Swanson Hunting Acres

Swanson Hunting Acres operates the oldest and largest controlled shooting preserve in Nebraska. Family-owned by Betty, Jim, and Darrell Swanson, they've been running pheasant hunts for over 40 years with a 98% repeat customer satisfaction rate and an A+ accredited business rating.

The preserve spans 1600 acres of natural vegetation across scenic rolling hills, crop, and range land—all family-owned and situated in the immediate area around the hunting lodge. Hunters overlook the Niobrara River Valley with natural game cover of bushes and trees throughout.

• •Full-Day Hunts include eight pheasants, three meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch), lodging, professional guides, trained dogs, and dog handlers—$650 per person.

• •Half-Day Hunts (morning or afternoon) include four pheasants, three meals, lodging, and all services—$375 per person.

• •Hunting-Only Packages (no lodging) run from $300 half-day to $575 full-day and include lunch, birds, dogs, and handlers.

Extra pheasants are available for additional cost. Bird cleaning, packaging, and freezing services offered on-site.

Guests stay in an 11-bedroom log lodge with private bathrooms in each room, featuring country rustic décor and two beds per room. The great room includes a real stone fireplace, comfortable seating, and TV. A 2,200 sq ft outdoor deck overlooks the valley—ideal for grilling or campfire gatherings. Free WiFi available for all guests.

Pointing Labs and German Shorthair pointers assist all hunts. Dogs are professionally trained and eager to hunt in any weather. Guests can bring their own dogs; kennel services available.

Arrive afternoon/early evening to relax or trap shoot. Eve before hunt: home-cooked dinner and lodge stay. Hunt day: 7:30 AM breakfast, morning hunt, noon lunch at lodge, 2:00 PM afternoon hunt, evening return to relax.

Pheasant season runs September 15 – January 1.

Swanson also operates town lodging in Niobrara (four-plex apartment-style units with kitchenettes), trailer court lots, and storage facilities across the Niobrara, Verdel, and Creighton areas—ideal for campers and boats.

• •Note: Cash only—no debit or credit cards accepted.