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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.
• The U.S. Forest Service restricts motorized travel on the Nebraska National Forest and
Grassland to designated roads or trails. Routes are designated "open" or "closed" for
motorized travel. Cross-country or off-road uses of motorized vehicles are prohibited,
unless routes or areas are designated open. Motor vehicle use for big game retrieval
and dispersed camping is allowed within 300 feet of most roads and trails that are
designated open. Areas in Nebraska include Bessey Ranger District near Halsey,
McKelvie National Forest near Valentine, Pine Ridge Ranger District near Chadron, and
Oglala National Grasslands near Crawford. Refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Maps issued
by the U.S. Forest Service. They may be obtained at all Forest Service District offices, by
request at U.S. Forest Service, 125 N. Main St., Chadron, NE 69337, 308-432-0300 or by
visiting FS.USDA.gov/Nebraska.
National Wildlife Refuges and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• These are federally managed lands. Check with these agencies for special regulations
that may apply.
• For more information on National Wildlife Refuge lands (managed by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service), view refuge hunting and fishing brochures or contact a refuge directly.
Natural Resources Districts
• These lands are owned by local government entities; special regulations apply.
• Some NRD-owned lands are managed by the NRDs and some are managed by the
Commission as WMAs.
• Contact the nearest NRD office for more information about these lands.
Conservation Partners
• These lands are owned or managed by conservation partners such as Platte River Basin
Environments, Pheasants and Quail Forever, and Ducks Unlimited. Check with those
organizations for special regulations.
Open Fields and Waters Program
• These are private lands open to walk-in hunting, trapping and/or fishing. Game and
Parks' OFW program provides financial incentives to private landowners willing to
allow access. In 2023-2024, the program provided public access opportunities on
388,000 land acres, 39 ponds and lakes, and 42 stream miles across Nebraska. Visit
OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information.
