Hunters and fishermen in Nebraska could soon find more opportunities to use certain state-owned lands.

A bill before the state Legislature would ensure that hunting and fishing rights remain public on land managed by the Board of Educational Lands and Funds.

That board oversees about 1.3 million acres and rents agricultural land to 3,200 lease holders.

Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial said Thursday that his bill continues the agriculture land leases, but hunting rights would stay with the people of Nebraska.

Christensen said it is common today for most private lease agreements to separate land rights and hunting rights.

He said many hunters are having trouble finding places to hunt, and preserving hunting rights on state-owned land would open up new
opportunities for outdoorsmen statewide.