Nevada Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
May 31, 2026
Nevada offers some of the most diverse hunting terrain in the American West, with mule deer in the high desert, trophy bull elk in mountain ranges, and abundant upland game across millions of acres of public land. With over 86% of its land open to public access, there is no shortage of opportunity once you have your paperwork in order. But before you head into the field, you need to understand exactly what the state requires of you.
Whether you are a lifelong Nevada resident or planning your first out-of-state hunt, getting licensed correctly is the essential first step. This guide walks you through every rule, fee, and process you need to know about hunting license requirements in Nevada — from who must carry a license to how and where to buy one.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Nevada
Any person 12 years of age or older who hunts game birds or game mammals in Nevada is required to have a hunting license or combination hunting and fishing license, as outlined in NRS 502.010. This rule applies regardless of whether you are a resident or a visitor to the state.
In Nevada, anyone who intends to hunt wildlife must generally possess a valid hunting license issued by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). This requirement applies to residents and non-residents alike, with some distinctions based on age, residency status, and the species being hunted.
Age is the primary threshold that determines whether you need a license at all. All youth under age 12 may not legally hunt big game in Nevada. However, children under 12 are permitted to hunt certain species — such as waterfowl — under specific conditions. Nevada law allows anyone under 12 years old to hunt waterfowl without a license, federal duck stamp, or HIP number.
Once you are in the field, you are also responsible for carrying your documentation. Hunters 12 years and older must carry a hunter education card and valid hunting license at all times while hunting. Always be prepared to present these to a game warden upon request.
Important Note: A hunting license alone covers upland game and waterfowl. Big game species such as mule deer, elk, and pronghorn require both a valid license and a separately issued tag obtained through the draw process.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in Nevada
Nevada’s licensing rules are broad, but a handful of specific exemptions do exist. Understanding these can save you from unnecessary fees — or from accidentally hunting without proper authorization.
- Children under 12: Youth under the age of 12 are exempt from licensing requirements but must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter.
- Landowners and immediate family: Qualified landowners or their immediate family members hunting on their own property may be exempt from purchasing a license for certain species. This exemption is limited and subject to specific NDOW conditions.
- Apprentice license holders: Nevada offers a one-time apprentice hunting license for new hunters who have not yet completed a hunter education course. The Department shall issue an apprentice hunting license to a person who is 12 years of age or older, has not previously been issued a hunting license by the Department or another state, and is otherwise qualified to obtain a hunting license in this State. It is unlawful for an apprentice hunter to hunt in this State unless a mentor hunter accompanies and directly supervises the apprentice hunter at all times during a hunt.
Keep in mind that the apprentice license comes with firm restrictions. The issuance of an apprentice hunting license does not authorize the apprentice hunter to obtain any other hunting license, authorize the apprentice hunter to hunt any animal for which a tag is required, or exempt the apprentice hunter from any other requirement.
Pro Tip: If you plan to use an apprentice license, note that apprentice licenses must be obtained exclusively at NDOW offices in person — they are not available online or by phone.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in Nevada
Your residency status determines which license type you are eligible to purchase and significantly affects what you pay. Nevada draws a clear legal line between residents and non-residents.
A person is considered to be a resident of the State of Nevada if the person is a citizen of, or is lawfully entitled to remain in, the United States; and during the 6 months next preceding the person’s application to the Department for a license, tag, or permit, the person maintained their principal and permanent residence in this State and was physically present in this State, except for temporary absences.
A few additional groups may qualify for resident rates even without meeting the standard six-month rule:
- Full-time students: Non-resident full-time students who attend an institution in Nevada for at least six months are considered residents.
- Active-duty military: Non-resident, active service members and their families who are assigned to permanent duty stationed in Nevada are eligible for resident hunting and fishing licenses without fulfilling the 6-month Nevada residency requirement.
- Military stationed outside Nevada: Active-duty military members who are Nevada residents but stationed elsewhere may purchase the Serviceman’s Hunting License.
If you plan to explore fishing license requirements in Nevada alongside your hunting license, the combination license is generally the most cost-effective option for both residents and non-residents.
Important Note: A resident license, tag, or permit issued by Nevada is void if the person to whom it was issued establishes or maintains their principal and permanent residence in and obtains any hunting, fishing, or trapping privilege or entitlement conditional on residency from another state, country, or province.
Types of Hunting Licenses in Nevada
Nevada offers several types of hunting licenses tailored to different categories of hunters. These include licenses for residents, non-residents, youth, seniors, and specialty licenses for specific hunting activities or species.
