The Pine Ridge Ranger District staff of the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands, (NNFG) welcomes hunters for the 2022 firearm deer hunting season that opens Saturday, November 12, 2022.
Tim Buskirk, Pine Ridge District Ranger said, “Because of the relatively large amount of public lands in our area, Northwest Nebraska is a popular place to hunt. We welcome visitors to the area and want to work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience for everyone.”
Buskirk reminds hunters using National Forest System lands that motorized travel, including off-highway vehicles (OHV) is only allowed on roads and trails designated as open to motorized use. He also noted that no motorized travel is allowed in the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area or the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area. Free Motor Vehicle Use Maps, or MVUMs are available to help identify open routes. MVUMs are also available electronically through the Avenza app for those who prefer to use their smartphone or tablet.
Buskirk added, “Additionally, due to our extended drought situation, our entire area is in high fire danger situation. We currently are in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions which prohibits igniting or using an open fire outside of developed campgrounds; smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building; operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arrestor; no blasting or welding; and any use of explosives or fireworks are always prohibited.”
“We ask folks to avoid driving through tall, cured grass. People who are found liable of starting a fire could be subject to fines, suppression costs, and/or resource damage,” said Buskirk.
The free MVUMS, other maps and instructions on how to use the Avenza app are available at the Pine Ridge District Ranger Office at 125 North Main Street in Chadron. The office will be open regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 pm MST.
For more information, hunters may call the Pine Ridge District Ranger Office at 308-432-0300 or view maps and information online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nebraska/maps-pubs.