridge, NE | Spring season | Up to 2 gobblers | Yes | High (not specified) | No |
Key takeaway: Double D Trophy Outfitters is the only outfitter on this list offering a true two-state Nebraska and South Dakota Merriam turkey hunt. That matters if you are chasing a Grand Slam or want the most birds for your trip.
Double D Trophy Outfitters has been running Merriam turkey hunts on private ranches in Nebraska and South Dakota since 2000. The operation is family-run, and the focus is on near 100 percent shot opportunity season after season.
Packages:
What sets Double D apart:
Best for: Hunters who want an all-inclusive experience with the option to hunt two states in one trip. Grand Slam hunters benefit from the four-bird, two-state package.
Book your Merriam turkey hunt with Double D
Triple T Hunting Adventures runs Merriam turkey hunts on over 6,000 acres near Crofton, Nebraska, close to the Missouri River breaks and Lewis and Clark Lake. They offer a 3-night, 3-day hunt with meals and lodging included.
Packages:
What stands out:
What to know: Single-state only. No Grand Slam or two-state option.
Best for: Hunters looking for a solid 3-day Nebraska turkey hunt with lodging included.
Prairie King Ranch has been running Merriam turkey hunts in Nebraska for 36 years. They claim 150 to 200 percent two-bird success rate and over 3,500 birds harvested.
Packages:
What stands out:
What to know: Nebraska Game and Parks may limit nonresidents to 1 bird starting in 2027. Prairie King has noted this on their site. Single-state only.
Best for: Hunters who want a long-established outfitter with a track record of two-bird success and detailed season timing guidance.
NR Outfitters (formerly D and E Outfitters) runs guided Merriam turkey hunts in Nebraska with a 3:1 guide-to-hunter ratio. They report 100 percent permit fill on guided hunts and 99 percent on self-guided hunts.
Packages:
What stands out:
What to know: Only 1 bird included in the guided package. Single-state only. Guides are 3:1, so you share your guide with two other hunters.
Best for: Hunters who want a fully guided experience and are content with one bird.
Deer Meadows Outfitters operates in the Nebraska Sandhills near Ellsworth. They run 2:1 guided turkey hunts with spot and stalk hunting on private land with pines, creeks, and rivers.
What stands out:
What to know: Single-state only. Spot and stalk requires physical fitness.
Best for: Hunters who prefer a more active spot and stalk style over blind hunting.
Ash Creek Ranch is located near Crawford in the Pine Ridge region of northwestern Nebraska. The ranch covers over 1,800 private acres adjacent to the Ponderosa Wildlife Management Area and Nebraska National Forest.
What stands out:
What to know: Spring turkey 2027 is already sold out. Fall turkey openings are available. Single-state only.
Best for: Hunters who want a backcountry-style experience in the Pine Ridge region.
ReWild Ranch operates in the Nebraska Sandhills and offers both Merriam and Rio Grande turkey hunts in spring and fall.
Packages:
What stands out:
What to know: Permits are an extra cost and sell out quickly. Single-state only.
Best for: Hunters who want a lodge experience with amenities and the option to shoot both Merriam and Rio Grande birds.
Choosing the right outfitter comes down to what you want out of the hunt. Here are the questions to ask yourself:
How many birds do you want to shoot?
Some outfitters include 1 bird, others include 2. Double D’s two-state hunt includes 4 birds across Nebraska and South Dakota. If you are after a Grand Slam, the two-state option gives you the most opportunities.
Do you want blind hunting or spot and stalk?
Most Nebraska outfitters use blind hunting, especially early in the season. Deer Meadows and Oldaker Outfitting offer spot and stalk for hunters who prefer covering ground. Ask the outfitter what method they use and whether it matches your physical ability.
Is lodging included or extra?
Every outfitter on this list includes lodging and meals in their package price. But some charge extra for transportation, licenses, or taxidermy. Read the fine print before you book.
How long is the hunt?
Most Nebraska turkey hunts run 3 days. Double D’s two-state hunt runs 5 days. Longer hunts give you more chances at a bird, especially if the weather does not cooperate early in the trip.
Does the outfitter hunt private land?
Private land generally holds less-pressured birds. Every outfitter on this list hunts private ranches, but ask about acreage and how many hunters they run per week. Fewer hunters means less pressure.