Here is a breakdown of the primary license types available through NDOW:
| License Type | Who It’s For | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | Nevada residents age 18+ | Covers upland game and waterfowl; big game requires a tag |
| Resident Combo (Hunt + Fish) | Nevada residents age 18+ | Covers both hunting and fishing privileges |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | Out-of-state hunters age 12+ | Higher fees; approximately 10% of big game tags reserved for non-residents |
| Junior Hunting License | Resident ages 12–15 | Reduced fee; must meet hunter education requirements |
| Pre-Adult Hunting License | Residents ages 16–17; non-residents age 17 and under | Available to both resident and non-resident youth |
| Senior Hunting License | Nevada residents age 65+ | Nevada residents aged 65 and older who have maintained state residency for at least 6 months qualify for a Senior Specialty Combination License at just $15, which covers both hunting and fishing. |
| Severe Disability License | Residents with qualifying disabilities | Nevada residents with severe physical disabilities may be eligible for the Severe Disability Hunting License. |
| Veteran / Serviceman’s License | Qualifying veterans and active-duty military | Nevada veteran residents or active-duty service members not stationed within Nevada are eligible for a specialty combination hunting and fishing license for $15. Resident veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more and an honorable discharge are also eligible for this $15 specialty license. |
| Apprentice Hunting License | First-time hunters age 12+ without hunter ed certification | One-time license; mentor required at all times; no big game tags |
A good pair of hunting binoculars is one of the most versatile tools you can bring into the Nevada backcountry, whether you are glassing mule deer ridges or scanning for upland birds across open flats.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in Nevada
Nevada’s license fees are set by the state legislature under NRS 502.240. As of the 2026–2027 licensing period, resident adults pay $38 for a basic hunting license or $75 for a combo hunt-and-fish license, while non-residents pay $155 for a combination license. A $1 processing fee is added to all online transactions.
Youth ages 12–17 pay $15 for a combo regardless of residency. This makes Nevada’s youth license one of the more accessible entry points for young hunters in the West.
Here is a quick-reference cost table based on available 2026 NDOW data:
| License Type | Fee (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License (18+) | $38 |
| Resident Combo Hunt + Fish (18+) | $75 |
| Non-Resident Combo Hunt + Fish | $155 |
| Youth Combo (12–17, any residency) | $15 |
| Senior Specialty Combo (65+, resident) | $15 |
| Veteran / Serviceman’s Specialty Combo | $15 |
| Apprentice Hunting License | $15 |
| Online processing fee (all purchases) | $1 |
These base fees do not include big game tags, stamps, or draw application fees, which are required on top of the base license for many species. Every major big game species in Nevada — deer, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep — requires a separate permit obtained through a competitive draw. Unlike over-the-counter states, purchasing a Nevada hunting license does not automatically entitle the holder to hunt big game.
Packing the right gear matters as much as having the right license. A quality hunting backpack built for rugged terrain can make a full day in Nevada’s high desert or mountain units significantly more manageable.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in Nevada
A base hunting license opens the door to upland game and waterfowl, but pursuing big game in Nevada requires additional layers of authorization. Understanding the permit and tag system is essential before you apply.
Big Game Tags and the Draw System
Mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, mountain lion, and black bear all require tags to be hunted. The tag application period runs from mid-March to mid-May. Tags are awarded through a random draw process and are available to those 12 years old or older.
In Nevada, big game tags are distributed through a computerized draw process, handled by a contracted third party, Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC. Remaining or returned tags can be purchased at ndowlicensing.com on a first-come, first-served basis. Mountain lion is the notable exception — mountain lion tags are available year-round over the counter at any authorized license agent or can be purchased online.
Tag Costs by Species
A resident mule deer tag costs $30, while non-residents pay $240. More sought-after species, such as desert bighorn sheep, require a $120 tag for residents and a $1,200 tag for non-residents. Non-resident antlered elk tags cost $1,200 through the draw.
Bonus Points
Nevada’s bonus point system allows you to receive one point per species for each year you are unsuccessful in the drawing and have purchased a hunting license. Unsuccessful applicants who choose not to purchase the license do not gain bonus points. Bonus points are squared in the draw. For example, if you have 5 bonus points for mule deer, you will have a number of chances in this year’s drawing equal to 5 squared plus 1 (for this year’s application) — which makes for a total of 26 total chances.
Waterfowl Stamps and HIP
Hunters 16 and older pursuing waterfowl — including ducks, geese, and swans — must have a valid Federal E-Duck Stamp ($25), a Nevada HIP number (free), and a valid state hunting or combo license. All hunters between the ages of 12 to 64 must purchase the Nevada Duck Stamp.
Key Insight: Nevada gives non-residents approximately 10% of the big-game tag quota. If you are hunting from out of state, building bonus points early and applying consistently is the most reliable strategy for eventually drawing a tag.
If you hunt other states as well, you may find it useful to compare rules in neighboring regions. For example, fishing license requirements in Utah and fishing license requirements in Colorado follow different structures than Nevada’s system.
