Deer hunting is a popular outdoor activity in Nevada that allows hunters the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the state’s beautiful wilderness areas. The Nevada deer hunting season 2023–2024 provide many opportunities for successful deer harvests, but for hunters to enjoy themselves, they must be aware of the numerous rules. This handbook delineates crucial details about Nevada’s deer seasons, license and tag requirements, laws, and more.
When is Nevada Deer Season?
Nevada’s deer season dates vary depending on the specific hunt unit and type of deer hunt. Here are the seasons for 2023-2024:
General Deer Seasons
| Season | Method | Hunting Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | Archery | Aug 10, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024 |
| Antlered | Archery | Aug 10, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024 |
| Junior | Muzzleloader | Sep 10, 2023 - Dec 15, 2023 |
| Antlered | Muzzleloader | Sep 10, 2023 - Dec 20, 2023 |
| Junior | Any Legal Weapon | Oct 5, 2023 - Nov 30, 2023 |
| Antlered | Any Legal Weapon | Oct 5, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024 |
| Resident | Any Legal Weapon | Oct 5, 2023 - Nov 20, 2023 |
Mule Deer Seasons
| NV Mule Deer Season | Method | Hunting Dates | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Mule Deer Hunt | Antlered Archery | August 10 - January 1 | Resident & Nonresident |
| Regular Mule Deer Hunt | Antlered Muzzleloader | September 10 - December 15 | Resident & Nonresident |
| Regular Mule Deer Hunt | Antlered Any Legal Weapon | October 5 - January 1 | Resident & Nonresident |
| Regular Mule Deer Hunt | Antlerless Any Legal Weapon | October 10 - November 20 | Resident |
| Restricted Mule Deer Hunt | Antlered Archery | October 5 - January 1 | Nonresident |
Antelope Seasons
| NV Antelope Hunt | Method | Hunting Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Resident (Horns Longer Than Ears) | Archery | Aug 1, 2023 - Aug 21, 2023 |
| Nonresident (Horns Longer Than Ears) | Archery | Aug 1, 2023 - Aug 21, 2023 |
| Resident (Horns Longer Than Ears) | Muzzleloader | Aug 15, 2023 - Oct 4, 2023 |
| Nonresident (Horns Longer Than Ears) | Muzzleloader | Aug 15, 2023 - Oct 4, 2023 |
| Resident (Horns Longer Than Ears) | Any Legal Weapon | Aug 22, 2023 - Oct 30, 2023 |
| Nonresident (Horns Longer Than Ears) | Any Legal Weapon | Aug 22, 2023 - Oct 30, 2023 |
| Resident (Horns Shorter Than Ears) | Any Legal Weapon | Sep 8, 2023 - Sep 24, 2023 |
Elk Season
| NV Elk Hunt | Method | Hunting Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Resident (Antlerless) | Any Legal Weapon | Aug 1, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024 |
| Resident (Antlered Depredation) | Any Legal Weapon | Aug 1, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024 |
| Resident (Antlerless) | Archery | Aug 1, 2023 - Aug 24, 2023 |
| Resident (Antlerless Depredation) | Any Legal Weapon | Aug 1, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024 |
| Nonresident (Antlerless) | Archery | Aug 1, 2023 - Aug 24, 2023 |
| Resident (Antlered) | Archery | Aug 16, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023 |
| Resident (Antlerless) | Muzzleloader | Aug 16, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023 |
| Nonresident (Antlered) | Archery | Aug 16, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023 |
| Nonresident (Antlerless) | Muzzleloader | Aug 16, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023 |
| Resident (Antlered) | Muzzleloader | Sep 1, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023 |
| Nonresident (Antlered) | Muzzleloader | Sep 1, 2023 - Nov 5, 2023 |
| Resident (Antlered) | Any Legal Weapon | Sep 17, 2023 - Dec 4, 2023 |
| Resident (Spike) | Any Legal Weapon | Sep 17, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024 |
| Nonresident (Antlerless) | Any Legal Weapon | Sep 17, 2023 - Jan 31, 2024 |
| Nonresident (Antlered) | Any Legal Weapon | Oct 5, 2023 - Dec 4, 2023 |
Bighorn Sheep Seasons
| NV Bighoern Sheep Hunt | Hunting Dates | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Nelson - Desert Any Ram | Sep 15 - Jan 1 | Any Legal Weapon |
| Nelson - Desert Any Ram | Aug 5 - Oct 31 | Archery |
| Nelson - Desert Management Ram (Access Limited) | Aug 15 - Jan 1 | Any Legal Weapon |
| Nelson - Desert Management Ram (One Horn) | Jan 5 - Feb 20 | Any Legal Weapon |
| Nelson - Desert Any Ewe | Oct 1 - Nov 15 | Any Legal Weapon |
| Rocky Mountain Any Ram | Sep 1 - Sep 1 | Any Legal Weapon |
| California Any Ram | Sep 1 - Oct 31 | Any Legal Weapon |
| California Any Ram | Sep 1 - Oct 31 | Any Legal Weapon |
| Nelson - Desert Any Ewe | Oct 1 - Nov 15 | Any Legal Weapon |
| Nelson - Desert Any Ram | Sep 10 - Jan 1 | Any Legal Weapon |
| Nelson - Desert Any Ram | Aug 5 - Aug 25 | Archery |
It’s critical to consult the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s deer hunting unit maps and regulations to determine the specific season dates for your desired hunt unit. Many units have shorter seasons than the dates listed above.
