OutdoorNebraska.gov | 31
Special Access Permit Areas
DESOTO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
All hunters need a signed copy of the refuge hunt brochure from kiosks or at fws.gov/refuge/
boyer-chute/visit-us/activities/hunting.
Contact: Peter Rea at 712-388-4803 or peter_rea@fws.gov or visit fws.gov/refuge/desoto.
Antlerless Seasons: No managed antlerless hunts at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge for the
2025-2026 deer season. The purpose of these hunts were always intended for deer management
and, with the low deer numbers, it was determined the refuge should put a hold on these. The
refuge will look to develop monitoring threshold for determining when to resume managed hunts.
Archery Season: Oct. 1, 2025 – Jan. 10, 2026. Special regulations apply. Contact the refuge at
712-388-4803.
BOYER CHUTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
All hunters need a signed copy of the refuge hunt brochure from kiosks or at fws.gov/refuge/
boyer-chute/visit-us/activities/hunting.
Contact: Peter Rea at 712-388-4803 or peter_rea@fws.gov or visit fws.gov/refuge/boyer-chute.
Antlerless Season: No managed antlerless hunts at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge for the
2025-2026 deer season. The purpose of these hunts were always intended for deer management
and with the low deer numbers it was determined the refuge should put a hold on these. The
refuge will look to develop monitoring threshold for determining when to resume managed hunts.
Archery Season: Sept. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026. Antlerless only in January. Special regulations
apply. Contact the refuge at 712-388-4803.
FORT NIOBRARA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
An access permit may be required for certain seasons.
Seasons: Open to archery, youth, muzzleloader, AOSC Keya Paha and elk permit holders. Contact
the refuge office for season dates, weapons and bag limit restrictions.
How to Apply: Contact the refuge office at 402-376-3789 or visit fws.gov/refuge/fort-niobrara
for more details.
GIFFORD POINT WMA
Access permit is required. Limited to 200 permits.
Seasons: Open to Archery, Youth, Muzzleloader and Wahoo AOSC permit holders, Sept. 1,
2025 – Jan. 15, 2026. Regulations relating to season dates and weapon types apply, EXCEPT
muzzleloaders are allowed only during the December muzzleloader and late firearm seasons.
Muzzleloaders are not allowed during the November firearm season. Centerfire weapons are
prohibited.
How to Apply: Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks office in Lincoln at 402-471-5431 or
Omaha office at 402-595-2144 or download an application from OutdoorNebraska.gov (Search
Hunting Seasons). Application period: Aug. 1 – 15, 2025.
