Pressey WMA: Accessible Public Hunting in Central Nebraska

Pressey WMA in Custer County is one of central Nebraska's most accessible public hunting areas. Located near the middle of the state, it offers walk-in hunting for upland birds and deer, plus something many WMAs do not have — a public shooting range. Whether you are a local hunter looking for a quick weekday spot or a traveler passing through central Nebraska, Pressey is worth knowing about.

Location and Habitat

Pressey WMA sits in the rolling agricultural country of Custer County, one of Nebraska's largest counties by area. The habitat is a mix of native grassland, restored prairie, brushy draws, and timber edges typical of central Nebraska's transition zone between the Sandhills to the north and the Platte River valley to the south.

The terrain is not dramatic — no canyons or river bluffs — but the habitat is well managed and holds game. Nebraska Game and Parks maintains the grassland through periodic burns and grazing management, which keeps the ground-level structure thick enough to hold nesting birds and provide escape cover.

Upland Bird Hunting at Pressey

Pheasant and quail are the primary upland species at Pressey WMA. The grassland and brushy cover provides good roosting and nesting habitat, and the proximity to agricultural fields ensures there is food nearby.

For pheasants, work the thicker grass strips along the edges of the property where cover transitions from short grass to taller native stands. Birds hold tight in the thick stuff, especially later in the season when they have been flushed a few times. A good bird dog is a major advantage here.

Bobwhite quail have been making a modest comeback in parts of central Nebraska, and Pressey is one of the areas where you can find coveys in the brushy draws and plum thickets. Walk slowly through these areas and be ready for the flush — quail tend to erupt all at once when they finally break.

Deer Hunting

Whitetail deer use the timber draws and brushy areas for cover and travel between agricultural feeding areas. The WMA does not have the thick timber bottoms of river-corridor properties, but the draws and wooded edges hold deer, particularly during archery season before firearms pressure pushes them around.

During November, bucks cruise the timber edges and draws checking doe groups. A portable stand in a draw where timber pinches down can be productive, especially during the morning hours when deer are moving back toward bedding cover.

The Public Shooting Range

One of Pressey WMA's standout features is the public shooting range on the property. It is free to use and gives hunters a place to sight in rifles, pattern shotguns, or practice with a handgun before their hunts. Having a range on-site is convenient if you are traveling through the area and want to confirm your zero after a long drive.

Getting There and Nearby Towns

Pressey WMA is accessible from several county roads in Custer County. The nearest towns with services are Broken Bow and Oconto, both of which offer gas, food, and lodging. Broken Bow is the larger of the two and has a good selection of motels and restaurants.

When to Hunt

Pheasant and quail season opens in late October. The first week or two of the season, before birds have been educated, is the best window for upland success. Deer archery runs September through December, with November being the prime month. The shooting range is open year-round.

Pressey WMA is not the biggest or most glamorous WMA in the state, but it is practical, accessible, and productive. For central Nebraska hunters, that counts for a lot.