34 2023 Annual Report
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Management
Open Fields and Waters program brings access
to private property for hunters and anglers
Gaining access to private property is one of the greatest hurdles faced by hunters, trappers and anglers
in Nebraska. This challenge is eased with the success of Game and Parks' Open Fields and Waters program.
For the 2023-24 hunting seasons, OFW has made more than 388,000 acres of private property, 39 ponds
and lakes, and 42 miles of streams publicly accessible for walk-in hunting, trapping and fishing. This year's
enrollment has set an all-time high for acres enrolled since the program began in 2009.
All types of habitat are targeted and enrolled in OFW that provide hunting, trapping or fishing
opportunities. Small grain stubble is one habitat type that is targeted for upland game bird hunting in the
southwestern and the Panhandle portions of the state. In 2023, more than 30,000 acres of wheat and milo
stubble were enrolled in the program.
OFW provides a good financial incentive to landowners for their enrollment in the program, along with
liability protection through Nebraska's Recreation Liability Act. OFW also provides additional incentives to
landowners willing to perform habitat maintenance or upgrades to improve hunting opportunities on acres
enrolled. During 2023, $98,000 have been spent on improving OFW acres through habitat improvements
and restoration projects.
The Open Fields and Waters program has
made more than 388,000 acres of private
property publicly accessible in 2023.
