Welcome to Nebraska Backcountry Hunters & Anglers November newsletter!

Latest:

 

• The Nebraska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is having a tailgate event in Lincoln on November 28th before the Husker- Hawkeye game. It starts at 8 am. Iowa BHA has been invited to attend as well. Elkhorn Coffee will be there supporting BHA. Thanks to past chapter board member Ryan Sewell for hosting the event! Please stop by and bring others who support keeping our Public Lands in Public Hands. It will be located in lot 7 on the west side of Memorial Stadium.

 

 

• Chapter Board member Collin Kelly spoke at the Lower Platte Natural Resources District October 9^th and discussed BHA’s efforts on state Wildlife Management Areas and increasing public land access across the state. The Nebraska Land Trust was there as well.
• NGPC reaches an OFW ACCESS milestone. The Open Fields and Waters program has exceeded enrollment goals for the 2025-26 season with an all-time high of 470,165 acres. That is approximately 35,000 more acres than the 2024-25 season. Moreover, the Nebraska Elk Access Program is in year two and showed substantial growth from last year. There are 59,989 acres enrolled with 12 landowners putting more general elk tag holders on private land. NGPC provides $1.00 per acre + $100 harvest bonus to the participating landowners that reach their hunter goal. The 2024-25 season resulted in 26,868 acres and 16 general elk permits filled. These programs are voluntary and the result of NGPC access employees working with landowners to improve hunting opportunities. Folks, please remember to pick up any trash (whether it's yours or not) you see, on these private lands and report any violations occurring there to the local game warden.

 

Other News, Requests, and Reminders

• The Nebraska Chapter of BHA has a new board member, Collin Kelly of Elkhorn! Learn more about Collin HERE

 

• ACCESS LOST. As noted in the October newsletter (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/news/details/nebraska-chapter-october-2025-update) hunters and anglers lost 272 acres of Interstate 80 state Wildlife Management Areas. In addition, sportsmen lost access to public land along old railway right of ways. They are no longer WMAs and no longer open to any public access. Members, if you learn about potential public land access loss and have concerns, please contact the Nebraska Chapter.

 

• Stay tuned, the Chapter is setting up a volunteer event for Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Cherry County in early 2026! Volunteers will be removing old fence that affects deer and antelope habitat on the refuge. Please consider joining us at beautiful Valentine NWR!

 

• The Central Platte Natural Resources District is considering the Chapter’s request to open up a piece of property for archery and turkey hunting at their November meeting. See the July newsletter for details.

 

• Nominate a PUBLIC LANDS HERO!! Established in 2025, the Nebraska BHA Chapter’s “Public Lands Hero Award” is presented annually to an individual who has provided dedicated and sustained service towards improving access to, and/or increasing the amount of, public lands available for hunters and anglers in the state. Anyone who has demonstrated this effort can be nominated including, but not limited to, state, federal, local, and non-governmental agency personnel. Nominations can be made throughout the year by any member or supporter of the Nebraska BHA. Nominations can be sent to the Board at nebraska@backcountryhunters.org and should include a detailed description of the nominee’s accomplishments.