This refuge is currently open only to public hunting

This refuge is new to the National Wildlife Refuge System and requires a full review prior to opening to additional public uses. 

John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge, found in north-central Nebraska, 25 miles south of Bassett, Nebraska, is a sanctuary among the Sandhills. The Sandhills region is the largest remaining tract of mixed and tall grass prairie in North America. The Refuge is new to the National Wildlife Refuge System and is currently open only to public hunting.
Public Notice

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Complex is seeking public comments regarding multiple proposals for John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge. These proposals include John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge: Compatibility Determination - Education, Interpretation, Wildlife Observation, and Photography,Compatibility Determination – Haying and Grazing, Environmental Assessment -wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities, and Environmental Assessment - habitat management activities

To learn more click here: 

The Service is accepting written comments for these proposals from March 1st, 2024 through March 31st, 2024. Comments can be submitted via email to FortNiobrara@fws.gov or by mailing to:

Fort Niobrara NWR
399983 Refuge Road
Valentine, NE 69201

If you have questions regarding these proposals, please contact Refuge Manager, Katie Schober at 402-378-3789 ext. 227.

All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record. All requests for such comments are handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and the CEQ’s NEPA regulations in 40 CFR 1506.6(f). The Service’s practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents can request that we withhold their home address from the record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments.

Visit Us

Hunting is currently the only public use at the Refuge. Please click here to view the hunting brochure. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The John W. and Louise Seier National Wildlife Refuge is administered through the Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Complex at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. 

      The Refuge is made up of grassland and wetland habitats. Two creeks run through the Refuge; Bloody Creek and Skull Creek. Bloody Creek, a smaller stream that runs only during high precipitation, cuts across the Refuge for 1.25 miles. Skull Creek, a larger stream that runs throughout the year, flows across one-half mile of the western portion of the Refuge, and empties into the Calamus River. A variety of wildlife, small and large game species, such as white-tailed deer, prairie grouse and wild turkeys, as well as many other species of birds call the Refuge home. 

      What We Do

      Once an environmental assessment is completed, Refuge staff will utilize a variety of management techniques to maintain, restore and enhance plant and wildlife habitats. Refuge staff carefully considers all management techniques and employ them in the most efficient and sound manner possible. Prescribed burning, mowing, use of biological control (insects) for invasive plants, and native plant seeding are some of the techniques used to help restore native plant communities. Grazing by cattle is used on the Refuge to help maintain grassland health. Cattle are used as a substitute for bison and elk grazing that would have historically occurred on Refuge lands.

      Ground and aerial wildlife and vegetation surveys are conducted on the Refuge throughout the year to inventory populations and document habitat use. Units are evaluated by how well they meet the habitat and wildlife use objectives set for the Refuge.

      Our Species

      The Refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, small and big game species such as white-tailed deer, prairie grouse, wild turkeys, and many other species of birds.