Date: 8/20/10
Contact: Aaron Meier
Phone: (775) 688-1998

MASON VALLEY GOOSE HUNT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

Applications for the popular Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Controlled Goose Hunt are now available and can be picked up at local Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) offices, or on the NDOW website at ndow.org/hunt/apps/.

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., Oct. 13.

A public drawing will be administered at the Valley Road Office, at 10 a.m. on Oct. 27. The results will be posted on the NDOW website and all party leaders will receive a letter indicating if they were successful or unsuccessful in the drawing. NDOW received a total of 150 applications for the hunt last year.

The hunt itself will be conducted on 10 consecutive Saturdays beginning November 27, 2010 and ending on Jan. 29. 2011. In addition, two Wednesdays (Dec. 8 and Dec. 15) 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.

Hunters are reminded that additional goose hunting opportunities are available exclusive of the controlled hunt zone including hunts in established agricultural fields and also in the many ponds on the area. “Generally speaking, goose hunting on the area’s ponds is often overlooked and that’s unfortunate because goose hunting there can be very good at times,” according to Pat Kelly, Wildlife Management Area Supervisor for NDOW .

“Most hunters enjoy the fact that they have a particular field all to themselves and don't have to worry about dealing with other hunters for that day,” reports Kelly. “Five years ago, the decision was made to designate two of the available hunt days to family hunt days (Dec. 11 and Dec. 18) 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 .now totals 15,840 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. Visit www.ndow.org.