PUBLIC ACCESS ATLAS
There are more than
a million acres of
publicly accessible lands
throughout Nebraska.
The Public Access Atlas
identifies and consolidates
these public access resources for the
benefit of Nebraska's hunters, trappers
and anglers. The printed atlas is
available wherever hunting and fishing
permits are sold. Scan the QR code to
view the alas. It also may be viewed at
OutdoorNebraska.gov. Search "Public
Access Atlas."
30 | 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 the boundary is 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 Public Access Atlas lists more than 300
publicly owned areas. Refer to the atlas for
area-specific regulations. Unless otherwise
posted, big game hunting is allowed on all
wildlife management areas. Hunting is allowed
on most state recreation areas 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:
• Nebraska state parks, wayside areas,
hatcheries, reserves, and state refuges are
closed to hunting unless otherwise posted.
• Use of ATVs and UTVs is not allowed on
public lands unless specifically permitted
by the managing agency.
• 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.
OPEN FIELDS AND WATERS PROGRAM
The Open Fields and Waters Program has opened 388,000 acres of private land to public
walk-in hunting access across Nebraska. This voluntary program offers financial incentives to
landowners willing to allow public walk-in access for hunting, trapping and/or fishing.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides hunting opportunities on many of their refuges. See
fws.gov/program/national-wildlife-refuge-system to see regulations for each specific refuge.
TRAVEL ON U.S. FOREST SERVICE LAND
Visit fs.usda.gov/nebraska for information about traveling on U.S. Forest Service land in
Nebraska. This includes the Pine Ridge and Bessey Ranger Districts of Nebraska National Forest,
McKelvie National Forest, and Oglala National Grasslands.
HUNTING ON NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAND
Visit nps.gov/mnrr/planyourvisit/hunting.htm for information about big game hunting on National
Park Service land in Nebraska.
