Public Hunting Land in Nebraska

Nebraska offers a surprisingly diverse and abundant public hunting landscape, with over 1.2 million acres available for deer, turkey, upland birds, and waterfowl. From Sandhills prairies to river bottoms and farm country, Nebraska provides quality DIY opportunities for public land hunters.

Types of Public Land Available in Nebraska:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Owned and managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC), open to public hunting under general regulations.

• State Recreation Areas & State Parks: Some allow hunting in designated zones or seasons.

• Open Fields and Waters Program (OFW): Privately owned land enrolled for public access to hunting and fishing.

• Federal Lands: Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish & Wildlife properties allow hunting with special regulations.

Seasons & Access Info

Nebraska offers both statewide and permit-based hunting opportunities. Most public lands are open to general license holders, but certain seasons and species (like antelope or elk) require applications.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Seasons & Guides

• License & Permit Sales

• Draw Applications & Big Game Info

Pro Tip: Nebraska’s Walk-In Access (OFW) lands are updated annually—always download the current year’s map for the best information.

Explore Nebraska Hunting Access

Use these interactive tools and downloads to plan your next hunt:

• Public Access Atlas (Interactive & PDF)

• WMA Search Tool & Area Regulations

• Mobile-Friendly Maps & Species Info

Whether you’re after prairie chickens in the west or chasing whitetail along the Missouri River, Nebraska’s public lands offer well-managed, high-quality access.