Open Fields Legislation Provides More Access, Incentives for Pheasant Hunting and Other Outdoor Activities

Years ago it was not uncommon to hear of hunters from as far as New York, Chicago, or Phoenix traveling into Nebraska for the much anticipated “opening day” of pheasant hunting season.  But during the past three decades, the number of pheasant hunters, both resident and non-resident, in Nebraska has significantly decreased.  This reduction in numbers is partially due to a decrease in the pheasant population as a result of changes in farming practices less suitable for proper nesting cover of pheasants.  Fortunately, lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) have helped sustain the pheasant population but the pheasant population still dwindled. 

Decreasing numbers coupled with the larger problem of a decrease in hunter access to private lands prompted the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever to create a solution, the Conservation Reserve Program-Management Access Program (CRP-MAP). CRP-MAP is a unique habitat and access program offered only in Nebraska and provides incentives to landowners who allow hunters and trappers walk-in access to private lands.  Landowners also agree to participate in habitat upgrade by disking and interseeding on 10% of the acres each year it is entered into the program.  Since the inception of the program, over 525,000 acres have been enrolled into CRP-MAP and the program has been successful in improving habitat and access to lands. 

However, the public desire for hunting still exceeds the land available for such hunting activities.  In addition, state programs such as CRP-MAP and other programs in surrounding states are affected by tightening budget constraints. 

I recently introduced legislation with Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), H.R. 3482, the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program of 2003, also known as Open Fields legislation.  Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) introduced similar legislation in the Senate. 

H.R. 3482 provides incentives to landowners who voluntarily agree to open their land to hunting and other wildlife-related activities.  Open Fields calls for the United States Department of Agriculture to devote $50 million annually to state programs that offer a modest per-acre payment to landowners.  The program will be administered entirely by the states, building on the successes of current state programs already in place, such as the CRP-MAP program in Nebraska. 

When you provide incentives to manage land for wildlife and allow responsible access, everyone benefits.  Landowners who voluntarily participate gain an alternate source of income.  Rural communities can tap into the economic activity that outdoor recreation generates. Annually, 82 million Americans spend $100 billion each year on hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.  If Nebraska could take a small piece of this pie, the effect on our state’s restaurants, motels, and convenience stores would be tremendous. To date, Nebraska’s economy takes in $42 million annually.  The potential benefit is far greater. 

Finally, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts have more access to land for the activities they enjoy.  Hunting and fishing are great activities, particularly for our youth, who in today’s society often spend too much time watching television and playing video games.  Youth mentor hunts, which involve over a thousand Nebraska youth, provide an excellent opportunity for adults and youth to spend quality time together in a safe, educational setting. 

Pheasant hunting and other outdoor related activities have significant cultural and economic values in Nebraska and I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to see this legislation advance.