Nebraska Public Access Atlas Maps More Than 1.3 Million Acres for Hunters and Anglers

Nebraska’s new Public Access Atlas is out, and this is the kind of access tool hunters, trappers and anglers should actually use.

The 2026-2027 atlas pulls together more than 1.3 million acres of publicly accessible land across the state, including state, federal and conservation partner lands. It also includes private ground enrolled in Nebraska Game and Parks’ Open Fields and Waters Program. That voluntary program pays private landowners to allow walk-in public access for hunting, trapping and fishing.

This year, Open Fields and Waters accounts for 471,000 acres of private land access. That is not a small add-on. In a state where finding a place to hunt or fish can be the hardest part of the whole deal, private landowners who open gates through a structured program are helping keep regular people in the field.

Printed copies of the atlas and the 2026-2027 Small Game and Waterfowl Guide are available through Nebraska Game and Parks locations and permit vendors. The atlas is also posted online through OutdoorNebraska.gov as an interactive map, mobile-friendly offline atlas, digital flipbook and Google Earth KMZ file.

Access does not defend itself. Use the maps, respect the rules, close the gates, pick up trash and make damn sure landowners have a reason to stay in the program next year.