The Nevada Department of Wildlife is now accepting reservation applications from hunters hoping to hunt doves at the Overton Wildlife Management Area when the season opens Sept. 1. Reservations are required for the opening day and the first weekend of the hunting season. This year opening day happens to be on the Saturday of opening weekend, which means reservations will be required only for Sept. 1 and 2. Hunters must use paper applications, which must be delivered through a postal service and received at the NDOW Headquarters Office in Reno no later than 5 p.m. July 11. A public drawing will be conducted at 10 a.m., July 25 at that same location. Only complete and legible applications will be included in the reservation drawing, and successful applicants will receive their confirmation by return mail. Hunters can find and print the reservation application form online at www.ndow.org. The file is located in the Applications section under the Hunt tab on the main page.  Just click on “Applications” and scroll down the page to the section entitled Overton WMA Reservation Only Dove Hunt and download the application. Paper applications will also be available at the NDOW offices in Las Vegas and Henderson. The addresses are 4747 Vegas Drive and 744 Racetrack Road respectively. The reservation only dove hunt zone is described in regulation as the Moapa Valley Portion of the Wildlife Management Area and has a maximum capacity of 60 hunters during the opening day and first weekend of the dove season. The purpose of the reservation system is to reduce overcrowding and provide a quality hunting experience. Only those hunters with a valid hunt reservation will be allowed to hunt on the Moapa Valley Portion of the OWMA. Any vacancies will be filled by stand-by hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, conserves, manages and restores wildlife and its habitat for the aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefits to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of Nevada. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.

    Junior hunters who were either unsuccessful in the recent big game draw or missed the deadline to submit an application, have a second chance at a deer tag with the big game second draw application period opening today (June 8).      This year there are hundreds of remaining junior deer tags split between seven different hunt units, including 45 tags in hunt unit 032, eight tags in hunt unit 035, 116 tags in hunt unit group 101-109, 33 tags in hunt unit group 141-145, 19 tags in hunt unit group 151-156, 25 tags in hunt unit group 171-173 and five tags in hunt unit group 251-254.            The areas with remaining tags are hunt areas with higher quotas and lower demand due to their distance from population centers. Extremely high demand for tags in areas with lower tag quotas and higher populations like areas around Carson City and Reno resulted in unsuccessful junior tag applicants. Remember, youth are not guaranteed tags, and can increase their odds of drawing by putting down all five available choices, especially if they choose an area further from a large population center with a larger deer herd.      Junior hunters can take advantage of this second shot at a tag by applying for the big game second draw on ndowlicensing.com between June 8 and June 25.  Eligible hunters must be 12 years old prior to the opening day of each hunt applied for and will not attain their 18th birthday until after the last day of the last season applied for.  A person may only apply for a junior hunt in 5 different years.      The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, conserves, manages and restores wildlife and its habitat for the aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefits to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of Nevada. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org

