Calamus Reservoir WMA: Waterfowl, Deer, and Upland Hunting in Central Nebraska

Calamus Reservoir sits on the southern edge of the Sandhills in Garfield and Loup counties, and the surrounding state recreation area and WMA lands make it one of central Nebraska's most versatile public hunting destinations. The 5,123-acre reservoir anchors a landscape of grasslands, timbered draws, and wetland edges that support waterfowl, deer, and upland birds — sometimes all in the same day.

The Calamus Reservoir Setting

The reservoir was built on the Calamus River, a tributary of the North Loup, and sits in the transition zone between the Sandhills to the north and the agricultural tablelands to the south. This transitional position is key to its hunting value — you get the grassland and wetland habitat of the Sandhills combined with the agricultural food sources that drive deer and upland bird populations.

The surrounding public land includes both the Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area and adjacent WMA parcels. The mix of habitats ranges from open grassland and CRP to cottonwood-lined river bottoms and the lake shoreline itself.

Waterfowl at Calamus

Calamus Reservoir is a Central Flyway stopover, and during fall migration the lake attracts good numbers of ducks and geese. The shallow bays and coves on the upstream end of the reservoir are particularly productive for decoy hunting. Mallards, gadwall, and wigeon are the primary species, with occasional flights of divers moving through during late October and November.

Scout the lake the day before your hunt to see where birds are working. Water levels fluctuate by season, and exposed mudflats and shallow water areas concentrate feeding birds. Set up before dawn in these areas for the best shooting.

Deer Hunting

Whitetail are the primary deer species here, though you may encounter mule deer on the grassland ridges north of the reservoir. The river bottom timber along the Calamus River holds excellent whitetail habitat — mature cottonwoods, brushy understory, and agricultural fields within easy walking distance.

The timbered draws that feed into the reservoir are natural travel corridors during the rut. Set up where a draw pinches down or where timber fingers extend toward the lake and you will be in a high-percentage spot for cruising bucks in November.

Upland Birds

Pheasant numbers vary year to year depending on weather and nesting success, but the grasslands and CRP surrounding the reservoir hold birds most seasons. Walk the thicker grass cover along field edges and the brushy areas near drainage ditches. The SRA and WMA boundaries provide enough walk-in access to make a morning pheasant hunt worthwhile.

Access and Town of Burwell

Burwell, Nebraska is about 10 miles east of the reservoir and serves as the local hub. It is a small ranch town but has gas, a grocery store, and basic accommodations. Burwell is also home to Nebraska's Big Rodeo each July, so the town is accustomed to hosting visitors.

Multiple parking areas and boat ramps around the reservoir provide access to the public land. The SRA has campgrounds that operate into the fall season, making it possible to camp within walking distance of your hunting spots.

When to Go

Waterfowl hunting peaks from mid-October through freeze-up, which usually happens in late November or December depending on the year. Deer hunting is best during the November rut. Upland bird season opens in late October — the first few weeks before the birds get pressured are the most productive.

Calamus Reservoir WMA does not make many top-10 lists, but it delivers consistent multi-species hunting in a part of Nebraska that most hunters drive right past. That lower profile is an advantage for those who know about it.