Youth hunting sites available through Managed Access Program

Nebraska youth hunters and their mentors now can find and reserve hunting sites previously offered through the Passing Along the Heritage program through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s new Managed Access Program.

The Managed Access Program established in the spring of 2026, is a reservation-based system that provides controlled access to participating private lands and selected public lands.

MAP includes properties designated for Mentored Youth as well as properties open to All Users. On Mentored Youth properties, only hunters ages 17 or younger may hunt. Mentors accompany youth to share their knowledge, promote safety and help provide a positive hunting experience.

Former PATH users who visit the PATH website will be directed to the new Managed Access Program webpage, where they can review program information and rules.

Before making a reservation, every hunter, mentor and nonhunting guest must be registered through GoOutdoorsNE under the “Recreational User” login. All participants must be listed on the reservation.

Reservations may be made up to three days in advance. Participants may hold no more than two active reservations at a time, and each reservation may include a group of up to five people. After making a reservation, participants will receive a Nebraska Game and Parks-issued permission slip by email. A digital or printed copy of the permission slip must be carried while on the property.

Lake Wanahoo, located a mile north of Wahoo in Saunders County, offers seven sites totaling 1,067 acres for mentored youth hunting. Five sites allow hunting for deer, upland birds and waterfowl, while two sites are limited to waterfowl hunting. The sites range from 135 to 200 acres.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District owns and manages the Lake Wanahoo habitat in cooperation with Nebraska Game and Parks.

Other youth-only MAP opportunities include Chat Canyon Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County and Rowe Sanctuary in Buffalo County. There also are elk hunting opportunities in Cheyenne County available for all users. Available dates, eligible species and site-specific restrictions vary by property. Participants should carefully review the property details before making a reservation.

Hunting opportunities offered through MAP are made possible through cooperation among Game and Parks, participating landowners and the Big Game Conservation Association.

For more information, property availability and complete program rules, visit the Managed Access Program webpage. Reservations must be made through a participant’s GoOutdoorsNE account.