Grove Lake WMA: Northern Nebraska Deer and Turkey Hunting

Grove Lake WMA sits in Antelope County near the small town of Royal in northern Nebraska. The area combines timbered draws, grasslands, and the small lake that gives it its name into a compact but productive hunting destination. It flies under the radar compared to the big-name public lands in the Pine Ridge or Sandhills, and that low profile works in your favor.

The Grove Lake Habitat

Grove Lake WMA occupies a stretch of the broken country along the edge of the Niobrara River watershed. The terrain is a mix of steep timbered draws, open grasslands, and the lake basin itself. Eastern red cedar and deciduous hardwoods fill the draws, creating dense cover that holds game year-round. The grasslands on the ridges and flats provide feeding areas and transition habitat.

The lake adds a water element that benefits both resident game and migratory species. It is not a large body of water, but it provides a consistent water source that attracts deer, turkeys, and seasonal waterfowl.

Deer Hunting at Grove Lake

Whitetail deer are the primary big-game species at Grove Lake, and the timbered draws create textbook whitetail habitat. The draws are steep-sided with thick cedar and hardwood cover — deer bed in these draws during the day and move to the grasslands and agricultural field edges to feed during low-light hours.

Hunting the draws requires patience and knowledge of the terrain. The best strategy is to find where multiple draws converge or where a draw opens into a grassland flat — these are natural pinch points that deer use as travel corridors. Set up a portable stand at these junctions during the November rut and you will see bucks.

The property is small enough that you can learn it thoroughly in a couple of visits. Walk the draws during the off-season, identify bedding areas and travel routes, and note the terrain features that create natural funnels. That homework pays off in November.

Turkey Hunting

Wild turkeys are well-established at Grove Lake WMA. The mature trees in the draws provide roosting habitat, and the open grasslands give birds space to strut and breed. Spring gobbler hunting here can be excellent — the draws amplify and direct gobbling sounds, making it easier to locate birds at dawn.

Set up at the edge of a draw opening where birds fly down from the roost. Turkeys in this area tend to roost in the taller hardwoods in the timber bottoms and fly down into the openings first thing in the morning. Being in position before first light is critical.

Upland Birds

The grasslands at Grove Lake can hold pheasants and quail depending on the year and habitat conditions. Walk the CRP-type cover and the brushy edges along the draws for the best chances. This is not a primary pheasant destination, but it can provide a bonus opportunity during a deer or turkey trip.

Access and Nearby Towns

Royal, Nebraska is the closest community but it is tiny. Neligh is about 20 miles east and offers gas, food, and basic lodging. The WMA has parking areas and walk-in access. The terrain is hilly enough that you should wear boots with good ankle support, especially if you are navigating the steep draws.

Best Times

Deer archery opens September 1, with the November rut being the prime window. Turkey season runs late April through May. Upland bird season opens in late October. Grove Lake WMA is a solid northern Nebraska hunting spot that rewards preparation and scouting. It is compact enough to learn quickly and productive enough to keep you coming back.