45 | OutdoorNebraska�org
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 1�2 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 OutdoorNebraska�org/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
• 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
• 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 and State Historical Parks
• 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
• 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 FWS�gov/Refuge/Rainwater_Basin_wmd�
U.S. Forest Service
• These are federally managed lands; special regulations may apply�
• Most national forests and grasslands managed by the U�S� Forest Service are open to hunting,
unless otherwise posted�
