Nevada Hunting Season 2025-2026 – Dates, Licenses & Wildlife Management Units
Planning your next adventure in the Silver State? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Nevada’s 2025-2026 game calendar, from big game draws to small game opportunities. Whether you’re a local outdoorsman or visiting from out of state, we’ll cover dates, species, permits, wildlife management areas, and all the essential details for a successful season.
Nevada’s vast public lands offer incredible diversity – from desert bighorn sheep in southern ranges to sage grouse in northern valleys. With over 86% of the state being public land, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Let’s dive into what this year has in store for sportsmen and women across Nevada.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your snapshot of major species and their general timeframes for the 2025-2026 cycle:
Big Game Season Highlights:
- Antelope: August 22 – September 7 (General seasons)
- Mule Deer: October 5 – November 2 (Most junior hunts)
- Elk: Various dates from August through January depending on unit
- Desert Bighorn: September 15 – January 1 (Most units)
- California Bighorn: September 1 – November 10
Small Game & Upland Birds:
- Dove: September 1 – October 30
- Sage Grouse: September 20-28 (Limited areas)
- Chukar & Hungarian Partridge: October 11 – February 1
- Quail: October 11 – February 1
- Rabbit: November 1 – February 28
Turkey Opportunities:
- Spring 2026: March 21 – May 23 (Various areas)
Big Game Overview
Nevada’s big game opportunities are primarily managed through a lottery draw system, with applications typically opening in mid-March and closing in mid-May. Here’s what’s available:
Antelope Seasons
| Hunt Type | Season Dates | Weapon Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Horns Longer Than Ears | August 22 – September 7 | Any Legal Weapon | Most popular hunt |
| Resident Horns Shorter Than Ears | September 8 – September 24 | Any Legal Weapon | Good opportunity hunt |
| Junior Horns Shorter Than Ears | September 8 – September 24 | Any Legal Weapon | Youth hunters only |
| Muzzleloader | August 15 – August 21 | Muzzleloader Only | Premium experience |
| Archery | August 1 – August 14/21 | Archery Only | Extended season in some units |
The 2025-2026 season introduces new Junior Antelope opportunities in six hunt unit groups, providing excellent chances for young outdoorspeople to get started.
Mule Deer Opportunities
| Category | Season Dates | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Junior Antlered “Classic” | October 5 – November 2 | Multiple unit groups available |
| Resident Junior Primitive Antlered | Various dates | Includes units 051, 061-068, 071-079 |
| General Antlered Hunts | Varies by unit | Limited draw tags |
Elk Program
Nevada’s elk program offers diverse opportunities across different weapon types:
- Antlered Any Legal Weapon: September 17 – December 4 (varies by unit)
- Spike Elk Hunts: September 25 – October 4 (Unit groups 072-074)
- Antlerless Hunts: August through October (population management)
- Depredation Hunts: Year-round in specific areas dealing with crop damage
Bighorn Sheep Excellence
Nevada leads the nation in bighorn sheep hunting opportunities:
Desert Bighorn Sheep:
- Any Ram Hunts: September 15 – January 1 (most units)
- Management Ram: January 5 – February 20 (specific units)
- Archery Ram: Various dates from August through February
California Bighorn Sheep:
- Any Ram: September 1 – November 10
- Premium mountain ranges: Double H, Pine Forest, Jackson Mountains
Turkey Seasons
Wild turkey hunting provides excellent spring opportunities:
Spring Turkey 2026
| Area | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Valley WMA | March 21 – May 23, 2026 | 1 bearded bird | Shotgun/Archery |
| Moapa Valley | March 21 – April 12, 2026 | 1 bearded bird | Shotgun/Archery |
| All Other Open Counties | March 21 – April 19, 2026 | 1 bearded bird | Shotgun/Archery |
What’s New: The 2026 season introduces Silver State Turkey Tags for the first time, with applications beginning January 26, 2026.
Junior Wild Turkey
Youth hunters get special opportunities with extended seasons in select areas, including Hunt Unit 203 of Lyon County opening instead of just Mason Valley WMA.
Furbearer Opportunities
Year-round and seasonal trapping keeps active outdoors enthusiasts busy:
| Species | Season | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | No bag limit |
| Bobcat | November 1 – February 28 | Pelt sealing required |
| Raccoon | November 1 – March 31 | Check local restrictions |
| Badger | Year-round | Unprotected status |
| Skunk | Year-round | Unprotected status |
Important Change: Bobcat sealing location moved from Panaca to the NDOW office in Pioche for 2025-2026.
Small Game Seasons
Small game provides excellent action for newcomers and veterans alike:
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Daily/Possession Limit | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning & White-winged Dove | September 1 – October 30 | 15/45 combined | 30 min before sunrise to sunset |
| Chukar Partridge | October 11 – February 1 | 6/18 | Sunrise to sunset |
| Hungarian Partridge | October 11 – February 1 | 4/12 | Sunrise to sunset |
| California Quail | October 11 – February 1 | 10/30 | Sunrise to sunset |
| Gambel’s Quail | October 11 – February 1 | 5/15 | Sunrise to sunset |
| Mountain Quail | October 11 – February 1 | 2/6 | Sunrise to sunset |
Small Game Animals
| Species | Season | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | November 1 – February 28 | 5/15 | Combined limit |
| White-tailed Jackrabbit | November 1 – February 28 | 5/15 | Combined limit |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | November 1-30 | 2/6 roosters | Residents only |
Pro Tip: Hunters should report harvest through Nevada’s new daily harvest questionnaire for better population management data.
