Time spent outdoors is good for both physical and mental health, but unfortunately, the numbers show that kids are recreating outdoors less often than ever before. As the agency in charge of managing our state’s recreational hunting and fishing opportunities we want kids spending more time outdoors, not less, and this program will help make that a reality. This fund will allow members of the public and non-profit organizations to donate money to cover the cost of youth combination licenses for kids so that the cost of a license is not a barrier to kids having FUN outdoors in Nevada!
“Time spent outdoors is good for both physical and mental health… We want kids spending more time outdoors, not less.”
The Department currently sells youth combination licenses to anyone 12-17 years old for $15. Money donated to this fund will solely be used to cover the cost of youth licenses to the extent that funds are available. These licenses will be offered to the public on a first-come first-served basis starting the summer of 2023. A youth combination license allows the holder to legally fish in Nevada for one year from the issuance date, and in combination with a validated hunter education certificate would also allow the holder to legally hunt. This is not a new or special license and is not a change to our license structure.
We recognize that $15 is not an exorbitant amount of money, but also understand that cost is one of the most common barriers people face when asked what keeps them from spending more time outdoors. This program will benefit families who cite cost as a barrier to the outdoors most, but is designed to benefit all youth.
Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more about the Nevada Youth License Fund please see the frequently asked questions listed below.
What is the purpose of the Nevada Youth License Fund?
To make it easier for kids who want to go fishing or hunting in Nevada by offering them a youth combination license at no cost to them.
How is this program funded?
This program is funded through generous donations from individuals and non-profit organizations. If you would like to support this program, you can do so by visiting our licensing webpage – https://www.ndowlicensing.com/
Does this mean that kids that are 12-17 years old don’t need a license anymore to go fishing?
No, kids ages 12-17 are still required to have a youth combination license to legally fish in Nevada. They can either purchase one for $15 or can acquire one through this program.
How do I get a youth combination license through this program?
Starting the summer of 2023, kids ages 12-17 will be able to acquire a youth combination license through this program anywhere NDOW licenses are sold which includes retail license vendors, NDOW regional offices and our online licensing page https://www.ndowlicensing.com/. Licenses will be available on a first-come first-served basis.
What are the required qualifications for kids wanting to get a youth combination license through this program?
The only qualification required to receive a license through this program is kids have to be 12-17 years old.
What if the Nevada Youth License Fund can’t keep up with the demand for youth combination licenses?
Youth combination licenses will be available through this program on a first-come first-served basis to the extent that funds are available. We will accept donations to this fund throughout the year and will keep the public apprised of how many licenses are available through this program on a regular basis.
Is this program available to both resident and non-resident kids?
Yes, both resident and non-resident kids ages 12-17 can acquire a youth combination license through the Nevada Youth License Fund starting the summer of 2023.
Does this program exist in any other states?
To the best of our knowledge Nevada is the first state to enact this kind of program.
What is the catch?
We want to make it easier for kids to have FUN outdoors, and we don’t want the cost of a license to be a barrier for kids wanting to go fishing or hunting in Nevada.