Nebraska Game and Parks (NGPC) runs a small network of public ranges: one indoor range in Lincoln, three seasonal outdoor shooting complexes, a program-only complex at Ponca and a couple of free self-serve ranges near Lincoln. NGPC's Visit a Shooting Range page is the official list; this guide sums up hours, fees and what's open right now.
Game and Parks ranges
| Range | Where | What you can shoot | 2026 season and hours | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turpin Outdoor Education Center | Lincoln (indoor) | 10 lanes at 25 yd; rifles to .30-06, pistols to .44 Mag, muzzleloaders | Year-round; Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri noon-8pm; Sat-Sun noon-6pm; closed Wed | $10 per half hour or $15 per hour per lane; students $5 per hour |
| Kearney Outdoor Education Complex | Kearney | Four trap fields, skeet, 5-stand, 100-yd rifle | Weekends 11am-4pm through Dec. 13 (closed Nov. 28-29) | Shotgun $10 per 25 shots with your own gear, $20 with range gear; rifle $5 per half hour |
| Wildcat Hills Shooting Sports Complex | South of Gering | Small bore, rifle, shotgun | Mid-May to mid-November, Thu-Sun 8am-5pm | $5 per half hour rifle; shotgun $8 ($15 with rental) |
| Roger G. Sykes Complex | Platte River State Park | .22 rimfire (25/50 yd), trap, 5-stand, pellet, archery | Closed for winter (2026 season ended Sept. 12) | .22 $5-$8; shotgun $10-$20 |
| Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex | Ponca State Park | Scheduled programs only, equipment provided | Programs mid-April through October | Per program |
| Killdeer WMA Sight-in Range | Near Martell (SW of Lincoln) | 100-yd rifle bench | Daily 9am-sunset | Free |
| Pawnee SRA Shotgun Range | West of Lincoln | Shotgun only | Sunrise to sunset | No range fee; park entry permit required |
Notes:
- Turpin is the only NGPC range open year-round. It offers a First Shots intro class on Thursdays (6-8pm, $10; under 18 with a parent), Try Rifle for ages 8 and up, and Hunter Education classes.
- Killdeer allows centerfire rifles .35 caliber or smaller, centerfire handguns and muzzleloaders. Steel-core bullets are prohibited. NGPC lists it under Centerville.
- Eric Wiebe doesn't allow personal firearms; all shooting is through scheduled programs.
- Wildcat Hills: NGPC's Sight-in Days page lists Thu-Sun 8am-4pm and two 100-yard outdoor lanes; reservations are recommended (308-436-0561).
- Kearney: the rifle range is city-owned and may close some Mondays for police training.
Other public ranges
- Heartland Public Shooting Park (Alda, near Grand Island): a public park now managed by Hornady and home of the 4-H National Shooting Sports Championships. Adult day pass $17, child $9. Hours change Nov. 1, so call.
- Harry A. Koch Trap and Skeet (Omaha): a City of Omaha Parks shotgun range, $10 a round for adults. Under 16 must be supervised by an adult.
- Lincoln Trap and Skeet Club: a shotgun club open to the public, with winter hours from Nov. 1.
Youth and 4-H
Nebraska 4-H has a shooting sports program, and Heartland Public Shooting Park hosts the national 4-H championships. Turpin's Try Rifle (ages 8+) and First Shots classes are good public starting points. For 4-H clubs, contact your county Nebraska Extension office. (We haven't reviewed 4-H program details for this guide.)
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free public shooting range near Lincoln?
Yes. Killdeer WMA has a free 100-yard rifle bench (9am to sunset). Pawnee SRA has a shotgun range with no range fee, but you need a park entry permit.
Which Game and Parks ranges are open in winter?
Turpin in Lincoln is open year-round. Kearney runs weekends through Dec. 13. Wildcat Hills closes in mid-November, and Sykes is closed until its 2027 season.
Do I need a hunting license to use Nebraska's public ranges?
We didn't find a license requirement for the ranges listed here. Pawnee SRA does require a park entry permit. Check each range's NGPC page for current rules.
This guide is general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace formal training. Hours and fees change, so check outdoornebraska.gov or call before you go.