Here are a list of common questions from visitors to The Goat Ranch:

Q: When is the hunting season?

A: Our extended hunting season runs from September 1st to April 15th .

Q: When is the best time to hunt?

A: Anytime! We are here to help accommodate your schedule and can work with you to book your hunt on a date and time that works best for you.

Q: What types of hunts do you offer?

A: We specialize in upland bird hunts offering pheasants, quail, and chukar. We offer both traditional field hunts and European style tower hunts.

Q: What is the difference between a field hunt and a tower hunt?

A: A field hunt is a traditional hunt in which you walk our fields to flush birds. You can experience these on your own or with a guide. Birds are flushed as you walk keeping you on alert and full of anticipation. Tower hunts feature a central tower from which birds are thrown while hunters surround the tower at 13 different stations. These hunts provide high-volume action with rotating shooting stands to keep the challenge fresh and the excitement high.

Q: Do I have to have a hunting license?

A: Yes! All hunters must have a hunting license and habitat stamp from the State of Nebraska prior to your hunt. These may be purchased online on the Nebraska Game and Parks website.

Q: Where is the lodge located?

A: The Lodge is located at 1116 Road B, Fairmont, NE. Approximately 5.5 miles southwest of McCool Junction and 5.5 miles northwest of Fairmont. Please see our guide map for directions to the lodge.

Q: Are gun rentals available?

A: No, guns must be self-supplied.

Q: Can I hunt with my own dogs?

A: Of course! You are encouraged to bring your own dog.

Q: How many hunters can be in the field at once?

A: We allow up to 5 hunters for field hunts and 26 for tower shoots.

Q: Do I have to wear blaze/hunter’s orange in the field?

A: Yes, hats must be worn at a minimum and can be purchased if not brought.

Q: Can we book the entire lodge?

A: Yes! The lodge can be rented for your hunt either directly through us or on AirBnB. We have a two-night minimum for lodge rentals.

Q: How many boxes and what size of shells do I need?

A: Depending on your skill level, we recommend bringing at least 3 boxes of shells in shot sizes of 6 or smaller. I.e. 6, 7 ,or 8 shot.

Q: Are shells available for purchase?

A: Yes, we offer shells for sale in 12 and 20 gauge. If other gauges are required, please call us in advance.

Q: Is the lodge open in the off season?

A: Yes! The lodge can be rented year-round, and we are constantly adding new amenities and activities.

Q: Do you offer any other shooting activities?

A: We offer blue rock shoots and a long-range rifle range on request for an additional fee. These amenities may only be available at certain times of the year so please call in advance if you would like to add these on.

Q: Is bird cleaning included?

A: We have bird cleaning and packaging facilities available for your use. We do offer cleaning and packaging as a service for an additional fee.

Q: Are food and drinks included?

A: Refreshments are included with tower hunts, but these are not included in upland hunts. We can provide food and drink on request for an additional fee or as a package deal with a lodge stay. We also have a list of recommendations for local grocery stores and restaurants as well. Please call ahead if you need to make prior arrangements.

Q: We’re flying in from another state/country. Is transportation provided.

A: We can arrange pickup and drop-off from local airports as part of a full hunting

package. Please call-in advance and we can make recommendations for airports and

schedule this with you.