Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area is a 1,187-acre natural area located in the state of Nebraska, managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.


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Summary

The area is a popular site for bird-watching, hunting, and fishing, and offers a great place for visitors to relax in the tranquil surroundings. Some of the reasons to visit Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area include its diverse range of wildlife, including deer, turkey, ducks, geese, and various bird species. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and camping in the area.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area include several ponds and wetlands, which are home to a variety of aquatic wildlife, as well as the old-growth forest and prairie areas, which provide a glimpse into the natural history of the region. Visitors can also explore the various trails that wind through the area, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

One interesting fact about Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area is that it is home to the state's largest native grass planting, which covers approximately 270 acres. This area provides a vital habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including grassland birds, deer, and prairie dogs.

The best time of year to visit Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area depends on the visitor's interests. For bird-watching, the fall and spring are the best times, as many seasonal migratory species pass through the area during these seasons. For hunting, the fall and winter offer a variety of opportunities, while fishing is best during the warmer months of the year.

Overall, Hedgefield Wildlife Management Area is a unique and diverse natural area that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of Nebraska's natural landscape.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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