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To many, March means spring, green grass, wildflowers and warmer weather. But for Nevada hunters March also means big game tag application season has arrived and with it, renewed hope of drawing a coveted tag this fall.
To reduce costs and environmental impacts, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) will not send applications and regulation brochures to those who applied online for tags within the past two years. Instead, those hunters will receive a postcard on or about March 24 reminding them of the upcoming draw. Hunters who want paper applications may obtain them at sporting goods stores, NDOW offices or online at www.ndow.org, and can begin applying online at www.huntnevada.com on March 24 as well.
This year's application deadline is Monday, April 21. Applications must be received, either via mail or online, by 5 p.m., to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be notified of the drawing results by June 20.
Regardless of application method hunters should be aware of some regulations changes in 2008 according to Maureen Hullinger, NDOW licensing program officer. "Hunters should carefully read this year's regulations brochure because there have been several important changes from last year," said Hullinger. "Some of the more significant changes involve junior tags and junior bonus points."
In 2007 the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC) amended regulations regarding the junior deer hunt. Beginning in the 2008 season junior hunters will only be able to apply four years for the junior hunt. The NBWC also amended the regulation to automatically transfer any bonus points accrued in the junior hunt to the antlered deer category at the time the junior hunter becomes ineligible for the junior hunt, either by age or after four years of application for the junior hunt.
This year hunters will also find they have the option of purchasing a mountain lion tag and any or all stamps (duck, upland game, trout, second rod) when applying for their tags.
Hunters should be aware that wilderness areas are greatly expanded across White Pine and Lincoln counties. These areas restrict motorized access. The Hunt Unit Map at ndow.org displays the wilderness boundaries. Whether you are concerned about where you can drive your ATV or where to backpack hunt to avoid vehicle traffic, review page 35 of the new application regulations and check NDOW's internet mapping service at http://gis.ndow.nv.gov
NDOW will once again hold tag application workshops in Las Vegas (Mar. 26) and Reno (Mar.27). The workshops are designed to explain the tag application process from A to Z, covering such topics as game management, hunt unit information, draw odds, bonus points and the mechanics of the draw itself. Workshop details, times and locations can be found on the NDOW website at www.ndow.org.
Ms. Hullinger recommends every hunter attend a workshop at least once to gain a better understanding of the process. "If there is one area where we are constantly trying to correct misinformation it's the tag draw," said Hullinger. "There are no secrets, no magic formulas presented, but understanding how the process works is one of the single most important steps a hunter can take towards being successful in the draw."
For more information, visit www.ndow.org.
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