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.
License Costs
Nevada License Costs
License | General hunting license |
|---|---|
Resident | $38 |
Nonresident | N/A |
Resident Youth | $15 |
Nonresident Youth | N/A |
License | Combination hunting and fishing |
Resident | $75 |
Nonresident | $155 |
Resident Youth | $15 |
Nonresident Youth | $15 |
License | Deer application fee |
Resident | $11 |
Nonresident | $11 |
Resident Youth | $11 |
Nonresident Youth | $11 |
License | Elk application fee |
Resident | $16 |
Nonresident | $16 |
Resident Youth | $16 |
Nonresident Youth | $16 |
License | Antelope application fee |
Resident | $11 |
Nonresident | $11 |
Resident Youth | $11 |
Nonresident Youth | $11 |
License | Bighorn Sheep application fee |
Resident | $11 |
Nonresident | $11 |
Resident Youth | $11 |
Nonresident Youth | $11 |
License | Rocky Mountain Goat application fee |
Resident | $11 |
Nonresident | $11 |
Resident Youth | $11 |
Nonresident Youth | $11 |
License | Bonus point only fee(all species) |
Resident | $11 |
Nonresident | $11 |
Resident Youth | $11 |
Nonresident Youth | $11 |
License | Resident | Nonresident | Resident Youth | Nonresident Youth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
General hunting license | $38 | N/A | $15 | N/A |
Combination hunting and fishing | $75 | $155 | $15 | $15 |
Deer application fee | $11 | $11 | $11 | $11 |
Elk application fee | $16 | $16 | $16 | $16 |
Antelope application fee | $11 | $11 | $11 | $11 |
Bighorn Sheep application fee | $11 | $11 | $11 | $11 |
Rocky Mountain Goat application fee | $11 | $11 | $11 | $11 |
Bonus point only fee(all species) | $11 | $11 | $11 | $11 |
Species Costs
Nevada Species Costs
Permits | Mule Deer |
|---|---|
Resident | $30 |
Nonresident | $240 |
Resident Youth | $30 |
Nonresident Youth | $240 |
Permits | Elk |
Resident | $120 |
Nonresident | $1200 |
Resident Youth | $120 |
Nonresident Youth | $1200 |
Permits | Antelope |
Resident | $60 |
Nonresident | $300 |
Resident Youth | $60 |
Nonresident Youth | $300 |
Permits | Bighorn Sheep |
Resident | $120 |
Nonresident | $1200 |
Resident Youth | $120 |
Nonresident Youth | $1200 |
Permits | Rocky Mountain Goat |
Resident | $120 |
Nonresident | $1200 |
Resident Youth | $120 |
Nonresident Youth | $1200 |
Permits | Moose |
Resident | $120 |
Nonresident | -- |
Resident Youth | $120 |
Nonresident Youth | -- |
Permits | Black Bear |
Resident | $100 |
Nonresident | $300 |
Resident Youth | $100 |
Nonresident Youth | $300 |
Permits | Resident | Nonresident | Resident Youth | Nonresident Youth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mule Deer | $30 | $240 | $30 | $240 |
Elk | $120 | $1200 | $120 | $1200 |
Antelope | $60 | $300 | $60 | $300 |
Bighorn Sheep | $120 | $1200 | $120 | $1200 |
Rocky Mountain Goat | $120 | $1200 | $120 | $1200 |
Moose | $120 | -- | $120 | -- |
Black Bear | $100 | $300 | $100 | $300 |
Important Dates
Nevada Dates and Deadlines
Deadlines and draw results |
Date |
Application deadline |
May 7, 2025 |
Bonus points only application deadline |
May 7, 2025 |
Draw results |
May 23, 2025 |
Second draw deadline (leftover tags) |
June 16, 2025 |
Second draw results (leftover tags) |
June 27, 2025 |
Tag return (deer, elk, antelope) |
The day before the season |
Tag return (sheep, goat) |
Mid-July |
First come, first served (If any tags remain) |
Early July |
Harvest reporting deadline (mandatory) |
Jan 31, 2026 |
Deadlines and draw results | Date |
Application deadline | May 7, 2025 |
Bonus points only application deadline | May 7, 2025 |
Draw results | May 23, 2025 |
Second draw deadline (leftover tags) | June 16, 2025 |
Second draw results (leftover tags) | June 27, 2025 |
Tag return (deer, elk, antelope) | The day before the season |
Tag return (sheep, goat) | Mid-July |
First come, first served (If any tags remain) | Early July |
Harvest reporting deadline (mandatory) | Jan 31, 2026 |
Draw Result Dates
Nevada Draw Result Dates
Year | 2020 |
|---|---|
Results Posted | May 20 |
Year | 2021 |
Results Posted | May 21 |
Year | 2022 |
Results Posted | May 20 |
Year | 2023 |
Results Posted | May 19 |
Year | 2024 |
Results Posted | May 17 |
Year | Results Posted |
|---|---|
2020 | May 20 |
2021 | May 21 |
2022 | May 20 |
2023 | May 19 |
2024 | May 17 |
Draw System
Tag lottery
Apply online here.
Must buy a hunting license to apply
Tag fees are not charged unless you draw
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
Pairs or groups of hunters may apply together
Parties may apply only for deer, antlerless elk and doe antelope
Bonus points are averaged and rounded to the closest whole number (e.g. 2.5 points = 3. 2.33 points = 2)
Residents and nonresidents may apply together but only for deer tags
When residents and nonresidents apply together, the application is treated as a nonresident application
Withdrawing application
Hunters may withdraw or change to points only on their application online through the NDOW licensing website.
Waiting period
Elk — Seven years regardless if you have harvested or not
Deer — no waiting period
Antelope —three years regardless if you have harvested or not
Sheep — 10 years if you draw a tag, regardless of whether you fill it
Mountain goat — same as sheep
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.
Getting a Tag
Tag lottery — Hunters may apply online
Party applications — Deer hunters may apply together
Landowner tags
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
Deer and antelope tags valid for all seasons
Elk tags are valid for one season (hunter may choose)
Landowner tag holders also may draw and fill out a lottery tag
Hunters may buy and fill multiple landowner tags
Landowner tag does not affect the buyer's bonus points
You can search for and buy landowner tags here.
Youth tags
More than 2,500 tags
Hunters 12-17 years old
Valid for all weapon seasons in one unit
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.
Hunting Rules
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.
0 Comments