OutdoorNebraska

7 Open Fields and Waters (OFW) Program Nebraska is more than 97 percent privately-owned, and obtaining access to private lands is one of the major challenges facing today's hunters, trappers and anglers. In 2009, Game and Parks initiated the OFW program to increase public access opportunities on private lands throughout the state. OFW is a voluntary program that offers financial incentives to landowners willing to allow public walk-in access for hunting, trapping and/or fishing. Each year, Game and Parks biologists work cooperatively with hundreds of private landowners to make these sites available to the public. The program has grown substantially in recent years, with more than 137,000 acres added since 2016. In 2022-2023, the OFW program provided public access opportunities on over 372,000 land acres, 42 ponds and lakes, and 41 stream miles across Nebraska. How is OFW Funded? By purchasing a habitat stamp and a hunting, fishing or fur harvest permit, you are contributing to this program. These funds are matched with other funding sources, including the USDA's Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentives Program and the Pittman-Robertson Act (funding derived from a tax on firearms and ammunition that is distributed to states based on a state's land area and quantity of hunting licenses sold). In addition, conservation groups such as Pheasants/Quail Forever, the Lower Loup NRD and others contribute funds to the program. Stubble Access Guide The Stubble Access Guide is published in early fall and displays additional tall wheat and milo stubble fields open to walk-in hunting across portions of western Nebraska through the OFW program. This fall, upland bird hunters will again find excellent hunting opportunities on stubble as well as the associated unfarmable pockets containing dense cover. Given the timing of harvest, tall stubble fields typically are enrolled after the printing of the Public Access Atlas. Check the online versions of the atlas (OutdoorNebraska.gov and search "Public Access Atlas") after Oct. 11 or pick up a Stubble Access Guide to find these sites illustrated in light purple (other publicly accessible lands still shown). The Stubble Access Guide is only valid through Jan. 31, 2024. Stubble left tall and undisturbed following harvest is known to provide multiple habitat benefits to pheasants, quail and other wildlife, and can also provide agricultural and economic benefits by reducing soil erosion and conserving soil moisture. Canyon Access Initiative Since 2015, Game and Parks and the National Wild Turkey Federation have partnered to increase public hunting and trapping opportunities in the Loess Canyons of southwest Nebraska through the OFW program by enrolling Canyon Access Initiative sites. Located south of the Platte River in portions of Lincoln and Dawson counties (illustrated in black on Map Sheet 19), this biologically unique landscape provides excellent hunting opportunities for wild turkeys, small game, mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk. If you hunt one of these sites, feel free to contact Game and Parks biologist/private lands manager Adam Kester at 308-535-8025 or adam.kester@nebraska.gov and let him know how you did. OPEN FIELDS AND WATERS (OFW) PROGRAM Every effort is made to ensure quality habitat is enrolled in OFW. Game and Parks biologists inspect sites to ensure they offer quality hunting, fishing, and/ or trapping opportunities. Landowner payment rates are based on property location, enrollment option, and habitat type/quality. If landowner actions result in significant habitat degradation, OFW payments will be adjusted or withheld. Hunters who observe habitat degradation on sites should contact their nearest Game and Parks office. If habitat quality becomes unintentionally degraded after enrollment, the landowner is held harmless in his/her agreement. Keep in mind that some management activities are often necessary to maintain or improve habitat quality for future years. It should be noted that the USDA may authorize landowners to hay or graze CRP lands enrolled in OFW through managed or emergency provisions.

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