Public Use Regulations

PUBLIC USE REGULATIONS

This page of regulations applies to public use of Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) in the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District.

HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING: Hunting, fishing, and trapping are allowed according to current State of Nebraska regulations concerning these activities. The use or possession of shotshells loaded with other than non-toxic shot is prohibited. Consult the current State of Nebraska regulations for hunting, fishing, and trapping for additional information. Copies may be obtained from your local Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office or on the Internet at the following address: http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us

BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOGS (Cynomys ludovicianus): Due to the small and isolated populations of black-tailed prairie dogs which exist on WPAs and their recent listing as a Candidate Species under the Endangered Species Act, the shooting or harvesting of black-tailed prairie dogs is not allowed.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY, WILDLIFE VIEWING, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: These priority public uses are encouraged.

ACCESSIBLE BLINDS: An accessible blind is found on Funk WPA in Phelps County and an additional blind is planned for Massie WPA in Clay Co. There are no reservations for these blinds, however priority is given to those with a disability. When not in use, they are available on a first come, first serve basis.

PETS: The use of hunting dogs to find and retrieve downed game is encouraged. All pets must be kept under the immediate control of the owner. Exercising, running, training, or hunting with dogs is prohibited May 1 through July 31.

HORSES: The use of horses is not allowed on WPAs.

CAMPING: No overnight camping is allowed.

MOTORIZED VEHICLES: The use of all motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, is restricted to parking lots only.

BOATS: Boats are allowed while engaged in permitted public use activities. All non-powered and those powered by electric boat motors are allowed. Operation of gasoline motors are not allowed.

BLINDS: The use of temporary blinds is allowed. Any materials brought in from offsite for use in constructing a blind must be removed daily. Temporary blinds, constructed of small amounts of natural vegetation found on site, may be left overnight. These temporary blinds are available on a first come, first serve basis and cannot be used to reserve a location.

DECOYS: All decoys and any other hunting supplies must be removed daily.

TREE STANDS: The use of temporary tree stands and steps is allowed. No nails, wires, bolts, or other means of permanently attaching a stand or steps to a tree is allowed. Temporary tree stands left overnight are available on a first come, first serve basis.

FIRES AND FIREWORKS: No open fires are allowed. The use or possession of fireworks is prohibited.

TARGET SHOOTING: Although these WPAs are open to hunting, the use of all firearms for target practice is prohibited.

POSSESSION OF FIREARMS: The possession and use of firearms is prohibited, unless legally engaged in hunting.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.

PACK IT IN- PACK IT OUT: There are no trash facilities on site. Please take all garbage and other refuse with you and dispose of properly. Take pride in your Waterfowl Production Areas and help keep them clean.

OBSERVATION OF VIOLATIONS: If you observe a violation of these regulations, or any other violations of federal, state, or local laws or regulations, please report them immediately. You may contact the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District at (308)236-5015, call the Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers Hotline at 1-800-742-7627, or your local County Sheriff by calling 911. Information such as a legal description, violation observed, and identifying information such as a license plate will be very helpful in contacting the suspect. Do not jeopardize your safety in any way to obtain this information.

SPECIAL USE PERMITS: A use not listed above may be allowed. However, if allowed, it will require a Special Use Permit. The permit can be requested from the address below.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Additional information can be obtained by contacting:

Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District

P.O. Box 1686

Kearney, Nebraska 68848

Office: (308) 236-5015

Fax: (308) 237-3899

Email: rainwater@fws.gov

HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE VISIT!

Last updated: October 9, 2008