Date: 10/22/08
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

UPLAND GAME BIRD STAMPS FUND WATER FOR WILDLIFE

In spring of 2004, hunters who wished to pursue some species of Nevada’s upland game birds had to start purchasing another stamp for their hunting license. This $10 stamp is the Upland Game Bird Stamp and is required for anyone who hunts Hungarian and chukar partridge, quail, pheasant, snowcock and sage, blue and ruffed grouse.

“The Upland Game Bird Stamp is similar to the state and federal duck stamp programs in that it raises money for the protection and propagation of upland game birds, and for the acquisition, development and preservation of upland game bird habitats in Nevada,” said Martin Olson, Nevada Department of Wildlife spokesperson.

One of the most significant benefits of the stamp sales can be seen in the Nevada Department of Wildlife guzzler program. Guzzlers, also known as small volume water developments, are designed to trap and store rainwater in underground storage tanks where it is made available to upland game birds. Other wild critters benefit as well.

“In 2008, we completely rebuilt six guzzlers in the Davis Dam series near Laughlin. We replaced old concrete tanks with new fiberglass tanks and repaired or replaced any other components that were damaged or worn out,” said Roddy Shepard who oversees the NDOW small volume water development program in the Southern Region. “We also inventoried and assessed the condition of 113 other units in eight different mountain ranges. Any minor repairs were completed as needed.”

All of these efforts were paid for by the sportsmen who purchased an upland game bird stamp. Funding generated by stamp sales also is used to maintain a supply of materials needed to make repairs as they are discovered or to purchase the materials needed to build new guzzlers.

Shepard said he has plans to build 50 new guzzlers in Lincoln County, 10 each year for five years. He is waiting for approval from the Bureau of Land Management so he and his crew can get started. In the meantime, Shepard and company will continue to evaluate and maintain guzzlers in the Paiute and Eldorado valleys before moving on to the Gold Butte area.

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.