Nevada Hunting 101: Guns, Fees, Timelines

Respecting the laws and regulations of Nevada’s big game hunting season is crucial. Follow along for a quick guide to Nevada’s hunting seasons. If you’re an experienced hunter or need to learn to shoot a gun, there’s vital information for everyone.

What are the regulations on long rifles?

The state of Nevada does not require the registration of firearms. However, even if it’s not needed for the state, obtaining good shooting experience is recommended when purchasing a gun.
When it comes to hunting with long rifles, there are some regulations for use on your hunting trip. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the long rifle you use for hunting must:

• Have a centerfire cartridge larger than .22 caliber and smaller than .50.
• Have a case length of at most three inches.

What’s the process of getting your hunting license?

Obtaining a hunting license in Nevada is simple. Whether it is a waterfowl, small game, or big game, check below to find the requirements for having the proper hunting license for your hunting trip. Additionally, you will want to ensure you’ve had plenty of firearm training and appropriate gun training. When purchasing a hunting license, you can expect to pay anywhere from $38 to $75 for residents and around $115 for non-residents.

Waterfowl

To legally hunt waterfowl in Nevada, you will need the following documentation:

• A Harvest Information Program (HIP) ID number.
• A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. Note: If you are under 16, you are not required to have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp.
• A valid Nevada hunting or combination license.

Small Game

To legally hunt small game in Nevada, you will need the following documentation:

• Nevada hunting or combination license to hunt small game legally.
• Note: If you are under 12 years old, you are not required to have a hunting or combination license to hunt small game.

Big Game

If you are 12 years or older, you must have a valid Nevada hunting license to hunt big game. Additionally, you must:

• Have proof of completed hunter education.
• For mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, mountain goat, mountain lion, black bear, and bighorn sheep, you will need specific tags to hunt them legally.

Tags to hunt specific big game listed above are available from mid-March to mid-May and are awarded through random drawings. However, mountain lion tags are available over the counter throughout the year, and mountain lions can be hunted until the quota is met.

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Where do you apply for big game hunting?

To apply for big game hunting in Nevada, you must apply through the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s licensing system. For big game hunting in Nevada, you will need a combination hunting and fishing license and an additional tag for the specific big game you wish to hunt.
Tags for Nevada’s big game, like mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mountain lion, and black bear, are available for purchase. However, an annual randomized drawing and a finite number of tags are awarded to hunters.

What are the rules for big game hunting?

The Nevada Department of Wildlife releases an annual extensive game hunting guide that includes regulations and seasons for specific big game. Additionally, the resources report new regulations to be aware of during the upcoming and current hunting seasons. According to Nevada’s big game hunting guide, this year’s big game hunting seasons and regulations are as follows:

• Antelope: August – September. Dates will depend on the type of antelope, hunting group, and type of weapon used on your hunt.
• Bighorn Sheep: September – January. Dates will depend on the type of ram, horn length, hunting group, and weapon used on your hunt.
• Mountain Goat: September 1 – October 31
• Elk: August – January. Dates are determined by the type of elk, your hunting group, and the weapon used in your hunt.
• Mule Deer: August – January dates are determined by your hunting group and the weapon used in your hunt.
• Mountain Lion: Can be hunted at any hour of the day or night unless the quota is met.
• Black Bear: September 15 – December 1

When choosing which big game you will hunt, remember to be sure of gun regulations and the legal hunting season for your big game. The Nevada Department of Wildlife will have all the necessary information for you.

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Planning your hunt

Preparation is vital for a successful and exciting hunting trip. Being well prepared, with the proper licensing and tags, you’re sure to have an excellent trip you won’t soon forget. When starting to plan your hunting trip, keep these tips in mind:

• After receiving a tag for the big game of your choice, remember to check quotas, your appropriate hunting group, area, and the timeline for your specific big game.
• Seminars are available to fully explain Nevada’s hunting season guidelines, regulations, fees, and more.
• Go through and check off your Hunter Checklist and ensure you have all the necessary gear for your trip.
• Educate yourself on updated and new hunting and fishing regulations in Nevada.
• Know how to clean and care for your kill correctly.
• Be familiar with the proper ethics when hunting in the state of Nevada.

Maintaining up-to-date information is essential when planning your big hunting trip in Nevada. While it may not be the most exciting part of the process, knowing you are licensed with the proper tags will alleviate any worry, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy your big game hunt in Nevada. Preparation is your best friend before a big hunt. Visit The Range 702 for the best firearm training in Las Vegas.

Sources:

Apply & Buy – Hunt, Boat, Fish Nevada. (2022).

Nevada Big Game Hunting Seasons & Rules | eRegulations. (2022).

Nevada Gun Laws & Gun Ownership By State – Ladah Law Firm, PLLC. (2022).

Plan Your Hunt. (2022).