Nevada Game Seasons 2025-2026 – Unit Maps, Deadlines & Hunting Rules
Welcome to the ultimate guide for Nevada’s 2025 hunting season! Whether you’re a seasoned Silver State hunter or planning your first outdoor adventure in Nevada’s diverse landscapes, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about hunting dates, species availability, licensing requirements, and wildlife management zones throughout the state.
Nevada Hunting Season Overview: Your Complete Resource
Nevada offers diverse outdoor experiences across its varied terrain, from the high desert plateaus to alpine mountain ranges. The state carefully manages wildlife populations through a regulated season structure and tag allocation system to ensure sustainable hunting practices. Here’s your guide to the 2025 hunting opportunities in Nevada.
Key Nevada Hunting Season Dates for 2025
Below is a summary table of major game species and their general hunting seasons in Nevada. Always check specific unit regulations, as dates may vary by location and hunting method.
| Species | Season Type | Season Dates | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Archery | Aug-Sept 2025 | Bow only |
| Mule Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct 2025 | Muzzleloader only |
| Mule Deer | Rifle | Oct-Nov 2025 | Any legal weapon |
| Elk | Archery | Aug-Sept 2025 | Bow only |
| Elk | Rifle | Sept-Dec 2025 (varies by unit) | Any legal weapon |
| Antelope | Archery | Aug 2025 | Bow only |
| Antelope | Rifle | Aug-Sept 2025 | Any legal weapon |
| Bighorn Sheep | General | Aug-Dec 2025 (varies by unit) | Any legal weapon |
| Mountain Goat | General | Sept-Oct 2025 | Any legal weapon |
| Wild Turkey | Spring | April-May 2025 | Shotgun/Bow |
| Chukar & Quail | General | Oct 2025-Feb 2026 | Shotgun |
| Waterfowl | General | Oct 2025-Jan 2026 | Shotgun |
Big Game Hunting in Nevada 🦌
Nevada is renowned for its big game hunting opportunities, offering some of the West’s most coveted tags through a draw system.
Mule Deer Seasons
Mule deer are Nevada’s most popular big game animal, with hunting opportunities across much of the state. Season dates vary by unit and hunting method:
- Archery Season: Generally begins in August and runs through early September
- Muzzleloader Season: Typically takes place in October
- Rifle Season: Most units have seasons between October and November
- Junior Hunts: Special junior-only hunts are available in select units
Tag quotas are determined annually based on population surveys, with both resident and non-resident opportunities available. Most tags are distributed through Nevada’s draw system, with applications due by May 7, 2025.
Elk Hunting in Nevada
Elk populations have thrived in Nevada, providing exciting hunting experiences in the state’s mountain ranges. Seasons are structured by weapon type:
- Archery Season: August through September
- Rifle Seasons: September through December (varies by unit)
- Antlerless Hunts: Special management hunts with varied dates
- Spike Elk Hunts: Available in select units
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) manages elk herds carefully, with tag quotas adjusted based on annual population assessments. Application deadline is May 7, 2025, with draw results released on or before May 23, 2025.
Pronghorn Antelope
Antelope hunting in Nevada offers opportunities for both “horns longer than ears” and “horns shorter than ears” categories:
- Archery Season: August
- Any Legal Weapon: August-September (varies by unit)
- Junior Hunts: Special opportunities for youth hunters
Nevada’s vast open spaces provide excellent antelope habitat, with hunting units spread across the northern and central portions of the state.
Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goat
Nevada offers hunting for three subspecies of bighorn sheep:
- Nelson (Desert) Bighorn
- California Bighorn
- Rocky Mountain Bighorn
These coveted tags are among the most difficult to draw in Nevada, with very limited quotas. The season typically runs from August through December, depending on the unit.
Mountain goat hunting is also available in limited areas, primarily in the Ruby Mountains, with seasons generally in September and October.
Turkey Season in Nevada 🦃
Wild turkey hunting in Nevada provides exciting spring opportunities across several regions of the state.
Spring Turkey Season
- Season Dates: April-May 2025
- Bag Limit: One bearded wild turkey
- Hunting Hours: Half hour before sunrise to sunset
- Application Period: January 13-27, 2025
- Results Released: February 14, 2025
Turkey hunting in Nevada requires a special tag obtained through a draw process. Both shotguns and archery equipment are permitted, with specific regulations regarding ammunition types.
Fall Turkey Opportunities
Limited fall turkey hunting is available in select areas, with seasons and tag availability determined annually based on population assessments.
Furbearer Hunting in Nevada 🐾
Nevada’s furbearer seasons provide additional hunting opportunities throughout the year:
- Mountain Lion: Year-round in open units (tag required)
- Black Bear: September through December (varies by unit, tag required)
- Bobcat: Winter months (trapping permit required)
- Coyote: Year-round (no closed season)
Mountain lion and black bear hunting require specific tags, with mandatory reporting requirements after harvest. The mountain lion season closes when the harvest quota for a specific unit is reached.
