Date: 6/24/08
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

HUNTERS CAN START SCOUTING NOW WITH BIG GAME STATUS REPORT

Now that results of the 2008 big game tag draw have been released it’s time for Nevada hunters to do their homework so they are ready when opening day arrives. Traditionally this homework assignment has meant spending as much time in the field as possible and doing so long before opening day. However, with gas prices reaching record highs every day, time spent afield may be a luxury many hunters can no longer afford.

But that doesn’t mean they are out of luck. Each year the Nevada Department of Wildlife publishes its Big Game Status Report, a report that contains information on game animal populations around the state and is based on surveys conducted by area biologists. It is a means of scouting from home.

“This report is a terrific resource for hunters. It contains lots of information, harvest statistics and even historical information. This is more than a mere snapshot in time and provides hunters with the bigger picture of what’s been happening in their hunt area,” said Martin Olson, Southern Region Hunter Education coordinator for NDOW.

Information in the status report is broken down first by species and then by herd management unit. A hunter with a tag for Area 10, which comprises of units 101 – 108, can read through the report and learn that Area 10 contains nearly 25 percent of Nevada’s mule deer population. Results from the 2007 post-season deer survey documented a buck-to-doe ratio of 30 bucks for each 100 does.

“The Area 10 population was up slightly from last year,” reads the report. “Good age class representation was observed throughout the buck segment of the population and hunters should continue to see many mature bucks.”

A quick check of the harvest data shows that during the 2007 rifle season 42 percent of the hunters were successful during the early season. In the late season, that number was 65 percent and 42 percent of the deer harvested were four-point or larger bucks. “These figures should give hunters with Area 10 tags an idea of what they can expect if they are willing to put in the work,” said Olson, who hunts the area whenever he can. “If they couple this data with
that found in our Hunter Information Sheets, hunters will learn some things that will ultimately benefit them when they get in the field.”

In addition to reading the Big Game Status Report and Hunter Information Sheets, hunters can call NDOW biologists if they desire more information. The key to making the most of their time and that of the biologists is being prepared before they make the phone call, said Steve Kimble, supervising game biologist.

“Hunters should read the appropriate report and information sheets before they call the biologist. That will give them some background information so they can ask specific questions. It’s also important that hunters have a quality topographic map of their hunt unit. They should become familiar with the map and have it handy when they make that call. That way they know what the biologist is talking about when they mention the name of a canyon or mountain peak,” he said.

Both the Big Game Status Report and Hunter Information sheets are available online at www.ndow.org.

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.