Date: 9/23/08
Contact: Aaron Meier
Phone: (775) 688-1998

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR MASON VALLEY WMA GOOSE HUNT

Goose hunting in the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area is a popular hunt among residents and nonresidents alike, but Elmer Bull, Wildlife Staff Specialist for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), reports it was that popularity that forced NDOW to institute a draw system for the hunt.

"The controlled goose hunt was implemented in the late 80's in response to overcrowding in fields. This overcrowding resulted in angry confrontations between hunting parties,” said Bull. It was felt that a drawing system should be initiated in an effort to alleviate the ill will between hunting parties and to provide a quality hunting experience for those who were fortunate to draw a reservation to hunt.”

With the application deadline for the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Controlled Goose Hunt fast approaching, hunters are reminded that all entries must be received via a postal service to the NDOW office at 1100 Valley Road before 5 p.m., October 8.

Applications can be found at local Nevada Department of Wildlife offices, or on the NDOW website at http://www.ndow.org/hunt/apps/. A public drawing will be administered at the Valley Road Office, at 10:00 a.m. on October 29. The results will be posted on the NDOW web site and all party leaders will receive a letter indicating if they were successful or unsuccessful in the drawing. Last year alone, NDOW received a total of 134 applications.

The hunt will be conducted on nine consecutive Saturdays beginning November 29, 2008 and ending on January 24, 2009. In addition, two Wednesdays will be included in this year’s hunt. A total of eight blind locations will be available, each of which will accommodate a maximum of four hunters. No more than 32 hunters will be allowed to hunt in the controlled goose hunt zone on any single day.

“While the hunt is unpopular with some hunters, most enjoy the fact that they have a particular field all to themselves and they don't have to worry about dealing with other hunters for that day,” reports Bull. “Two years ago, the decision was made to designate two of the available hunt days to family hunt days in an effort to encourage families to get out and hunt together. That, too, has generated positive responses from those participating.”

The Mason Valley WMA is located in Mason Valley in Lyon County, about 75 miles southeast of Reno via Interstate 80 and U. S. Alternate 95. The WMA area now totals 13,735 acres.

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.