Small Game Hunting 🐇
Nevada offers abundant small game hunting opportunities with longer seasons than big game:
| Species | Season | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Chukar & Hungarian Partridge | Oct 2025-Feb 2026 | Daily: 6, Possession: 18 |
| California & Gambel’s Quail | Oct 2025-Feb 2026 | Daily: 10, Possession: 30 |
| Cottontail & Pygmy Rabbit | Oct 2025-Feb 2026 | Daily: 10, Possession: 20 |
| Jackrabbit | Year-round | No limit |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sep 2025-Feb 2026 | Daily: 5, Possession: 10 |
| Grouse | Sep-Nov 2025 | Daily: 3, Possession: 9 |
Youth-only hunts are available for several small game species, providing excellent opportunities for new hunters to experience the outdoors.
Waterfowl Hunting in Nevada 🦆
Nevada’s diverse wetlands and reservoirs offer quality waterfowl hunting:
- Duck/Goose Seasons: Generally October 2025-January 2026
- Youth Waterfowl Day: Special youth-only hunt days early in the season
- Zones: Nevada is divided into multiple waterfowl hunting zones with varying season dates
Waterfowl hunters must have:
- Nevada hunting license
- HIP (Harvest Information Program) number
- Federal Duck Stamp
Special draw permits are required for hunting at Overton and Key Pittman Wildlife Management Areas, with applications due September 8, 2025.
Swan Hunting
Limited swan hunting is available through a special permit:
- Application period: August 18-September 8, 2025
- Results released: September 19, 2025
- Permit fee: $10 (plus hunting license and Federal Duck Stamp)
Nevada Wildlife Management Areas and Hunting Zones 🗺️
Nevada is divided into multiple hunting units, each with specific regulations and season dates. Hunters should consult the Nevada Department of Wildlife maps for detailed unit boundaries and special regulations.
Key wildlife management areas include:
- Overton WMA
- Key Pittman WMA
- Mason Valley WMA
- Fernley WMA
- Stillwater WMA
These areas may have special regulations, access permits, or restricted hunting days.
Nevada Hunting License Information 🎟️
Resident License Fees
- Adult Combination (18+): $75
- Youth Combination (12-17): $15
- Adult Hunting (18+): $38
- Apprentice Hunting License (12+): $15
Non-Resident License Fees
- Adult Combination (18+): $155
- Youth Combination (12-17): $15
- 1-Day Combination Permit: $23 (+$8 for consecutive days)
Specialty Licenses
- Senior Specialty Combination (65+): $15
- Serviceman Specialty Combination: $15
- Severely Disabled/Disabled Veteran: $15
- Native American Specialty Combination: $10
Tag Fees (Resident/Non-Resident)
- Mule Deer: $30/$240
- Antelope: $60/$300
- Elk: $120/$1,200
- Bighorn Sheep: $120/$1,200
- Mountain Goat: $120/$1,200
- Wild Turkey: $20/$50
- Mountain Lion: $29/$104
- Black Bear: $100/$300
- Moose: $120/$1,200
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting in Nevada ❓
Q: When is the application deadline for Nevada big game tags?
A: The main draw application deadline is May 7, 2025, with results released on or before May 23, 2025.
Q: Do I need a hunting license to apply for big game tags?
A: Yes, you need a valid Nevada hunting license to apply for big game tags.
Q: How does the bonus point system work?
A: Bonus points increase your chances of drawing a tag. You receive one point per species for unsuccessful applications or can purchase a bonus point during the application period.
Q: Can I hunt on public lands in Nevada?
A: Yes, Nevada has abundant public lands open to hunting, including BLM, National Forest, and state wildlife management areas.
Q: Is hunter education required in Nevada?
A: Yes, hunters born after January 1, 1960, must complete a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license.
Q: Are there any night hunting opportunities in Nevada?
A: Night hunting is generally prohibited except for certain non-game species and when specifically authorized by special permit.
Expand Your Nevada Hunting Adventure
Looking for more information about hunting in the Silver State and beyond? Check out these helpful resources:
- Mule Deer Hunting Tips
- Hunting in California
- Utah Hunting Guide
- Arizona Hunting Information
Start Planning Your 2025 Nevada Hunt Today! 🏹
Nevada’s hunting opportunities are diverse and rewarding, but tag quotas are limited. Make sure to review unit-specific regulations, submit your applications before the deadlines, and prepare thoroughly for your hunt.
Remember to always check the latest regulations from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, as season dates and bag limits may change based on wildlife population assessments and management decisions. Good luck, and happy hunting in the Silver State!
