OutdoorNebraska

Recreation 26 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2025 Annual Report Successes for public access In 2025, a record 471,646 acres of private land were enrolled in Open Fields and Waters, complementing state, federal and partner conservation lands. Open Fields and Waters is a voluntary program that provides financial incentives and liability protection to landowners who allow public walk-in access for hunting, trapping and fishing. Access to private property is one of the greatest challenges for Nebraska hunters, trappers and anglers. The Open Fields and Waters program, launched in 2009, helps overcome this barrier by opening diverse habitats across the state. Small grain stubble, for example, is a key habitat for upland game bird hunting in the southwestern and Panhandle regions — this year, more than 33,000 acres of wheat and milo stubble were added to the program. The program offers landowners not only financial incentives and liability protection under Nebraska's Recreation Liability Act but also additional rewards for habitat maintenance or improvements that enhance hunting opportunities. In 2025, nearly $92,000 was invested in habitat improvements and restoration projects on OFW lands, further supporting quality outdoor experiences for the public. Hunting opportunities across Nebraska In 2025, nearly 150,000 people purchased a hunting permit, spending countless hours pursuing Nebraska's diverse hunting opportunities across the state. From white-tailed deer to turkeys, upland game to waterfowl, hunters were able to spend up to 300 days in the field — making memories while putting wild game meat on the dinner table. Hunter harvest success rates were within expected ranges, with deer and turkey slightly lower than last year. Nebraska Game and Parks has taken active steps to help populations rebound, including reducing available permits — a strategy that will take time to yield positive results. By purchasing a hunting permit, hunters help fund conservation programs that benefit Nebraska's fish and wildlife and ensure hunting opportunities for generations to come. Data-driven hunting regulations allow Nebraska to respond to changing wildlife conditions while maintaining hunter access and satisfaction. Hunting a field enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters Program in Furnas County. ERIC FOWLER A white-tailed deer runs on land enrolled in Open Fields and Waters. ERIC FOWLER Nearly 150,000 people purchased a hunting permit in 2025. JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY

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