Date: 01/26/09
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

GET READY NOW TO APPLY FOR BIG GAME TAGS LATER

The cold, gray days of mid-winter are not a time many hunters think about hunting next fall. But in Nevada; January, February and early March means big game tag application season will soon arrive and with it, renewed hope of drawing a coveted tag this fall.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) urges hunters to get ready for the busy draw season now by ensuring their Hunter Education requirement is met by pre-registering their Hunter Education information with the Wildlife Administrative Services Office (WASO) or taking a Hunter Education class before the rush to apply begins.

Nevada law requires anyone born after January 1, 1960 to show proof of having successfully completed a Hunter Education course before purchasing a hunting license. For many hunters each year it is this Hunter Education proof requirement that can stand in the way of submitting the application that will surely result in the tag of their dreams.

Hunters who have already completed a Hunter Education course can quickly confirm their Hunter Education information is on file with WASO by going to www.huntnevada.com. Simply click on “Hunter Education Confirmation Lookup” and follow the instructions to make sure their record is on file. If the search doesn’t produce the record, download the form and follow instructions to preregister. Hunters who need to take a Hunter Education class will find plenty of classes to choose from at www.ndow.com. A multitude of locations and times are offered to fit every schedule.

For those new to the Nevada draw, NDOW will once again hold tag application workshops in Las Vegas and Reno. The workshops are designed to explain the tag application process from A to Z, covering such topics as game management, hunt unit information, draw odds, bonus points and the mechanics of the draw itself. Workshop details, times and locations can be found on the NDOW website at www.ndow.org.

Maureen Hullinger, NDOW licensing program officer, recommends every hunter attend a workshop at least once to gain a better understanding of the process. “If there is one area where we are constantly trying to correct misinformation it’s the tag draw,” said Hullinger. “There are no secrets, no magic formulas presented, but understanding how the process works is one of the single most important steps a hunter can take towards being successful in the draw.”

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, 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. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.