Nevada Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Nevada hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through NDOW.
Nevada Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $38.00 — Listed non-resident option: from $15.00
- Managed by: Nevada Department of Wildlife
- License year: 2025-2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://ndow.org/licensing/
Nevada Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Nevada offers outstanding hunting managed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The Silver State features vast basin-and-range desert terrain, mountain ranges, and Great Basin habitat supporting mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, elk, mountain lion, upland game birds including chukar and quail, and waterfowl. A resident hunting license costs $38, with the combo hunt/fish at $75. Non-residents pay $155 for the combo. Nevada uses a bonus point draw system for big game — one of the most competitive in the West. The state is famous for producing world-record bighorn sheep. Youth licenses (12-17) are just $15 for both residents and non-residents. Nevada also offers specialty licenses for seniors 65+, disabled veterans, and military at $10-15. Licenses are valid for 365 days from purchase.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult Hunting | $38.00 | — | 365 days | |
| Resident Adult Combo Hunt/Fish | $75.00 | — | 365 days | |
| NR Adult Combo Hunt/Fish | — | $155.00 | 365 days | |
| Youth Combo (12-17) | $15.00 | $15.00 | 365 days | |
| Resident Specialty Combo (65+/Vet/Disabled) | $15.00 | — | 365 days | |
| NR Mountain Lion Tag | — | $105.00 | Season | |
| NR 1-Day Combo (upland/waterfowl) | — | $23.00 | 1 day | |
| Big Game Application Fee | $10.00 | $10.00 | Per species | |
| Elk Application Fee | $15.00 | $15.00 | Per species | |
| Bonus Point Only Fee | $11.00 | $11.00 | Per species |
Prices from Nevada Department of Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Nevada license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for all first-time buyers. Apprentice license available at NDOW offices.
How to Buy a Nevada Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Nevada Department of Wildlife or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Nevada.
Need help? Call Nevada Department of Wildlife at 775-688-1500
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Nevada Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | General | October 10 | November 2 | Draw required |
| Pronghorn Antelope | General | August 9 | August 24 | |
| Elk | General | September 15 | November 15 | Draw required |
| Bighorn Sheep | General | September 1 | December 31 | Draw required |
| Mountain Lion | General | February 13 | December 31 | |
| Chukar | General | October 11 | February 1 | |
| California Quail | General | October 11 | February 1 | |
| Duck | General | October 11 | January 18 |
View full Nevada season regulations on NDOW
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced ($15 specialty combo) | Nevada residents 65+ — $15 specialty combo |
| Youth | Reduced ($15) | Youth 12-17 — $15 combo for both residents and non-residents |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced ($15) | Disabled veterans — $15 specialty combo |
| Active Military | Resident rates ($15) | Active military — $15 specialty combo; NR stationed in NV get resident rates |
Nevada Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Nevada official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Fluorescent orange hat or upper garment required during rifle big game seasons.
- Nevada uses a bonus point draw system for big game — very competitive.
- Nevada is famous for producing world-record bighorn sheep.
- Chukar hunting in Nevada's basin-and-range terrain is legendary.
Read full Nevada regulations on NDOW
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Nevada Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Nevada Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Nevada?
Resident hunting is $38, combo hunt/fish $75. Non-resident combo $155. Youth (12-17) pay just $15. Seniors 65+, veterans, and military pay $15 specialty combos.
How does the Nevada draw system work?
Big game tags are allocated through a competitive bonus point draw. Application fees are $10-15. Bonus points accumulate annually and square your odds.
Can non-residents hunt in Nevada?
Yes, through the $155 combo license. Most big game requires winning a draw. Mountain lion tags ($105) are over the counter. 1-day upland licenses available.
What is chukar hunting like in Nevada?
Nevada is one of the best chukar hunting states. These birds live in steep, rocky terrain. Season runs October through February. No draw required.
Are there free hunting licenses in Nevada?
Disabled veterans, seniors 65+, and military get specialty combo licenses for $15. Youth (12-17) also pay $15. The apprentice license is $15.
Can I hunt bighorn sheep in Nevada?
Yes, through the highly competitive draw. Nevada is world-famous for trophy bighorn sheep. Building bonus points over multiple years improves your odds.