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.
The
temperature may be cool outside, but the Nevada Department of Wildlife is
encouraging boaters to enroll in a boating education course before boating
season as part of the national Spring Aboard – Take a Boating Education Course
campaign.
“We know
that an educated boater is safer on the water,” said Tom Guess, president of
the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and lead
organization for Spring Aboard. “If a boater has taken a boating safety
education course the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe
and enjoyable experience is much greater for them as well as their passengers.
There’s no reason to head out on the water without knowing what you’re doing,
and spring is the perfect time to take a course before the summer boating
season begins.”
U.S. Coast
Guard statistics indicate that of the accidents where the level of operator
education was known, 77% of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat
operator had never received boating education instruction.
“Our boating
accident investigations show that most people who get in a boating accident
have not taken a boating education course,” said Game Warden Captain David
Pfiffner, Nevada’s boating law administrator. “It’s common sense that people
who know how to boat do it much safer.”
Some boaters
are required to take a course. Nevada boaters born on or after January 1, 1983
who operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower on interstate waters must
complete a boating education course. Nevada also requires nonresidents to meet
the education requirement for their home state, but even with requirements in place,
many boaters never complete a course.
Forty-nine
(49) states and U.S. territories require proof of completion of a boating
education course for operators of some powered vessels. For a summary of
(insert state’s name) regulations and available courses, visit: (insert web
information).
The annual
Spring Aboard campaign is led by the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators and produced under a grant administered by the U.S. Coast Guard,
and it is supported by state, federal and nonprofit partners.
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.
A trio of
great horned owls have become international celebrities after a livestream
camera observing their nests went viral.
The three
owls, two females and one male, were spotted by employees at the Desert
Research Institute (DRI) in Reno nesting on the second story ledge of one of
their buildings. Nevada Department of Wildlife biologist David Catalano checked
on the nest to make sure there were no problems.
"To have
these two female owls lay eggs less than a foot from each other, in the rocks
of a ledge 30 feet above the ground, right against the window of an office is
very unique,” said Catalano.
NDOW and DRI
partnered to install a livestream video camera that went live this week. Since
going live the owls have been viewed by people from all over the United States
and even New Zealand and Great Britain.
“We knew
this live feed would get some attention, but I don’t think anyone thought it
would blow up like this,” said Aaron Keller, NDOW outdoor education
coordinator. “It just goes to show you how passionate people are about
wildlife.
DRI and NDOW
set up this livestream as a way for the public to observe these amazing birds
without disturbing the nest. The owl livestream camera be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOuiNxtECzA
. You can also check out other videos on the NDOW YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/NVDeptofWildlife.
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.
This
is definitely not the year to wait until the last day to apply for the big game
draw. In an effort to promote early applications this year, the Nevada
Department of Wildlife will hold four drawings for a number of prizes from
Vortex Optics.
Depending on how early you apply,
you could be entered into each of the four drawings.
March
19:
Anyone who sets up their account and reviews their bonus points before the draw
opens on March 19 will be entered to win one of two 20x60x85 HD spotting scopes,
a pair of 15x50 Viper HD binoculars and a Ranger 1800 laser rangefinders.
March
26:
Sportsmen who apply before March 26 will be entered to win the 20x60x85 HD
spotting scope, the 15x50 Viper HD binoculars and the Ranger 1800 laser
rangefinder.
April
2:
Anyone who applies for the draw before April 2 will be entered to the 15x50
Viper HD binoculars and the Ranger 1800 laser rangefinder.
April
9:
Apply before April 9 and be entered to win the Ranger 1800 laser rangefinder.
NDOW has made several changes this
year, including launching a new, streamlined purchasing system (ndowlicensing.com)
that focuses on web and mobile platforms. 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.
The
deadline for this year’s big game tag draw is Monday, April 16 by 11 p.m.
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.
Two Wisconsin
men were sentenced this week in the Seventh District Court of Ely for poaching
a bull elk in White Pine County in November of 2015.
Ed Singler of
Shiocton, Wisconsin had a valid bull elk tag for hunt units 221,222 and 223,
but his adult son Ryan Singler of New London, Wisconsin actually took the shot.
The two then falsely claimed that it was the elder Singler who harvested the
animal.
Ryan Singler pled guilty to a gross misdemeanor and
was sentenced to 270 days in jail (suspended), a $2,000 fine and a $6,000 civil
penalty along with forfeiture of the rifle, scope and anything harvested from
the elk. Ed Singler also pled guilty to a gross misdemeanor and was sentenced
to 270 days in jail (suspended), a $1,000 fine and a $6,000 civil penalty. The
two also received 10 days in the White Pine County Jail, which they began
serving following the sentencing hearing, and 40 hours of community service to
be served with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The two men will not be
permitted to hunt or purchase any hunting license or tag for six years in the
47 states that recognize a Nevada revocation.
“This is
such a senseless crime,” said Scott Giles, game warden with the Nevada
Department of Wildlife (NDOW). “These individuals had a valid tag in that area,
but because they felt the rules did not apply to them they wound up receiving
some pretty steep fines and penalties.”
The case was
done in coordination with conservation officers from the Law Enforcement
Division of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, who had brought the
possible violation to the attention of NDOW. Wisconsin conservation officers
also served search warrants on both Ed and Ryan Singler’s homes, vehicles and
cell phones.
“The
teamwork between NDOW and the Wisconsin DNR was crucial to the success of this
case,” said Tyler Turnipseed, Chief Game Warden for NDOW.
A local guide was also
sentenced in the case. Tyler Brunson of McGill reached a plea agreement
with the White Pine County District Attorney’s Office for his testimony.
Brunson was convicted of hindering a game warden, which is a misdemeanor and
carries with it three years revocation of all license privileges.
To report
wildlife crime, sportsmen and members of the public can call Operation Game
Thief at (800) 992-3030. To learn more about game wardens and wildlife in
Nevada visit NDOW at www.ndow.org.
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
Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved a new regulation that prohibits
the taking or gathering of shed antlers from public land in Elko, Eureka,
Lander, Lincoln, Nye or White Pine counties from January 1 - April 30 each
year.
The
regulation originated from petitions coming out of the eastern Nevada County Advisory
Boards to Manage Wildlife (CABMW). These
eastern Nevada CABMW have the most concentrated deer and elk winter ranges,
most severe winters, and the heaviest shed hunting pressure. Shed hunting is still open year-round in the
other 11 counties in Nevada.
The
goal is to allow deer and elk herds in eastern and central Nevada to utilize
their critical winter range habitats without being disturbed. As shed hunting
becomes more popular each year, mounting pressure from shed hunters has forced animals
to move onto sub-par habitat and expend crucial energy reserves during critical
winter months.
Shed
hunting is also creating increased traffic around big game winter ranges and
results in habitat impacts and road degradation on both private and public
lands. It was the combination of animal
disturbance and habitat degradation that was the basis for the regulation.
Last
year Nevada saw a significant increase in shed hunting pressure when, due to
extreme winter conditions and deep snows, Utah closed their shed antler hunting
season in an effort to reduce stress on deer, elk and moose to help more animals
make it through harsh winter.
The
closure was extended through April in an attempt to lessen habitat degradation
and disturbance on breeding sage grouse.
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.