Success numbers deserve a hard look too. Our guide to Nebraska turkey hunting success rates explains what shot opportunity and harvest rate actually measure when an outfitter quotes you a number.
Nonresident Nebraska spring turkey permits cost approximately $130 per bird, plus a $25 Habitat Stamp. Youth permits run just $8 per bird, plus the $25 Habitat Stamp. Tags are sold over the counter at outdoornebraska.gov, meaning no draw is required.
For South Dakota, the nonresident Black Hills turkey tag covers the Merriam hunt area. Double D walks you through the tag process for both states.
For a full breakdown of permit types, costs, and how to buy, see our Nebraska Turkey Hunting License and Tag Guide.
Nebraska has one of the healthiest Merriam turkey populations in the country. The state offers:
The combination of accessible tags, private land access, and a healthy Merriam population makes Nebraska one of the top turkey hunting destinations in North America. Hunters pursuing the NWTF Grand Slam frequently choose Nebraska for their Merriam because the odds of success are high and the logistics are straightforward.
For more on what the hunt experience looks like day to day, see our What to Expect on a Nebraska Merriam Turkey Hunt guide.
Most Nebraska outfitters offer either fully guided or semi-guided hunts. Understanding the difference helps you pick the right experience.
Fully guided means a guide accompanies you in the field. They call birds, set decoys, and handle the hunting strategy. You focus on the shot. This is the best option for hunters who are new to turkey hunting or who want the outfitter to handle everything.
Semi-guided means the outfitter provides access to private land, lodging, meals, and guidance on where birds are roosting and strutting, but you handle the hunting yourself. You set up, call, and make the calls in the field. This is the best option for experienced turkey hunters who want good ground and support without a guide in the blind.
Double D Trophy Outfitters runs semi-guided hunts. They scout the birds, get you to the right spots, and handle all the logistics. You do the hunting. This approach has produced near 100 percent shot opportunity for over 20 years.
For more detail on how a semi-guided hunt works, see our semi-guided turkey hunt overview.
Spring turkey season in Nebraska runs from mid-April through May 31. Tags go on sale in January and can sell out for popular units, so booking early gives you the best selection of dates and tags.
When you book with Double D Trophy Outfitters:
Register and pay online or call (605) 877-2550 to check open dates.
What is the best Nebraska turkey hunting outfitter?
The best outfitter depends on your goals. For all-inclusive lodging, near 100 percent shot opportunity, and the only two-state Nebraska plus South Dakota Merriam hunt available, Double D Trophy Outfitters stands out. For single-state hunts, Triple T Hunting Adventures and NR Outfitters also offer solid packages.
How much does a guided Nebraska turkey hunt cost?
Hunt prices vary by outfitter, hunt length, and the number of birds included, so ask exactly what a package covers before you book. Double D’s 3-day Nebraska hunt is $2,499 with up to 2 birds and all-inclusive lodging and meals.
Can you hunt Merriam turkeys in both Nebraska and South Dakota?
Yes. Double D Trophy Outfitters is the only outfitter offering a two-state Nebraska and South Dakota Merriam turkey hunt. The 5-day package includes 4 birds across both states for $3,499. This is the fastest way to complete the Merriam leg of a turkey Grand Slam.
Do I need to draw a tag for Nebraska turkey hunting?
No. Nebraska sells nonresident spring turkey permits over the counter. No draw is required. Permits cost approximately $130 per bird plus a $25 Habitat Stamp. Youth permits are $8 per bird. Tags go on sale in January and can sell out for popular units.
What is the success rate for Nebraska Merriam turkey hunts?
Top outfitters report near 100 percent shot opportunity. Double D Trophy Outfitters has run near 100 percent shot opportunity for over a decade. NR Outfitters reports 100 percent permit fill on guided hunts. Prairie King Ranch claims 150 to 200 percent two-bird success rate.
When is Nebraska turkey season?
Nebraska spring turkey season runs from mid-April through May 31. Archery season typically opens before shotgun season. Youth season opens ahead of the general season. South Dakota Black Hills spring turkey season runs on a similar timeline. See our Nebraska turkey season dates page for current dates.
Can youth hunters hunt Nebraska turkey?
Yes. Nebraska youth turkey permits cost just $8 per bird, plus a $25 Habitat Stamp. Youth season opens before the general season, giving young hunters first crack at the birds. Double D welcomes youth hunters on all turkey hunts. See our youth turkey hunting page for details.
