License Costs

Species Costs

Important Dates

Draw System

Getting a Tag

Hunting Rules

Hunters in Nevada enjoy classic Western hunting experiences with uncrowded conditions in most units. Generally, open terrain is conducive to long-range glassing. Hunters can find solitude in many wilderness and other roadless areas. Trophy quality is among the best in the West. Nevada is one of only two states with all three subspecies of bighorn sheep. Hunters may choose among archery, muzzleloader, and “any legal weapon” seasons, but hunters may use any legal weapon during all sheep and Rocky Mountain goat seasons. Most tags are issued through a lottery system. Unsuccessful applicants may gain bonus points, which are squared and improve the odds of drawing tags.

Tag lottery

Unlocking Nevada's System

Hunters can apply for five different hunt choices per animal type. California bighorn sheep and desert bighorn sheep are considered different animals. If the computer draws an application, the applicant gets the highest-choice tag still available. Thus, a tag could go to a hunter who listed it as a fifth choice, even though another hunter might have listed the same tag as a first choice. Select each choice wisely. It is also important to understand that you get five hunt choices and your first two choices should be filled with the hunts that you desire most regardless of your point level or the popularity of the hunt choice.

With five choices, there is always a slim chance for applicants with little or no points to draw a tag. After your first two “dream” choices are filled in, then you must determine if your intentions are to hold out for only the best of hunts or if you would be happy with a less popular selection. Remember, your bonus points are squared in Nevada.

Nonresident allocation

Nevada uses separate permit number pools for residents and nonresidents. Because of this, nonresidents are only competing against other nonresidents during the draw.

Bonus points

Much like raffle tickets, bonus points give hunters extra chances to draw tags. You can acquire one bonus point per year, per species by buying them or by applying for and getting rejected for tags. Bonus points are squared in Nevada.

For example, if you have four base bonus points those will be squared and you will then have 16 chances plus one going into the next year's drawing for a total of 17.

Building points only

Unsuccessful applicants in the main draw will earn a point for each year they apply. Additionally, applicants can also apply for points-only hunt codes but will still need to pay applicable application fees and purchase a hunting license. Applicants who missed the first application period can also apply for points during the second drawing period.

Party Applications

Withdrawing application

Hunters may withdraw or change to points only on their application online through the NDOW licensing website.

Waiting period

Second draw

After the primary draw, Nevada will hold a Second drawing period if any big game permits remain from the first drawing cycle. Hunters are cautioned that drawing any tags in the second draw will result in a loss of any accrued points for that species. As an added perk, any hunters wishing to only build bonus points for the application year can apply for points only during the second draw if they missed the first.

First come, First serve(FCFS)

Nevada has a unique program called the First Come, First Served(FCFS). With this, any big game permits that are returned to the department will be made available for purchase at random through their online platform. Nonresidents will only be able to purchase permits that were originally held by non-resident applicants. Picking up a tag from the FCFS program will deplete any bonus points held for that species.

Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted. License and application fees are charged immediately. Tag fees are not charged until you draw.

Hunting license

Hunters must buy a hunting license to apply. Unsuccessful applicants who request a refund of the hunting license fee do not earn bonus points.

Over-the-counter tags

None, unless tags go to the leftover draw and then to first-come-first-served. If you do not draw a tag, you may buy a landowner tag.

Landowner tags

Transferable and valid in one or more units

You can search for and buy landowner tags here.

Youth tags

Returning tags

You may return a tag to the state and get a refund of your tag fee as well as a restoration of your bonus points. Note: certain species have different rules for turning back in a tag. See the official list here. The deadline for turning in mountain goat and sheep tags is 30 days before the first hunting for the species begins. Deer, elk, and antelope tags may be returned the day before the first hunting season for the species.

Minimum age to hunt

12 years old

Hunters education

Required of hunters born after Jan. 1, 1960

Hunters education registration

Hunters must also register their hunter's education certificate with the state before applying or purchasing a license.

Bowhunters education

Nevada does not require a bowhunter's education

Hunters orange

Not required in Nevada

Weapon restrictions

Nevada does have some weapon restrictions that you should pay attention to before you apply. For more information, check out the state regulations.

Hunting opportunities for military members

Residency

Any service members on permanent duty in Nevada as well as their spouse and dependents under the age of 21 will be granted residency immediately and can purchase tags and licenses accordingly.

Serviceman's hunting license

Nevada residents who are currently permanently stationed outside of the state may purchase a Nevada hunting license for $9.

Disabled veteran specialty combination license

Any disabled veterans who have resided in Nevada for a period of six months or longer and are certified by the VA with a service-connected disability of 50% or more are eligible for a combination license for free.

Disabled veterans requirements

Disabled veterans can apply for special allowances by presenting a certified letter from the VA certifying service-connected disabilities of 50% or greater.