OutdoorNebraska

Public Access Atlas 2015

Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/554204

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5 • Trapping regulations on OFW sites are the same as those on Wildlife Management Areas. Check the current Nebraska Hunting Guide for details. • Ponds and lakes are managed under statewide fishing regulations, which include: • A 15-fish daily bag limit on panfish (bluegill, green sunfish, orangespotted sunfish, pumpkinseed, redear sunfish, all sunfish hybrids, rock bass, yellow perch, white crappie and black crappie). • A five-fish daily bag limit on channel catfish in standing water. • A 10-fish daily bag limit on channel catfish in flowing water. • Check the current Fishing Guide for regulations. 4. Driving vehicles on enrolled public access sites is prohibited. • Habitat destruction, erosion, fire and landowner withdrawal from the program may be consequences of driving on these sites. • Park in designated parking areas or along roads and avoid creating safety hazards for other vehicles. • Do not drive on private field roads and lanes unless signs allow. 5. Temporary portable blinds are allowed unless otherwise posted. They should be removed at the close of the hunting day. Portable tree stands are allowed unless otherwise posted, but should not be installed, used or left in place from Feb. 1 through Aug. 31. In addition, portable-type tree steps that attach to the tree with chains or ropes, or that screw into the tree are permitted on these public access sites. Non-motorized portable watercraft is allowed unless otherwise posted. Trailer- launched boats are prohibited on enrolled sites unless posted signs allow it. 6. Every effort is made to ensure quality habitat. • If habitat quality becomes inadvertently degraded after enrollment, the landowner is held harmless in his agreement. • If landowner actions result in significant habitat degradation, payment will be adjusted or withheld. For example, the USDA can authorize landowners with CRP to harvest for age from enrolled lands through emergency haying and grazing and managed haying and grazing provisions. This can be beneficial as landowners may use these techniques to enhance habitat for subsequent years. When landowners enrolled in OFW with CRP lands use these provisions, the areas still will appear in the Atlas and be posted open to hunting. However, Game and Parks staff will inspect these areas and adjust contract payments for acres that no longer provide acceptable wildlife cover. OTHER PUBLIC AREAS State Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) • These areas are state-owned or managed. • Hunting and trapping are allowed in season, unless otherwise posted. • Portable tree stands shall not be installed, used or left in place on these areas from Feb. 1 through Aug. 15. • It is unlawful to build or use permanent or semi- permanent tree stands that attach to any tree with nails, screws, bolts or wire. • Camping is allowed, unless otherwise posted. • Fires are allowed only in fireplaces, grills or fire rings, where provided by Game and Parks. • Use of propane or gas stoves and charcoal grills is allowed. • Motorized vehicles are restricted to roadways, parking areas or trails designated for such use. • Target shooting is allowed on most areas. State Parks (SP), State Recreation Areas (SRA) and State Historical Parks (SHP) • Portions of some state recreation areas are open to hunting from the Tuesday following Labor Day through the end of the spring turkey hunting season. • Hunting on state recreation areas is prohibited within 100 yards of any public-use facility or activity area, including picnic areas, campgrounds, private cabins, concession areas, boat ramps, and parking lots. • In 2015, hunting during specific seasons in designated areas is permitted in the following state parks: Niobrara, Indian Cave, Platte River, Ponca, and Eugene T. Mahoney. • In 2015, hunting during specific seasons in designated areas is permitted in the following state historical parks: Rock Creek Station, Fort Atkinson and Ash Hollow. • Special regulations apply; park entry permit is required Natural Resources District (NRD) Lands • NRDs own and manage multiple-purpose properties in Nebraska that provide public recreation opportunities. • These properties have area-specific regulations related to hunting, fishing, trapping and other activities. • Information on NRD lands can be found by contacting individual NRDs or within the Public Hunting Lands section of the Nebraska Hunting Guide. Area regulations also are typically posted on site.

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