Wildlife Management Areas

WMAs are open to hunting, trapping and fishing in season, unless otherwise posted or restricted by special area regulations. The Small Game and Waterfowl Guide and Big Game Guide lists some general regulations that apply to public use of these wildlife areas, however, this is just a synopsis. For more details about hunting and camping restrictions on Nebraska WMAs, view the Public Access Atlas.

Target shooting

• Target shooting and/or the shooting of blue rock is permitted on most areas, although there are some areas where this activity is prohibited by signs.
• The use and/or possession of explosive or incendiary targets is prohibited.
• The use and/or possession of paint ball weapons of any type is prohibited.
• Some areas have additional Range Regulations posted by signs.

Tree stands

• Portable tree stands shall not be used at WMAs between Feb. 1 and Aug. 15.
• It is unlawful to build or use permanent or semi-permanent tree stands at WMAs.

Waterfowl blinds

• Portable blinds for hunting waterfowl may be used on WMAs unless otherwise posted or restricted by area regulations. Portable blinds must be removed at the close of each hunting day.
• Seasonal waterfowl blinds may be installed on wildlife areas and the following reservoir areas: Calamus, Elwood, Enders, Lewis & Clark, McConaughy, Medicine Creek, Merritt, Red Willow, Sherman, Swanson & Whitetail WMA.
• Blinds may not be erected before Sept. 1.
• The owner’s name and address must be displayed on the door of the blind.
• The door must be constructed so it can be opened from the outside whenever the blind is unoccupied.
• Blinds must remain unlocked when not in use.
• The first person to occupy a seasonal blind each day shall be entitled to the use of the blind for that day.
• Seasonal blinds may not be installed on areas that are signed to prohibit their use.
• The person who installs such a blind is responsible for its removal before May 1 following the close of the waterfowl seasons.

Ice fishing shelters

• Seasonal ice fishing shelters are allowed on WMAs, provided the owner has an Ice Fishing Shelter Permit and complies with the special regulations that govern their use.
• No permit is required for the use of temporary, portable shelters that are removed from the ice each day.
• Portable shelters are not subject to the regulations that apply to seasonal ice fishing shelters.

• Camping is permitted unless otherwise posted or restricted by special area regulations. Camping is truly primitive, for generally there are not facilities on these areas.
• Camping on WMAs is permitted for a maximum of 14 consecutive days within any 30 day period, unless otherwise posted.
• Camping equipment may not exceed 8ft width and 40ft in length.
• Special permission is required for group camping on any state wildlife area by any type of group, such as 4-H, Scouts, civic clubs or other organizations. To obtain a “Special Occasion Permit,” contact the area manager, district wildlife manager or the Game and Parks Commission in Lincoln.

• Open fires are permitted only in fireplaces, grills, or fire rings where provided by the Commission.
• Visitors may also use their personal gas/propane stoves, charcoal grills and the like. All other fires are prohibited.
• Cutting of firewood is prohibited, except under written authorization from the area manager, district manager or the Commission.
• The use of any kind of fireworks is unlawful at all times.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages on WMAs is permitted with the following exceptions:

• Consumption is prohibited on all roadways and parking areas.
• Alcohol may be prohibited on any WMA or portions thereof with the use of appropriate signage.
• Consumption is prohibited between the hours of 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
• Containers of alcohol whose single liquid capacity is greater than one gallon are prohibited.

• All motorized vehicles are restricted to roadways, parking areas or trails specifically designated for vehicle use. No off-road vehicles are permitted.
• Traffic signs are posted on some areas, but regardless of whether signed or not, all vehicles must be operated at a speed and manner that is reasonable and prudent under prevailing conditions.
• All-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles may be operated on the frozen lake surface of WMAs except where prohibited by signing.

• Swimming is prohibited at WMAs, except where swimming facilities are specifically provided and the area is posted to allow swimming.
• Where swimming is permitted, all floatation devices are prohibited except for U.S. Coast Guard-approved life preserves. Float tubes designed for the purpose of fishing are permitted.
• Wading is allowed when fishing, hunting or trapping, although some areas may be posted against wading due to hazardous conditions.
• Boating is permitted as posted on each area or as specified in the current Nebraska Boating Guide.

• House pets (dogs, cats, etc.) are allowed when camping or on other outings, unless otherwise posted or prohibited by special area regulations. However, they must be kept on a leash or physically restrained by cage, crate or other such device.
• Horseback riding is permitted, except where posted otherwise.
• Grazing or ranging of domestic livestock or poultry is not permitted, except by written permission of the NGPC.

• Wildlife areas are open to dog training, exercise, running and hunting (in season) except from May 1 through July 31 of each year. However, some areas may be posted as closed or special area regulations may apply.
• Where an area is posted as an “Authorized Dog Training Area,” training is permitted year-round. Lands Posted as “Dog Trial Areas,” are closed to dog training activities.
• Professional dog trainers are prohibited from using WMAs for training.

The sale of goods, services, products or commodities along with filming for commercial purposes is prohibited on state WMAs, except under written authorization of the Game and Parks Commission.

“Special Occasion Permits” are required to conduct any group activity on a state wildlife area. This includes such things as group camping, sports events, public meetings, assemblies, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, religious services and similar activities or events. To inquire about such permit, contact the area manager or the district manager in the district where the area is located.

• It is unlawful to injure, deface, destroy, remove or disturb any building, sign, equipment, monument, statue, marker or other structure.
• It is unlawful to possess, destroy, injure, deface, remove, or disturb any animal or plant material and the direct or indirect products thereof, including but not limited to flower, cane or fruit, nest, egg, den or any soil, rock, mineral formation, petrified wood, artifact, relic, historic or prehistoric feature, or any other public property of any kind.