Free Fishing Day is your one chance during the year to get hooked for free! During our annual Free Fishing Day this Saturday (June 9), anglers may fish in any public water in the state without a fishing license. All limits and other regulations apply.   In addition to free fishing on all Nevada public waters, Nevada State Parks will have free admission for Discover Nevada State Parks Day The Nevada Department of Wildlife will hold the following Free Fishing Day events across the state to give people a place to easily catch fish and participate! Eastern Region Cave Lake State Park, Ely: Kids Fishing Derby, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for kids 3 to 15.  Prizes will be awarded for longest fish in four age groups and a random drawing for prizes at the end. Chinese Gardens Nature Study Area, Carlin: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for kids 3 to 15.  Every child will get a free fishing rod and reel while supplies last.  There will also be fly tying, t-shirt decorating and a casting booth. Southern Region Echo Canyon State Park: Interested parties can mix camping with fishing at Echo Canyon State Park located just east of Pioche, Nevada. The park will host a family fishing derby for people of all ages starting at 8 a.m. and concluding at noon. Pre-registration is not required. For more information contact Ranger Ben Johnson at 775-962-5102. Floyd Lamb Park: The Las Vegas City Council will hold its annual fishing derby at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, located at 9200 Tule Springs Road in northwest Las Vegas. The event will start at 7:30 a.m.  NDOW will provide loaner fishing rods with reels as long as they are available and bait while supplies last. In addition, there will be other fun activities for families. For more information call 702-229-6154. Veterans Memorial Park: NDOW, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department, will hold its annual Free Fishing Day event at Veterans Memorial Park located off of Buchanan Blvd. in Boulder City. The event will run from 8 a.m. until noon. Registration is required and will begin at 7:30 a.m. Loaner fishing rods and reels will be available free of charge, and goody bags and prizes will be given out to participants while supplies last.  For more information contact Ivy Santee at 702-486-5127 x 3503 Western Region Sparks Marina: Nevada Bighorns Unlimited and The Sparks Rotary, in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), City of Sparks Parks and Recreation and the local Safari Club International, is sponsoring a Kids Free Fishing Day event at the Sparks Marina from 7 a.m. until Noon. In addition to every child receiving a free fishing pole, the event will include fun booths along with representatives from the Sparks Fire Department, Sparks Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and the Coast Guard. Thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes and fishing gear will also be handed out at the event.  The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, conserves, manages and restores wildlife and its habitat for the aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefits to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of Nevada. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.  

The entire family can hook a good time at the Kids Carp Derby on Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to noon at Lahontan Reservoir. The Nevada Department of Wildlife and Nevada State Parks have partnered to sponsor the derby, and staff and volunteers will be available to teach the little ones how to drop a line.

With the big game draw set for today, sportsmen and women might have a little trouble sleeping until the results come out on Friday. Is this the year I finally pull that bighorn sheep or bull elk tag? If I pull more than one tag, how will I ask for that time off from work? If one of my friends pulls a tag but I don’t, how am I going to pretend to be happy for them?   One question that hunters will not have to worry about, however, is the draw process and the issuing of tags will remain the same.  Nevada awards big game tags through a random draw process with every application assigned a random number or “draw number”. The applications are sorted in ascending order by draw numbers and allotted by species in areas with available remaining quotas. This year alone, almost 6 million random numbers will be generated and distributed across all species, hunts and weapon classes.  As required by state law the Department uses a third party vendor to administer the draw.  This year, NDOW followed a strict state guided procurement process and selected a new forward thinking vendor in Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC (Kalkomey).  “Nevada’s big game draw is a unique, complicated and precise system of distributing tags,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). “We are fortunate to be partnering with Kalkomey and look forward to working with them as we continue to strive for the most convenient, modern and simple process for our sportsmen.”  Wasley points to Kalkomey’s long history of working with state fish and wildlife agencies as another reason for the Department’s confidence in their abilities.  “Kalkomey partners with over 100 different government agencies in all 50 states and other countries including Canada, New Zealand and Mexico,” said Wasley. “The innovation and technology that Kalkomey brings to the table will help us get sportsmen outside faster.”  The draw results will be released on Friday, May 25. Applicants will be notified by email and results will be posted to their individual customer accounts on ndowlicensing.com under the “Applications and Points” tab on the left.  The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, conserves, manages and restores wildlife and its habitat for the aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefits to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of Nevada. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org. 