Hunter Education Requirements in Nevada
Anyone born after January 1, 1960 is required to provide proof of Hunter Education in order to purchase a Nevada hunting license. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents equally. If you were born before that date, you are exempt from the course requirement.
What counts as valid proof?
Proof of Hunter Education is an official Hunter Education card or certificate from any state or Canadian province, with the Hunter Education number and state or provincial logo or seal, or a previous year’s hunting license with the Hunter Education number or mark.
Nevada recognizes hunter education certifications from other states, provided the course meets the standards set by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA). This reciprocity means that if you have completed a hunter education course in another state that is IHEA-approved, you generally do not need to retake the course to hunt in Nevada.
How to complete the course
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) offers two options to meet hunter safety certification requirements. Hunters ages 18 and older can earn their certification completely online. For online courses, no in-person component is required for hunters 18 and older.
Along with completing the online course, hunters under the age of 18 must also attend an in-person Nevada hunter education course to complete the certification. This field day component ensures younger hunters receive hands-on safety training before heading into the field.
Common Mistake: Assuming your out-of-state certification automatically transfers without verification. It is important to carry proof of your certification when purchasing a Nevada hunting license. The Nevada Department of Wildlife may require you to present your out-of-state hunter education certificate to verify your eligibility.
Nevada does not require hunters to wear blaze orange by law, but the NDOW strongly recommends that all hunters wear hunter orange clothing visible from all sides when hunting. A blaze orange safety vest is an easy, low-cost way to stay visible and safe in the field — especially during multi-hunter drives or in areas with overlapping seasons.
How to Buy a Hunting License in Nevada
Nevada gives you several convenient options for purchasing your hunting license. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) handles all licensing through its online portal, in-person offices, and by phone.
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
You can purchase your license at ndowlicensing.com, available 24/7. A $1 processing fee is added to all online transactions. You can print your license immediately after purchase. Nevada also accepts digital licenses through the NDOW licensing portal, so you can store your credentials on your phone.
Option 2: In Person
Licenses can also be purchased in person at authorized retail outlets and government offices throughout Nevada. Common locations include sporting goods stores, some convenience stores, and NDOW regional offices. When buying in person, hunters should bring valid identification and any required documentation such as proof of residency or hunter education completion.
Option 3: By Phone
You can reach NDOW’s licensing support line at 1-866-703-4605 for phone-based purchases and assistance with your account.
What to have ready before you buy:
- Government-issued photo ID (first-time buyers) or your NDOW customer identification number (returning hunters)
- Proof of Nevada residency if purchasing a resident license
- Hunter education certificate number (required if born after January 1, 1960)
- Social Security number (required by law for applicants who must have one under federal law)
- Payment: Visa, MasterCard, or Discover accepted online
If you enjoy both hunting and fishing across multiple states, it is worth exploring how other states structure their licensing. Hunters who also fish may find useful context in guides like fishing license requirements in Montana or fishing license requirements in Michigan.
Before heading out, a reliable hunting knife is an essential piece of field gear for processing game cleanly and efficiently once you have filled your tag.
License Validity and Renewal in Nevada
Nevada’s hunting licenses do not follow a fixed calendar year. License fees are set by the Nevada State Legislature under NRS 502.240 and are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase — not tied to a calendar year. This rolling validity period benefits hunters who purchase mid-year, since your license remains active for a full year regardless of when you buy it.
Nevada’s hunting license is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase rather than a fixed calendar year — a rolling validity period that benefits hunters who purchase mid-year.
Renewal and Bonus Points
Renewing on time matters beyond just staying legal — it directly affects your bonus point accumulation. One bonus point per hunt category, per year can be earned under a single valid hunting or combo license. Applicants should be aware of what day their license expires when considering bonus points.
If an applicant fails to apply for a particular species for two consecutive years, they will lose all of their bonus points for that species. Letting your license lapse at the wrong time can cost you years of accumulated draw advantage.
NDOW also offers a convenient auto-renewal option. NDOW allows hunters to opt into automatic annual license renewal — helpful for anyone who wants to avoid missing the window to accumulate bonus points.
Pro Tip: If you are actively accumulating bonus points for a competitive big game species, set a calendar reminder at least 30 days before your license expires. Purchasing your renewal before the expiration date keeps your point streak unbroken and your draw odds intact.
Hunters who pursue both game and fish across the West may also want to review fishing license requirements in California or fishing license requirements in Wisconsin to compare how neighboring and regional states handle annual licensing cycles.
Nevada’s hunting license system rewards planning. Know your residency status, complete your hunter education before you apply, track your license expiration date carefully, and submit big game draw applications well before the mid-May deadline. With those fundamentals in place, you are ready to take full advantage of everything the Silver State has to offer.