Facility Rules and Policies
There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do and enjoy in the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District. When in doubt about rules or regulations regarding a specific activity, please check with the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District office before participating in that activity. Be safe and have fun!
This page of regulations applies to public use of Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) in the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District (WMD).
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://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/
BLACK-TAILED PRAIRIE DOGS (Cynomys ludovicianus): Due to the small and isolated populations of black-tailed prairie dogs which exist on WPAs, the shooting or harvesting of black-tailed prairie dogs is not allowed.
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY, WILDLIFE OBSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: These priority public uses are encouraged.
ACCESSIBLE BLINDS: An accessible blind is found on Funk WPA in Phelps County. 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 is 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. However, you must remove them along with any other personal property at the end of each day.
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: Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.