Southwest/Central Table Playas
Habitat: Emergent marshes, typically less than 24 inches in
depth.
When to hunt: October and early November, teal in
September season for southwest playas.
Primary species encountered: Dabbling ducks.
Equipment needed: Concealment often difficult, given
shallow water and lack of tall emergent vegetation. Material for
temporary blind or concealment recommended. Blinds on public
areas must be removed daily.
Public hunting areas: Very few.
Comments: The Southwest and Central Table playas probably
receive the least amount of hunting pressure of all Nebraska
wetland types. One reason is that they are dry more than they
are wet, but when rains fill up the wetlands, they can provide
excellent hunting. The vast majority are in private ownership,
so tracking down landowners may take extra time. Like the
Rainwater Basin wetlands, concealment from waterfowl can be
a challenge. When there is water in these playas, hunters need to
take advantage of them as they may be dry for several years.
NEBRASKAland Magazine • Waterfowl Hunting Nebraska
A drake green-winged teal swims across a pond near Overton.
Timely rains fill playa wetlands like these
in Perkins County, creating valuable
waterfowl habitat.
PHOTO
BY
LUKE
KATHOL
PHOTO
BY
JEFF
KURRUS
