Outdoor Education

There are countless opportunities to use and enjoy Nevada’s abundant fish and wildlife resources. Outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing are all vital parts of our heritage and provide people with many outdoor recreation experiences each year. Join our experienced educators and learn how to become a confident, competent and ethical outdoor enthusiast.

HUNTER EDUCATION

Hunter education courses are required to hunt in Nevada, but they are also a fun hands-on way to learn about hunting! In addition to hunter education courses, our instructors offer specialized shooting courses, game cooking classes and so much more.

Students who are 18 years of age and older can now complete their hunting safety certification entirely online here.

Students who are under 18 years old must attend a final Hunter Education Class to complete their hunter safety certification.

Hunter Education Course
Location:
Nevada Department of Wildlife – Reno
1100 Valley rd
Reno, NV 89512
06-10-2023
Hunter Education Course
Location:
Bass Pro Shops
8200 Dean Martin Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89139
06-25-2023
Hunter Education Course
Location:
Bass Pro Shops
8200 Dean Martin Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89139
07-23-2023

BOATING EDUCATION

Did you know that 70% of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction? That’s why Nevada boaters born on or after January 1, 1983 are required to complete a Nevada Department of Wildlife approved boater education course before operating a boat on Nevada’s interstate waters. It’s also why NDOW strongly recommends everyone get their boating education card before heading out on the water.

Online courses
In-Person Courses
LEARN FROM HOME

There are several options for online courses with varying levels of interactive elements and costs.

In-person classes are available through the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadron.

Western Nevada Boating Education

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Sierra Division 11N
North Lake Tahoe Flotilla 11-01

Reno Flotilla 11-03
Bryce Leinan
775-291-3903

Southern Nevada Boating Education

The Las Vegas Sail and Power Squadron
Squadron Education Officer
775-419-2460

Las Vegas Coast Guard Auxiliary

You can also download a PDF version of the Nevada Boating Education Handbook. When you are ready, you can take the test at the back of the book and mail it to the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Once you pass, a boater education card will be mailed to you.

FISHING EDUCATION

We may live in the driest state in the nation, but there are plenty of amazing fishing opportunities to be found in Nevada. Our fishing clinics will introduce you to various fishing techniques and all equipment needed for your next fishing outing. Clinics are open to everyone and are free, but registration is required.

Kids Fishing Day – Sparks Marina
Location:
Sparks Marina
300 Howard Drive
Sparks, NV 89434
06-10-2023
Free Fishing Day Southern Nevada
Location:
Veterans’ Memorial Park
1650 Buchanan Blvd
Boulder City, NV 89005
06-10-2023
Free Fishing Day Ely – Comins Lake
Location:
Comins Lake
Steptoe Valley WMA
Ely, NV 89301
06-10-2023
Free Fishing Day Elko – Carlin Pond
Location:
Carlin Chinese Gardens
Chinese Gardens
Carlin, NV 89821
06-10-2023
Nevada Youth Experience – Carson City
Location:
Capitol City Gun Club
3590 Arrowhead Dr
Carson City, NV 89706
06-17-2023
Reno Carp Derby
Location:
Rosewood Lakes Nature Study Area
6800 Pembroke Dr,
Reno, NV 89502
06-24-2023
2023 Angel Lake Kids Fishing Derby
Location:
Angel Lake
Angel Lake Road
Wells, NV 89835
07-08-2023
Float Tube Fly Fishing Clinic
Location:
Angel Lake
Angel Lake Road
Wells, NV 89835
07-22-2023

ARCHERY EDUCATION

An archery clinic is a great way to connect to the outdoors. Our archery clinics are for beginners just getting started as well as experienced archers looking for a refresher. Join us for a class!

Both a standard hunter education certification and a hunting license are required to bow hunt in Nevada.

There are currently no clinics on the schedule

Please check back for more. In the meantime head to our YouTube channel here and explore our many videos!

WILDLIFE EDUCATION

Nevada is full of diverse wildlife just waiting to be discovered. There is much to learn about the animals that inhabit our great state, from animals found in our urban areas to those in the most remote places. Join us for a Wildlife Education Program where our educators will open the door for you to learn more about the bats, birds, snakes and lizards of Nevada and so much more. These programs are for all age and experience levels. Registration is required.

Bighorn Sheep Table Chat
Location:
Hemenway Park
401 Ville Dr
Boulder City, NV 89005
06-11-2023
Instructor Institute – Opportunities at NDOW
Location:
NDOW Southern Rgion Field Office
3373 Pepper Ln 7022794592
Las Vegas, NV 89120
06-15-2023
Bat Discovery Walk
Location:
Boulder City Pond
1650 Buchannan Blvd.
Boulder City, NV 89005
06-16-2023
Bighorn Sheep Table Chat
Location:
Hemenway Park
401 Ville Dr
Boulder City, NV 89005
06-25-2023

NDOW

In The Classroom

Bring wildlife into your classroom with us! We have something for every grade, from Trout in the Classroom, Project WILD teacher workshops, and our award-winning Know Your Nevada Program.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Outdoor Instructor

Do you have a passion for wildlife and the outdoors? Do you want to share that passion with others? Our volunteer instructors do just that! Through our various programs, we rely on volunteers to help reach wider audiences and meet federal grant match requirements. Volunteer instructors are the heart and soul of our department.

To apply to be a volunteer instructor, fill out the following forms and contact the appropriate program coordinator for your location and interest:


Title VI

This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.

For information on how to submit a complaint or report behaviors of concern to the Title IX Coordinator at the Nevada Department of Wildlife including but not limited to: discrimination, unlawful harassment, hate and bias, retaliation, and sexual misconduct, please contact the Title IX Coordinator: Julie Bless, jbless@ndow.org or (775) 688-1408 or ADA Coordinator: Kailey Musso, knmusso@ndow.org or (775) 688-1510. Initiating contact does not constitute submitting a formal complaint under Title IX.