When Adalay Pèrez, fourth grader at Wayne Tanaka Elementary in Las Vegas, was working on her entry for this year’s Free Fishing Day Poster Contest she wanted to include things that showed how much she loved her home state of Nevada. So after she drew a nice picture of two people catching fish, she added a desert bighorn sheep, the state animal of Nevada, and a mountain bluebird, the state bird of Nevada. “I wanted to represent the state,” she would tell her teacher.  Well now her picture will “represent the state” as the winner of the 2018 Nevada Free Fishing Day Poster Contest. Her artwork will be used for NDOW’s Free Fishing Day poster, which is sent to all of the schools in the state as well as NDOW offices as a reminder about Free Fishing Day. Her work will also be displayed in the 2018 Nevada Fishing Guide.   Free Fishing Day will take place on Saturday, June 9. The statewide event allows anglers to fish any public fishing water in the state without a fishing license or trout stamp, while all limits and other regulations apply. Visit www.ndow.org to find out more about Free Fishing Day events taking place locally.  While Pèrez was very excited to find out she had won, reportedly running outside to tell all of her friends on the playground, her teacher might have been even more thrilled. “I was so excited I was jumping up and down,” said Erica Jordan, fourth grade teacher at Tanaka Elementary. “She is a good student and an incredible artist. She worked very hard on her picture, so this is very well deserved.”   Jordan was doubly excited when she learned that another student in her class, fourth grader Anna Karen Villalobos, had placed third in this year’s contest as well. “I cannot believe that two of my students placed in the top three in the state,” she said. “I feel so excited and thrilled to have my students be in the top.  Anna Karen and Adalay are very good girls. This is the perfect award for them.”  Second place in the contest was claimed by fifth grader Rebekah Fuerniss from Fay Galloway Elementary in Henderson. Fuerniss and Villalobos will both receive a fishing rod and reel for placing in the top three. As the winner, Pèrez will receive a framed copy of her artwork as well as a fishing rod and reel. She and her family will also be treated to a guided fishing outing.  The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org. 

The Nevada Department of Wildlife wants to remind sportsmen who have not yet applied for this year’s big game draw that the deadline is fast approaching. All applications must be received by 11 p.m. on Monday, April 16.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife wants to remind sportsmen who have not yet applied for this year’s big game draw that the deadline is fast approaching. All applications must be received by 11 p.m. on Monday, April 16.  Nevada offers a variety of big game opportunities for deer, elk, bear, pronghorn antelope, mountain goat and bighorn sheep.  The Silver State is one of just a few states to possess three sub-species of bighorn sheep (desert, rocky mountain and California).   NDOW has made several improvements this year, including launching a new, streamlined purchasing system (ndowlicensing.com) that focuses on web and mobile platforms and simplifying the license options which include all state stamps. With this new system, sportsmen now have a more modern, simpler, and convenient way to purchase their licenses online and at license agents. Sportsmen are now able to download their licenses to their mobile devices and print them from home.  Customers are urged to login and claim their account and submit applications early to avoid missing the deadline.  Any and all questions about creating your account or submitting applications can be answered by calling 1-855- 542-6369.  The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org. 

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) game wardens recently wrapped up a complicated year-long investigation into the poaching of a large male black bear in the spring of 2017, resulting in formal charges being filed in Dayton Justice Court March 28 by the Lyon County District Attorney’s Office.  After being alerted to the possible unlawful killing of a large black bear in the Pine Nut Mountains near Dayton, NV in February of 2017, game wardens began what was to become a nearly year-long investigation into the matter. During the investigation wardens uncovered information which suggested that Daniel Rubio, Eliseo Rubio Sr. and Eliseo Rubio Jr. of Dayton, may have been involved with the unlawful shooting and killing of the black bear, as well as unlawfully killing and possessing a mule deer in addition to other wildlife crimes.  Enough evidence was produced to charge the suspects with felony unlawful killing of a big game animal as well as gross misdemeanor unlawful possession of a big game animal.  “This was a lengthy and complicated investigation in which patience, persistence, and confidentiality were crucial to the eventual success,” said Nevada Department of Wildlife Chief Game Warden Tyler Turnipseed. “Key evidence in this case minimized our reliance on additional information from the public or offering rewards while investigating this case.”   Based on the unique circumstances of all poaching cases, game wardens investigate each case differently. In some investigations, NDOW solicits information from the public and even offers reward money for tips that lead to solving the case. In this investigation, the suspects were identified from the beginning. NDOW law enforcement believes their relatively quiet persistence in this case worked to their advantage.   “Not having media exposure during the investigation helped protect key pieces of evidence,” said NDOW Game Warden Jake Kreamer. “Keeping things confidential allowed us the time to conduct a very thorough investigation and put together what we believe is a solid case.”  “We want to make it very clear that these individuals are not hunters. They did not have big game tags, did not purchase hunting licenses, and are not hunters. People like this are definitely not sportsmen," said Turnipseed.  Poaching is a global issue, and the impacts of a case like this go beyond Nevada. NDOW is extremely grateful Nevada wardens were able to bring these poachers to justice and highlight the tragic loss of wildlife that belongs to us all.   Witnesses to any wildlife-related crime are encouraged to report information to Operation Game Thief at (800) 992-3030.  The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, conserves, manages and restores wildlife and its habitat for the aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefits to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of Nevada. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org. 

