Hunting in Nebraska: 4 Things for Landowners to Know About Hunting on Private Property

Landowners may be able to control who comes onto their property, but they also must follow state laws regarding hunting in Nebraska, both for their own enjoyment and to keep the public safe.

Here are four things landowners should know.

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

1. Trespassing
It is illegal for members of the public to trespass onto private land to hunt. Landowners who do not give permission to hunters using their land may call law enforcement to have them removed. According to the “Nebraska Big Game Hunting Guide,” those caught hunting without permission are subject to fines and incarceration.

2. Open Fields and Waters Program
Landowners can earn money by allowing hunters onto their land through the Open Fields and Waters Program. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission pays landowners to allow walking access to their property for hunters and fishermen. The program offers as much as $10 per acre of land, and woodland along rivers can fetch $15 per acre, according to the Grant Tribune Sentinel. There is also a signing bonus for signing a contract of five or more years. Partial payments are available for those who open their land for parts of the year.

VOTE NOW: Is Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts Doing a Good Job?

3. Landowner Permits
There are landowner permits available for farmers and ranchers who want to hunt on the property where they live. The landowner and their immediate family still must obey hunting laws, but they do not need a Habitat Stamp when hunting antelope, deer, elk or turkey, the hunting guide said.

For game birds except turkeys, squirrels, rabbits and furbearers, no hunting permit is needed. The NGPC said landowner permits for residents will be given to families that use their land for agricultural production. The size of the farm is divided by 80 acres to determine the number of permits allowed.

4. Extended Seasons
Landowners can take advantage of longer hunting seasons on private property. Extended seasons are available for antlerless elk, for instance.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Hunting in New Hampshire: 5 Animals to Hunt in the Winter
• Hunting in Ohio: Animals to Hunt During the Fall Months