Open Fields and Waters Program

The Open Fields and Waters Program is a statewide, two-year pilot program of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Its focus is to expand hunter and angler access to private lands. At the end of the two-year cycle, the program will be evaluated as to whether it should be continued and how it might be improved. Browse through or download the brochure (pdf) Purpose of the Program The program was created as a component of the Commission's Recruitment, Development and Retention (RDR) plan, which seeks to increase the participation of hunters and anglers in Nebraska. The number of hunters and anglers in Nebraska has been in decline for years. The RDR plan is an effort to ensure that the state's rich outdoor heritage is passed on to future generations. The motivation for the Open Fields and Waters Program is to attract new or inactive hunters and anglers, especially into activities with expanding opportunities, such as deer and spring turkey hunting.

Benefits to Landowners --Receive payments on a per-acre basis for land or water enrolled. --Protection under the Nebraska Recreation Liability Act for allowing access. --Hunters and anglers would be provided walk-in access. No vehicles are allowed, except on trails specified by the landowner. --Help ensure Nebraska's rich outdoor heritage by allowing expanded hunting and fishing opportunities. --Play a role in conservation by providing a means to control problematic wildlife populations. --Signs will be posted on enrolled lands by Commission staff. --All enrolled lands will be published in an atlas. --Encourage hunting and fishing, which will lead to increased conservation funding and actions.