Nevada Hunting Tags and Deer Licenses
In Nevada, a hunting license and a deer tag are required for deer hunting:
- Hunting License: Hunting License: All hunters age 12 and older must have a license, which includes a general hunting license ($38 for residents, varies for nonresidents) or a hunting/fishing combination license ($75 for residents, $155 for nonresidents). Apprentice hunting licenses are available for hunters age 12 and older for $15.
- Deer Tags: A deer tag is required for the particular hunting unit you’ll be using. Residents pay $30 for deer tags while non-residents pay $240. A mechanism of random drawing is used to distribute tags.
- Application cost: There is a $10 non-refundable application cost for all deer tags. Without submitting an application for a tag, you may also pay $10 for a bonus point to improve your chances in subsequent drawings.
- Harvest Reporting: Even if you didn’t harvest a deer, you still need to file a harvest report. If you don’t report, your license may be suspended and you won’t be able to get tags.
Bag and Possession Limits
Bag limits vary by hunt unit, so check regulations, but most units have a one deer limit per tag. Additionally, there are limitations on the harvest of antlerless deer and antler points.
Legal Firearms and Equipment
Whether you are hunting with an arrow, muzzleloader, or any other lawful weapon depends on what season you are in:
- Archery: In archery, bows must have a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds. Broadhead blades on arrows must be at least 7/8 inches wide. Only hunters with an archery disability permit are permitted to use crossbows.
- Muzzleloader: Single barrel muzzleloader is a muzzleloader.bigger than 45 caliber with open or peep sights. Only scopes are permitted during the weapon season.
- Any Legal Weapon: Centerfire rifles are a kind of legal firearm.Shotguns, pistols, or rifles of at least 22 caliber and a barrel length of 4 inches. Full metal jacket ammunition is forbidden.
Additional Hunting Rules for Deer
Nevada has extra rules that hunters must abide by, such as:
Hunter orange is needed in many units, and other regions have restrictions on the use of motorized vehicles. other units also require harvest reporting and horn/skull checks.Regulations for junior tags and party hunting
To make sure you comprehend all rules and stay out of trouble, review the deer hunting restrictions provided by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Your next Nevada deer hunt may be a memorable event with little planning and knowledge of the rules. Wishing you luck tagging a fantastic deer and stocking your freezer with delectable venison!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs related to Nevada deer season 2023-2024 that are answered in detail:
When does the archery season for deer start in Nevada?
The archery season for both junior hunters and antlered deer starts on August 10, 2023 in Nevada. On this day, the whole state’s hunting season begins, although each hunt unit’s season ends on a separate day. Make sure to review the rules for the unit you want. In the majority of units, the archery season lasts until January 1, 2024.
Is baiting allowed during deer season in Nevada?
No, Nevada large game hunting does not allow baiting. The placement or distribution of any salt, grain, smell, or other attractant for the aim of capturing large animals is prohibited. Citations may result from luring deer using artificial water sources or other methods.
Can I continue to go deer hunting in Nevada if I didn't draw an antlered deer tag?
Yes, you can still hunt antlerless deer even if you didn’t draw an antlered tag. Nevada offers several tags for deer with and without antlers. For antlerless tags, the season runs from October 5, 2023, through just November 20, 2023, in the majority of units. Check your unit’s restrictions.
What is the bag limit for deer in most units in Nevada?
For the 2023-2024 deer season, most units in Nevada are restricted to a bag limit of one deer per tag. Some units do, however, permit two deer per tag. To verify the precise bag limit where you’ll be hunting, be sure to review the hunt unit laws.
Do I need hunter orange for archery season in Nevada?
Only during Nevada’s lawful firearm deer seasons is hunter orange necessary. While blazing orange is not required nationwide for the archery season, certain units could, so be sure to check the rules in the region where you’ll be hunting.
Do I still have to file a harvest report in Nevada if I didn't harvest any deer?
Yes, regardless of whether you harvested a deer or not, you must submit a harvest report in Nevada. To prevent having your hunting rights suspended for failing to report, you must fill out and submit the report. The report aids in population management for biologists.
When do tags for the Nevada deer season go on sale?
Each year in late May or early June, a random draw is used to distribute deer tags in Nevada. If there are any unsold tags, they can be sold in July or August on a first-come, first-served basis. Since mountain lion tags are not drawn, they are available year-round.
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