Date: 11/19/08
Contact: John McKay
Phone: (775) 688-1553

NEVADA HUNTING LICENSING CHANGING

In this instant information age of cell phones, PDAs and PCs consumers are constantly connected and doing more and more of their shopping and buying online. In an effort to meet the demand of today’s on-the-go, tech-savvy hunters, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is moving to a “Point of Sale” (POS) or automated computer-based licensing system and with it, a stricter enforcement of Nevada’s Hunter Education requirement.

By Nevada state law, any hunter born after January 1, 1960 must provide proof of Hunter Education – a valid certificate or a previous year’s hunting license from any US state or Canadian province that bears proof of Hunter Education – before purchasing a hunting license. When fully operational the POS system will function via a network of PCs and small countertop units located at NDOW offices and most license agents throughout the state. The system requires proof of Hunter Education be on file with NDOW or a Hunter Education certificate number or other unique identifier be entered before a license can be issued.

Most Hunter Education certificates include a number, while some hunting licenses show a certificate number or bear a “unique mark” (e.g. a checked box) that signifies that a Hunter Education course has been completed. However some state’s hunting licenses, such as California, show no evidence whatsoever of Hunter Education.

Beginning early next year with the 2009 big game tag application period and new license year, NDOW will not accept another state’s hunting license which lacks evidence of Hunter Education as proof of Hunter Education. Previous year’s Nevada hunting licenses that show proper proof of Hunter Education will continue to be accepted as proof of Hunter Education.

Hunters who are not sure if they possess the required proof of Hunter Education have a number of options to get it and plenty of time to do it.

• Verify their Hunter Education record with NDOW at www.huntnevada.com. If NDOW doesn’t have the record in their database hunters can follow instructions on the website to pre-register their Hunter Education information, which will update their client record and allow them to purchase licenses and apply for tags via the POS system or online.

• Contact the state where they originally took the course and request a duplicate certificate. Hunters can then either pre-register their Hunter Education information with NDOW or present their Hunter Education certificate when purchasing their hunting license.

• Complete a Hunter Education course in Nevada or another state. After successfully completing a course, again hunters can either pre-register their Hunter Education information with NDOW or present their Hunter Education certificate when purchasing their hunting license.

• New residents to Nevada can bring their proof of Hunter Education from another state to NDOW regional offices in Elko, Las Vegas and Reno and request a Nevada Hunter Education card free of charge. The hunter will then have a Hunter Education record in both states which should reduce or eliminate problems when purchasing a hunting license.

Hunter’s who have questions, need to find a class or just want to learn more about NDOW’s Hunter Education program should contact an NDOW office or visit the agency’s website at www.ndow.org and click on the Learn and Participate or Hunter Education links.

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.