Whether you’re new to hunting in your home state or planning on hitting the road this season to explore parts unknown, you’re likely to encounter some of these confusing public land designations in your wingshooting wanderings. Staying on the right side of the trespass laws and on the good side of any landowner is a sure way to keep the public perception of bird hunters in high regard. When you know the lay of the land, you’ll also be a more confident hunter and have a more enjoyable experience.
Scouting has completely changed since the golden age of bird hunting, and thankfully, locating a tract of public ground and decoding the acronym alphabet is now easier than ever thanks to digital mapping apps like onX Hunt and interactive maps on many state wildlife agency websites. You can start with a particular place in mind or simply drop into an area that looks promising and start your search. To help you get the most out of your pre-hunt preparations, this list was assembled to showcase America’s most commonly encountered public lands and the abbreviations you’re most likely to see them referred by.
Federal and State Public Lands
Here in the United States, we are extremely blessed with a bounty of public lands, from expansive tracts of federally-owned National Forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) properties to state-owned wildlife management areas, parks, natural areas, and more. Bird hunters should be proud of knowing their hard-earned dollars go directly into acquiring and managing these areas through their hunting licenses and the excise taxes on their firearm and ammunition purchases . Most of our favorite species-based non-governmental organizations like Ruffed Grouse Society and Pheasants Forever partner with federal and state wildlife agencies and other conservation cooperators to protect public lands for hunters to access. All in all, bird hunters should be more than ready to explore their nearest public piece while taking pride in a shared ownership and enjoyment of the resources.
Federal and state lands managed specifically for wildlife and hunting can be a great place to learn how to scout, read maps, and ground truth your findings. (Photo By: Michele M Vogel/Shutterstock.com) Private Lands with Public Access
There are several common privately-owned public access sites, but several states have their own unique regulations and permissions for these programs. Some don’t require any documentation or notification, for some you’ll need a permit or to contact the landowner directly, and for others, there may even be an application/draw system. There may also be site-specific restrictions to be aware of, so always double check and familiarize yourself with the state and the particular property you intend to hunt on. Plan ahead and get the green light prior to the season or before starting your road trip so you can spend more time in the field chasing after birds.
Accessing private land is a privilege and bird hunters are encouraged to treat private property with respect and to use good etiquette . Pay attention to signs, pick up your trash and spent hulls, don’t block gates, leave livestock alone, avoid damaging crops, and clean birds at home. If we do our part to keep these private landowners happy, we can ensure the continued use of public access on these private properties for generations to come.
Public Land Acronyms
Federal Designations
BLM: Bureau of Land Management
CREP: Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
CRP: Conservation Reserve Program
FWP: Farmable Wetlands Program
NRA: National Recreation Area
NWR: National Wildlife Refuge
USBR(BOR): United States Bureau of Reclamation
USFS/NF: United States Forest Service/National Forest
WPA: Waterfowl Production Area
There is an abundance of federally-owned land available for hunters in the West. Always be sure to check for state- or property-specific regulations and updates when you intend to hunt. (Photo By: B2-775/Shutterstock.com) State Designations
BMA: Block Management Area (Montana)
CHAP: Controlled Hunting Access Program
GEMS: Grouse Enhanced Management Sites (Michigan)
Several states manage public lands and habitat specifically for upland game bird species such as the GEMS properties in Michigan. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources) GMA: Grouse Management Area
GPA: Game Production Area
GMU: Game Management Unit
HAP: Habitat & Access Program/Hunt(er)ing Access Program
HMA: Hunter Management Area/Habitat Management Area
LHP: Landowner Hunting Permit
OFW: Open Fields and Waters (Nebraska)
PAA: Public Access Area
PHA: Public Hunt(ing) Area
PLHO: Private Lands Hunting Opportunity (Washington)
The state of Washington has a significant amount of private land with public access open to bird hunting. Always be sure to check ahead to see what type (if any) permission is needed before hunting these properties. (Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife) PLOTS: Private Land Open to Sportsmen (North Dakota)
RGMA: Ruffed Grouse Management Area (Minnesota)
SF: State Forest
SGA: State Game Area
SNA: State Natural Area
SP/SHP: State Park/State Historical Park
SRA: State Recreation Area
ST/STL: State Trust/State Trust Land
SWA: State Wildlife Area
UGBEP: Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (Montana)
WA: Wildlife Area
WHAP: Waterfowl Habitat and Access Program
WHMA: Wildlife Habitat Management Area
WIA: Walk-In Access/Area
WIHA: Walk-In Hunting Area
WMA: Wildlife Management Area
WMD: Wildlife Management District
VPA-HIP: Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (Wisconsin)