Waterfowl Seasons
Federal and state regulations combine for waterfowl opportunities:
Duck Seasons
Regular duck seasons run concurrent with federal frameworks, typically from October through January. Specific dates depend on federal regulations released each summer.
Special Areas:
- Carson Lake: Requires special permits ($60 annual, $15 daily)
- Wildlife Management Areas: Check individual regulations
- Federal Refuges: May have different dates and restrictions
Goose Opportunities
Canada goose seasons generally mirror duck seasons with some extended late periods in agricultural areas.
Required Stamps:
- Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (16 and older): $30
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration: Required annually
Additional Game Species
Nevada offers some unique opportunities:
| Species | Season | Limit | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himalayan Snowcock | September 1 – November 30 | 2/2 | Free permit required |
| American Crow | September 1 – November 17; March 1 – April 15 | 10 daily | Must retrieve all birds |
| Blue/Ruffed Grouse | September 1 – December 31 | 3/9 combined | Wing collection requested |
Wildlife Management Areas & Zones
Nevada divides hunting opportunities across multiple regions and hunt units:
Regional Offices:
- Western Region (Reno): Units 011-046, northern areas
- Eastern Region (Elko): Units 061-121, northeastern Nevada
- Southern Region (Las Vegas): Units 131-286, desert regions
Key Wildlife Management Areas:
- Mason Valley WMA: Premier turkey and waterfowl habitat
- Humboldt WMA: Diverse upland and waterfowl opportunities
- Overton WMA: Southern desert species focus
For detailed unit boundaries and access information, consult the official NDOW hunt unit map available at ndow.org.
Permits, Tags & Licenses
Understanding Nevada’s licensing structure is crucial for legal compliance:
Resident Licenses (2025-2026)
| License Type | Fee | Age Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Hunt/Fish Combination | $75 | 18 and older |
| Adult Hunting Only | $38 | 18 and older |
| Youth Hunt/Fish Combination | $15 | 12-17 years |
| Apprentice Hunting | $15 | 12 and older |
Specialty Resident Licenses
| Category | Fee | Verification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Combination (65+) | $15 | Age and residency |
| Serviceman Combination | $15 | Military orders |
| Disabled Veteran Combination | $15 | VA documentation |
| Severely Disabled Combination | $15 | Medical certification |
| Native American Combination | $10 | Tribal membership |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Hunt/Fish Combination | $155 | Most popular option |
| Youth Hunt/Fish Combination | $15 | Great youth value |
| 1-Day Combination Permit | $23 | Perfect for short visits |
| Apprentice Hunting | $15 | Available at NDOW offices |
Additional Stamps & Permits
- Federal Migratory Bird Stamp: $30 (required for waterfowl)
- Swan Permit: $10 (if available)
- Turkey Tags: $20 resident, $50 nonresident
- Trapping License: $40 resident, $188 nonresident
Military Benefits: Active duty personnel stationed in Nevada qualify for resident rates with proper documentation.
Nevada Quick FAQ
Q: When do big game applications open?
A: Typically mid-March through mid-May. Check ndowlicensing.com for exact dates.
Q: Can I hunt on private land without permission?
A: No. Always obtain written permission from landowners. Nevada has strict trespassing laws.
Q: Do I need hunter education?
A: Yes, unless born before January 1, 1960, or hunting under apprentice license supervision.
Q: What’s the bag limit for unprotected species?
A: Species like coyotes, jackrabbits, and certain ground squirrels have no bag limits.
Q: Can nonresidents hunt sage grouse?
A: No, sage grouse seasons are limited to Nevada residents only, except for the special Sheldon NWR draw.
Q: Where can I find current fire restrictions?
A: Check nevadafireinfo.org for up-to-date information, especially important during early seasons.
Q: How do I report my harvest?
A: Use Nevada’s new daily harvest questionnaire via QR code in regulation books or online at ndow.org.
Related Resources
For hunters interested in opportunities beyond Nevada, consider exploring seasons in neighboring states like California and Arizona for extended adventures.
Essential Links:
- NDOW Licensing: ndowlicensing.com
- Hunt Unit Maps: ndow.org/maps
- Federal Refuge Regulations: fws.gov
- Weather & Fire Info: nevadafireinfo.org
- Public Land Access: BLM.gov, fs.usda.gov
Conclusion
Nevada’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. From the coveted desert bighorn draws to abundant small game opportunities, the Silver State continues to provide world-class hunting experiences. Key changes this year include new junior antelope hunts, Silver State turkey tags, and updated sage grouse areas.
Remember that regulations can change, and it’s always your responsibility to verify current rules before heading afield. Purchase your licenses early, scout your areas thoroughly, and respect Nevada’s incredible public lands and private property boundaries.
Whether you’re chasing birds in the early morning or tracking big game through rugged terrain, Nevada’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make every season memorable. Stay safe, hunt responsibly, and make the most of what promises to be an outstanding year in Nevada’s great outdoors.
