Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands (NNFG) provide many opportunities for people to hunt, fish, and recreationally shoot. Forest Service lands are open to hunting and fishing, following regulations set by the state’s agencies. Some special restrictions may apply in certain areas of the NNFG.

For information about hunting and fishing in South Dakota, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, visit https://gfp.sd.gov/hunt/ or call their Customer Service phone at 605-223-7660.

For information about hunting and fishing in Nebraska, managed by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, visit outdoornebraska.gov or call 402-471-064.

Prairie Dog Hunting

Here is detailed information about prairie dog hunting across the grasslands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Forest Service sell hunting and fishing permits? No. Permits are sold through the state agencies at the links above.
Can I hunt on Forest Service land? Yes, following regulations set by the state agencies.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Some species people can fish for include brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, pike, and many others.

Hunting

Popular species people come to hunt include mule and white-tail deer, Merriam turkey, pronghorn, prairie grouse, pheasants, and prairie dogs.

Prairie dog hunting is open on the Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, and Oglala National Grasslands with a permanent closure order in Conata Basin on the Buffalo Gap to protect the federally endangered Black-footed Ferrets.