40 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641
WHERE TO HUNT
PRIVATE LANDS
It is the responsibility of every hunter to get permission to hunt, trail game or retrieve downed game on private
land, whether posted or not (including railroad right-of-ways). Hunting without permission may result in a fine
of up to $500, three months in jail and the loss of hunting privileges for up to three years.
PUBLIC LANDS
The Nebraska Small Game Guide and Public Access Atlas list more than 300 publicly owned areas. Refer to
that guide for area-specific regulations. Unless otherwise posted, big game hunting is allowed on all wildlife
management areas (WMA). Hunting is allowed on most state recreation areas (SRA) beginning the Tuesday
following Labor Day, with hunting prohibited within 100 yards of any public use facility or activity area.
Some areas have specific restrictions:
• State parks (SP), wayside areas, hatcheries, reserves, and state refuges are closed to hunting unless
otherwise posted. Indian Cave, Niobrara and Ponca SPs are open to archery deer hunting during the last half
of the season. A free access permit is required. Contact the
park superintendent.
• Portable tree stands and steps may be used on
WMAs but may not be installed, used or left in place
from Feb. 1 - Aug. 15. They may be used on SRAs open to
hunting, but must be removed at the end of each day. It is
unlawful to build or use any permanent tree stand or steps
that attach to any tree with nails, screws, bolts, or wire.
Screw-in steps may be used on WMAs but may not be used on SRAs.
• On state-owned lands, all motorized vehicles are restricted to roadways and parking areas. No ATVs are
permitted.
• Target shooting is permitted on most WMAs but prohibited on certain posted areas.
• On WMAs, it is illegal to place or establish bait or mineral sites.
• Most national wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and national forests and
grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service are open to hunting, unless otherwise posted. Check with
those agencies for special regulations.
MOUNTAIN LIONS ON CAMERA
Game and Parks would like anyone who captures
a photo of a mountain lion to contact the nearest
agency district office or Sam Wilson, furbearer
and carnivore program manager at 402-471-5174
or sam.wilson@nebraska.gov.
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