Nevada

Nevada Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Nevada hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the 365 days from purchase season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $38 General hunting

Non-Resident License $155 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1960-01-01

Online Purchase Yes 365 days from purchase

LICENSE FEES

Nevada Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: 365 days from purchase.

Resident Licenses

Resident Hunting (18+) $38 —

Resident Combo Hunt & Fish $75 —

Resident Youth Combo (12-17) $15 —

Non-Resident Licenses

Non-Resident Combo Hunt & Fish — $155

Non-Resident Youth Combo (12-17) — $15

Tags & Permits

Deer $30 $240

Elk (Antlered) $120 $1200

Elk (Antlerless) $60 $500

Antelope $30 $240

Mountain Lion $30 $95

Bighorn Sheep $120 $1200

Endorsements & Stamps

Application Fee (Big Game) $10 Per species draw application; non-refundable

Elk Management Fee $5 Per elk application

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Nevada Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit ndow.org. Create account or sign in. Purchase hunting or combo license. Apply for big game draws during application period. Pay with credit/debit card. Print your license

Buy In Person

NDOW offices in Reno, Las Vegas, Elko, Fallon, Walmart stores, Local sporting goods stores

Buy By Phone

Call 775-688-1500. $1 processing fee

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Nevada hunting license is online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Nevada

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1960

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 12 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Nevada?

Youth (12-17) $15 combo Youth combo hunting + fishing regardless of residency

Senior (65+) Reduced fees Reduced license fees for Nevada residents 65+

Disabled Veteran Free 100% disabled veterans get free licenses

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in NV hunt at resident rates

SEASONS

Nevada Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Mule Deer Archery Aug 10 – Unit specific Bow

Mule Deer General (Rifle) Oct 10 – Unit specific Rifle, muzzleloader, bow

Elk Draw Seasons Sep-Dec – Unit specific Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

Pronghorn General Aug-Sep – Unit specific Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

Mountain Lion Year-Round Jan 1 – Dec 31 Any legal weapon

Chukar/Quail Regular Oct 11 – Feb 1 Shotgun

BAG LIMITS

Nevada Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Mule Deer 1 1 One per tag

Elk 1 1 One per tag

Pronghorn 1 1 One per tag

Mountain Lion 1 2 Check zone-specific quotas

Chukar 6 No season limit Nevada is a premier chukar destination

COMPARE

How Nevada Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Nevada $38 $155

Oregon $39 $193 Idaho $15.75 $185 Utah $40 $144 Arizona $37 $160 California $62.90 $219.81

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Nevada?

Resident hunting costs $38, or $75 for combo (hunt + fish). Non-residents pay $155 combo. Youth (12-17) pay just $15 regardless of residency — one of the best youth deals in the West.

How does Nevada's big game draw work?

All big game tags (deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep) are by computerized random draw in late May. Application fee is $10 per species plus $5 Elk Management Fee for elk. Unsuccessful applicants earn bonus points.

How much is a non-resident elk tag in Nevada?

Non-resident antlered elk tags cost $1,200 and antlerless $500 — both draw-only. With the $155 combo license and $10 application fee, total cost exceeds $1,365 for a bull elk hunt.

Can I hunt bighorn sheep in Nevada?

Yes, but Nevada bighorn sheep tags are once-in-a-lifetime and extremely limited. Tags cost $120 (res) / $1,200 (NR) through the draw. Nevada produces world-class desert bighorn rams.

Is Nevada good for chukar hunting?

Excellent — Nevada is one of the top chukar hunting destinations in North America. No draw needed, just a hunting license. Bag limit is 6 per day with no season limit. Season runs Oct 11 – Feb 1.

Can I hunt mountain lion in Nevada?

Yes, mountain lion tags are available OTC (no draw) for $30 (res) / $95 (NR). Season is year-round in designated areas with a statewide quota system. Bag limit is 2 per year.

Does Nevada use preference/bonus points?

Yes, Nevada uses bonus points (not preference points). Each unsuccessful application gives you bonus points, which enter you in more "virtual tickets" in a random draw. This increases odds but doesn't guarantee a tag.

Can I buy a Nevada hunting license online?

Yes, at ndow.org. A $1 processing fee applies. Draw applications are submitted online during the spring application period (typically March-April).