OutdoorNebraska.gov | 17
distancing requirements from campgrounds, parking lots and other areas, hunter check-
ins and signs posted at designated hunting areas.
• Trapping is authorized by special permit and only when depredation is occurring.
• A park entry permit is required for each vehicle entering a state park or historical park.
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.
• In an effort to expand existing hunting opportunities, the USFWS listed new rules
for NWR lands during the fall of 2020. Visit the refuge websites for the most up-to-
date information.
Natural Resources District
• 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
Game and Parks as WMAs.
• Contact the nearest NRD office for more information about these lands.
Conservation Partners
• These lands and 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.
