37 | OutdoorNebraskaorg
Where to Hunt
PUBLIC ACCESS ATLAS
The Nebraska Public Access Atlas is published each summer and provides
hunters, trappers and anglers a guide to more than 12 million acres of
publicly accessible lands It is available in hard-copy form as well as
digital and interactive versions (which can be viewed at OutdoorNebraska
org/PublicAccessAtlas) The atlas displays private lands available to
public access, as well as other state, federal and conservation partner
lands Visit OutdoorNebraskaorg/BrochureRequests to request a free
atlas or other materials be mailed to you, or pick up a copy wherever
hunting and fishing permits are sold across Nebraska
PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE LANDS
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Properties:
State Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)
• These areas are state-owned or managed
• Hunting and trapping is allowed in season, unless otherwise posted or restricted by special area
regulations
• Portable tree stands shall not be installed, used or left in place from Feb 1 through Aug 15 on
WMAs
• It is unlawful to build or use permanent or semi-permanent tree stands that attach to any tree
with nails, screws, bolts or wire
• Camping is allowed, unless otherwise posted
• Fires are allowed only in fireplaces, grills or fire rings, where provided by Game and Parks
• Use of propane or gas stoves and charcoal grills is allowed
• Motorized vehicles are restricted to roadways, parking areas or trails designated for such use
• Target shooting is allowed unless otherwise prohibited
State Recreation Areas (SRA)
• Portions of some SRA lands are open to hunting from the Tuesday following Labor Day through the end
of the spring turkey hunting season
• Hunting and trapping on SRAs is prohibited within 100 yards of any public-use facility or activity area,
including picnic areas, campgrounds, private cabins, concession areas, boat ramps and parking lots
• A park entry permit is required for each vehicle
State Parks (SP) and State Historical Parks (SHP)
• Some SP and SHP lands allow limited hunting opportunities
• Special regulations apply and hunting access permits often required
• Trapping is authorized by special permit and only when depredation is occurring
• A park entry permit is required for each vehicle
Other Publicly Accessible Lands:
Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA)
• These federal lands are purchased with Federal Duck stamp revenue
• They are open to public recreation, but camping is prohibited Nontoxic shot is required and other
special regulations may apply; visit FWSgov/Refuge/Rainwater_Basin_wmd
U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
• These are federally managed lands; special regulations may apply
• Most national forests and grasslands managed by the US Forest Service are open to hunting,
unless otherwise posted
