Hunting Seasons & Licensing · NV
Nevada Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonNevada is a draw-only state for nearly all big game hunting, with species including mule deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep (both desert and California), mountain goat, and mountain lion. The state is over 80% public land (mostly BLM), making it highly accessible once you have a tag. Nevada uses a bonus point system similar to Arizona — weighted random rather than strict preference. Some premium units take decades to draw. Note: NDOW's hunting-specific page has a redirect issue — visit ndow.org and search for 'hunting' to navigate to the hunting section directly.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Nevada Department of Wildlife before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Archery | Aug through Sep (varies by unit) | 1 deer per tag | Bow and arrow |
| Mule Deer | Rifle | Oct through Nov (varies by unit) | 1 deer per tag | Rifle, muzzleloader |
| Mule Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct through Nov (varies by unit) | 1 deer per tag | Muzzleloader only |
| Elk | General | Sep through Nov (varies by unit) | 1 elk per tag | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Pronghorn | General | Aug through Sep (varies by unit) | 1 pronghorn per tag | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | General | Nov through Dec (varies by unit) | 1 ram (once in lifetime) | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
| Mountain Lion | General | Mar through Feb (varies by zone) | 1–2 lions per year depending on zone | Rifle, bow, handgun |
| Black Bear | General | Sep through Dec (varies by unit) | 1 bear per year | Rifle, bow, muzzleloader |
Mule Deer (Archery): All tags by draw. Bonus point system.
Mule Deer (Rifle): All tags by draw
Mule Deer (Muzzleloader): All tags by draw
Elk (General): All tags by draw. Very competitive — some units take 10+ years.
Pronghorn (General): All tags by draw
Desert Bighorn Sheep (General): Extremely limited. Once in a lifetime. Nevada produces some of the largest desert bighorns.
Mountain Lion (General): Hound hunting permitted. OTC tag.
Black Bear (General): Limited tags by draw. Western Nevada only.
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chukar | General | Oct 11 – Feb 1, 2026 | 6 daily / 12 possession | Shotgun |
| Hungarian Partridge | General | Oct 11 – Feb 1, 2026 | 6 daily / 12 possession | Shotgun |
| Gambel's Quail | General | Oct 11 – Feb 1, 2026 | 10 daily / 20 possession | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Chukar (General): Nevada is one of the top chukar hunting states
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 7 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Pacific Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Year-round | 10 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Jackrabbit | General | Year-round | No limit | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $33 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $142 | — |
| Resident Deer Tag | $30 | If drawn |
| Non-Resident Deer Tag | $240 | If drawn |
| Resident Elk Tag | $120 | If drawn |
| Non-Resident Elk Tag | $1,200 | If drawn |
| Draw Application Fee | $15 per species | — |
| Bonus Point Fee | $141 (non-resident) per species per year | — |
| Youth (12–17) | Reduced fees | — |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Nevada is almost entirely draw-only for big game. The state uses a bonus point system — each point gives you additional entries in the random drawing, but does not guarantee you draw before applicants with fewer points. Applications are due in early April. Points can be purchased without applying for a tag ($141 per species for non-residents). Some premium desert bighorn and elk units may take 20+ years to draw. Mountain lion tags are available over the counter.
Harvest Reporting
Nevada requires mandatory harvest reporting for all big game species within 10 days of harvest through the NDOW online system or by phone. All big game must be tagged immediately upon harvest. Mandatory CWD testing may be required in designated areas. Failure to report can result in loss of bonus points and future license eligibility.
Nevada Wildlife Resources
- Nevada Department of Wildlife — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Operation Game Thief: 1-800-992-3030
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Nevada Department of Wildlife and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.