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Director's Message

Welcome to Nevada’s new 2026 Big Game Publication.

This year, we have combined what used to be two separate publications, the Big Game Seasons and Applications magazine and the Big Game Seasons and Regulations publication (also known as the Big Game Hunting Guide), into one simplified, yet comprehensive layout.

Do not discard this publication! This single publication now has everything you need to apply for the big game draw along with all the regulation information you will need after you draw. In the past, we have mailed out two separate publications but to simplify things and reduce costs we have combined them into a single publication, the Big Game Seasons, Applications & Hunting Regulations, similar to the Small Game Hunting Regulations & Seasons magazine.

As you get ready to apply, please take a moment to check out the home page for the latest hunt updates, and carefully note the changes in the season hunt tables, where new hunts or dates are highlighted in blue, bold italics. Additionally, once 2026 quotas are set at the May Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners meeting, they will be available in the NDOW Plan Your Hunt section on the Nevada Department of Wildlife website.

As you prepare for your hunt, please remember these two key things before heading into the hills to scout or hunt.

  1. Take the time to investigate and understand the land ownership and access points in the units you are going to hunt. Online mapping apps that can be installed on your phone will help ensure that you have open access and are not trespassing while you are trying to fill your tag. In addition to using these mapping apps and old school land status maps, do yourself a favor and review the Private Property page to ensure you understand Nevada’s trespass laws.
  2. Prepare your hunting vehicle and camping gear for increased fire risk. Three wet years have increased fuels across our landscapes, so please be mindful of the dry vegetation and increased fire risk as you sight in your rifle, travel and camp while scouting and hunting. More information about current fire restrictions, prevention tips, and equipment preparation is available on the Nevada Fire Info website.

I wish you all the best of luck with your 2026 hunt year and hope you create lots of lasting memories.

Alan Jenne, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, wearing camouflage hunting gear and a hat outdoors in Nevada.
Alan Jenne, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), supports wildlife conservation, hunting, and outdoor recreation programs across Nevada.

Alan Jenne

Director, Nevada Department of Wildlife

Nevada
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