Date: 03/10/09
Contact: John McKay
Phone: (775) 688-1553

PRE-REGISTER YOUR HUNTER EDUCATION NOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS LATER

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) urges hunters to get ready for the busy big game draw season now by ensuring their hunter education requirement is met. Hunters can pre-register their hunter education information with the Nevada Wildlife Administrative Services Office (WASO) or take a hunter education class before the rush to apply for big game tags begins.

Nevada law requires anyone born after January 1, 1960 to show proof of having successfully completed a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Acceptable proof is defined as either a hunter education certificate or previous year’s hunting license that bears proof of hunter education. Certificates and licenses from all states or Canadian provinces are accepted. Every year it is this hunter education proof requirement that can stand in the way of hunters submitting their big game applications.

Hunters who have already completed a hunter education course and/or previously applied for a Nevada tag can quickly confirm their hunter education information is on file with WASO by going to www.huntnevada.com. Simply click on “Hunter Education Confirmation Lookup” and follow the instructions to make sure their record is on file. If the search doesn’t produce the record, download the form and follow instructions to pre-register.

Hunters who need to take a hunter education class will find plenty of classes to choose from at www.ndow.com. A multitude of locations and times are offered to fit every schedule.

For those new to the Nevada draw, NDOW will once again hold tag application workshops in Las Vegas and Reno. The Las Vegas workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at the Clark County Government Center, 500 Grand Central Parkway. Reservations are not required. Call NDOW at (702) 486-5127 x 3501 for more information. The Reno workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at NDOW offices, on 1100 Valley Road in Reno. No reservations are necessary. Call NDOW at (775) 688-1622 for more information.

The workshops are designed to explain the tag application process from A to Z, covering such topics as game management, hunt unit information, draw odds, bonus points and the mechanics of the draw itself. Workshop details, times and locations can be found on the NDOW website at www.ndow.org.

Maureen Hullinger, NDOW licensing program officer, recommends every hunter attend a workshop at least once to gain a better understanding of the process. “If there is one area where we are constantly trying to correct misinformation it’s the tag draw,” said Hullinger. “There are no secrets, no magic formulas presented, but understanding how the process works is one of the single most important steps a hunter can take towards being successful in the draw.”

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.