Describing the Silver State Tag is a lot like watching one of those late night infomercials. With all the extra gear and services a person can win, you are constantly saying the phrase, “but wait, there’s more!”  The Silver State Tag, open to both resident and nonresident hunters, already allows sportsmen the opportunity to hunt one of four big game species (mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Nelson (desert) bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope) anywhere in the state, even if you are in a waiting period for the species available. Add onto that the fact that winners also walk away with thousands of dollars’ worth of hunting gear and services and you are talking about an opportunity you simply cannot pass up.  The prizes include the following:   Desert Bighorn Sheep:   Sitka gear and Kenetrek boots (Wild Sheep Foundation) Razor HD 20-65x85 spotting scope and 15x50 Viper HD binoculars (Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn) Rifle and scope (Nevada Bighorns Unlimited) Multiple guide services (Deep Creek Outfitters and White River Guide Service) Shoulder mount, (Artistic Wildlife Taxidermy) Yeti Cooler (Elko Bighorns Unlimited) Back pack (NBU-Midas Chapter) Minimalist hunting pack and hat (Cabela’s) Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete)  Elk:   Browning A-bolt 7mm (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – Ely Chapter) Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline Tripod (includes fluid head) Ranger 1000 Laser Rangefinder (Vortex) Shoulder mount (Trophy Room Services) 40 qt. Orca cooler (C&B Auto/Napa – Ely) Guide DCS jacket & Attack pant, ICON Cap and Guide gloves (KUIU) Alaskan frame pack and hat (Cabela’s) Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete) $500 gift card (Sportsworld - Ely)   Mule Deer:   Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline tripod (includes fluid head) and Ranger 1000 Laser Rangefinder (Vortex) Shoulder mount (Wildlife Revolutions/Reno Nevada) Guide DCS jacket & Attack pant, ICON cap and Guide gloves (KUIU) Alaskan guide frame pack (Cabela’s) Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete) Bedroll tarp and Yeti Cooler (Nevada Muleys). $100 gas card (Meadow Valley Wildlife Unlimited) Antelope:   Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline tripod (includes fluid head) Ranger 1000 Laser Rangefinder (Vortex) Shoulder mount (Golden Aspen Taxidermy) 40 qt. Orca cooler (Silver State Sportsmen – Eureka, NV) Guide DCS jacket, Attack pant, ICON cap and Guide Gloves (KUIU) Elite Scout hunting pack and hat (Cabela’s) Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete) The Silver State Tag is similar to the state’s Heritage Tags, sometimes called governors tags or bid tags, and gives lucky recipients the chance to hunt a specific big game animal statewide in those hunt units where there is an established season from Aug. 1 – Dec. 31. But unlike the Heritage Tags which generally sell at auction for thousands of dollars, Silver State Tags are available through Nevada’s normal tag application process at a far lesser price.  Tag applicants pay a nonrefundable application $24 each for mule deer, desert bighorn and pronghorn antelope. An additional $5 is required for the elk application. Tag recipients will be charged the current fees established for the tag received. Applications may be submitted electronically at www.ndowlicensing.com during the regular big game tag application period. The deadline for applying is April 16.  In addition to expanded choice of hunt location, tag holders will also have an extended season in which to harvest their game animal.  For desert sheep, mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope, Silver State Tag bearers can begin hunting Aug. 1 and hunt through Dec. 31. Tag holders also can use their legal weapon of choice throughout the season’s duration – bow, muzzleloader or rifle.   The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.