The best upland hunting experiences occur where high-quality habitat, hunter access, and community support come together.

Our objective is to increase the amount and quality of private lands open for public hunting access within 60 miles of Ogallala and increase the number of hunters traveling to the local communities. The economic impact to Nebraska from hunting is $990 Million from 137,000 hunters. The more days hunters spend in the field the more money is generated locally at hotels, gas stations, and restaurants. This effort is driven by the local communities, businesses, PF chapters, outdoor sportsmen chapters, and wildlife biologists.

Landowners within the target area (Keith, Deuel, Garden, Arthur, Lincoln and Cheyenne counties) have the opportunity to receive $10-25/acre incentive payment for high-quality habitat on rangeland, tall wheat and milo stubble, traditional CRP fields, and odd areas with a 5-year OFW agreement.

Western Nebraska welcomes you to a land of outdoor opportunities. The diverse habitats are home to a variety of upland birds and big game species.

Sharp-tailed grouse, Greater Prairie Chicken, Ring-necked Pheasant, Northern Bobwhite, Mourning Dove, Turkey, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn can all be harvested within 60 miles of Ogallala, NE. Nebraska’s largest reservoir, Lake McConaughy, is nearby, with excellent fall walleye and smallmouth bass fishing opportunities.

Planning your Next Trip:

Welcome to the mixed-bag hunting capital with beautiful landscapes and amazing hospitality. Check out these resources to help plan your next trip.

Program Partners

Program Sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

We look forward to working with Keith County area businesses and organizations that want to make a positive impact through their support and promotion of community-based efforts. Your support will enhance natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities within 60 miles of Ogallala. These efforts will have an overall impact of adding 25,000 acres to the area and increase hunter numbers to boost the rural economy. 100% of the funds raised will stay within the focus area surrounding Ogallala.

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Gold $2,500+ | Silver $1,500-$2,999 | Bronze $500 -$1,499
Our program partner OnX is providing matching funds.

OPEN FIELDS AND WATERS

The Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program is a voluntary program that offers financial incentives to landowners willing to allow public walk-in access for hunting, trapping, and/or fishing.

CRP, undisturbed grasslands, and tall wheat/milo stubble offer excellent opportunities for hunting upland gamebirds. Landowners participating in OFW receive an annual payment ranging from 50 cents to $15 per land acre. Learn more at OutdoorNebraska.org/OFW.

THE BERGGREN PLAN

The Berggren Plan for Pheasants aims to produce the best pheasant hunting experiences for the largest number of people possible over the next five years.

The Southwest Focus on Pheasants (SWFOP) area is a key landscape area where the Berggren Plan aims to improve pheasant habitat and increase public access. To incentivize CRP enrollments and OFW participation, NGCP offers a $75/acre sign-up incentive payment for new or re-enrolled CRP with a 5-year OFW access agreement.