Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge accepting special access permits for 2020

Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, in Cherry County, will conduct a limited draw for all muzzleloader deer hunting in 2020. The draw is offered in response to public comments received during a hunting and fishing program review that expressed concern over hunting pressure during previous seasons.

Twelve muzzleloader hunting permits will be issued for each of the following dates:

• Nov. 14 - 22

• Dec. 1 - 8

• Dec 9 - 16

• Dec. 17 - 24

• Dec. 24-31.

Applications opened Aug. 15 and will continue until Sept. 15 at 4:30 p.m., CDT. Permit applications may be obtained by calling the refuge office at 402-376-3789 or by emailing [email protected].

Deer hunting on the refuge is restricted to primitave weapons only. Use of centerfire or rimfire rifles is prohibited, including during the Nov. firearm deer hunting season. All hunters must also possess a valid Nebraska deer hunting permit. Additional refuge-specifc hunting regulations may be found at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Fort_Niobrara/visit/plan_your_visit/refuge_hunting.html or by picking up a brochure at the refuge headquarters office, 39983 Refuge Road, in Valentine.