Nevada Department of Wildlife

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Nevada Department of Wildlife NDOW is responsible for the conservation, protection, management and restoration of Nevada's wildlife and habitat.

Follow along for wildlife, fishing, hunting, boating, outdoor recreation and conservation updates from across the Silver State. The Nevada Department of Wildlife’s (NDOW) social media pages are used for educational and informational purposes. They are a place for users to learn, network and socialize in a fashion that is depicted by our social media comment guidelines. Our social media pages are a considered a community and part of being a community means users are expected to be a good community members. We welcome questions, comments, stories and photos but, users that post a comment on our page will take personal responsibility for their comment, use of your username and any information provided. Users are encouraged to share their thoughts as they relate to the topics started by NDOW. We reserve the right -but assume no obligation- to block, remove or delete comments. MODIFICATION TO COMMENTING POLICY (see full comment policy below under Social Media Comment Guidelines):

In consideration of the increasing challenges posed by misinformation and resource limitations, the Department of Wildlife will be implementing changes to its commenting policy on Facebook. Comments will be disabled on all posts on the agency's page, except for posts related to events. This decision aims to mitigate the spread of harmful misinformation and ensure efficient resource allocation. While Facebook does not allow for selective comment disabling, we strongly encourage users to engage with us through alternative channels for inquiries and concerns. Engagement Alternatives:

• Commission Meetings: The most effective way to communicate concerns directly to our leadership is by attending commission meetings.
• Direct Messaging: Users are welcome to direct message us with questions or concerns; however, please note that due to resource constraints, we may not be able to respond to every message promptly.
• Website and Contact: We recommend visiting our website at ndow.org or contacting one of our locations for inquiries that require immediate attention. Social Media Comment Guidelines

NDOW reserves the right to remove, delete or block comments that
• Contain lewd, offensive, libelous, demeaning, hurtful, hateful, obscene, indecent, or profane language;
• Contain threats –even theoretical- or defamatory statements;
• Contain personal attacks or insulting statements directed toward an individual or group;
• Contain hate speech directed at race, color, s*x, s*xual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, or disability;
• Contain false, deceitful or deceptive information
• Promote, endorse or sell services, products or organizations;
• Are unrelated to the topic being discussed;
• Are of a repetitive or “spamming” nature (the same comment posted multiple times)

Additionally, NDOW reserves the right to:
- Block any Facebook users who violate these guidelines three times or more.
- Temporarily block violating users

Comments are also subject to individual social media sites terms and policies. Upon request of individuals named in comments, some comments may also be removed. Comments submitted onto our social media pages do not constitute public testimony or public record. To be considered public record, all public testimony regarding NDOW policies, documents and/or actions must be pertinent to an agenda item of a publicly held meeting and must be submitted via the appropriate forum. Information on NDOW public meetings can be found on our website at http://www.ndow.org
NDOW does not have the staff resources to respond to every individual post. For more information regarding NDOW please visit our website at http://www.ndow.org. If users have additional questions they may contact NDOW staff members by e-mail or phone, using the contact information at http://ndow.org/about/contacts/.

HEADS UP! Planned Prescribed Burn at Kirch Wildlife Management Area – October 26–31 🔥Planning a trip to Kirch Wildlife M...
10/22/2026

HEADS UP! Planned Prescribed Burn at Kirch Wildlife Management Area – October 26–31 🔥

Planning a trip to Kirch Wildlife Management Area next week? Please be aware that a planned prescribed burn will result in temporary closures in portions of the WMA between October 26–31, depending on weather and burn conditions.

Areas subject to temporary closure include:
• Adams-McGill Reservoir
• Upper Sunnyside Creek
• Dacey Reservoir
• Dacey Slough

The Nevada Division of Forestry will conduct the prescribed burn to remove dense, overgrown vegetation and improve wetland habitat.

Prescribed fire is an important wildlife management tool that helps restore a healthy balance of open water and emergent vegetation. This creates better habitat for ducks, shorebirds and other wildlife while improving access for hunters and anglers.

Burn operations and closures are weather-dependent, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid affected areas while crews are working.

Updated information and confirmed closure dates are expected to be posted Friday, October 23. Please check for updates before traveling to the WMA.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities at Kirch WMA!

New life jacket loaner station now available at Cave Lake thanks to a partnership between NDOW and Nevada State Parks!As...
10/21/2026

New life jacket loaner station now available at Cave Lake thanks to a partnership between NDOW and Nevada State Parks!

As boating season winds down, it’s a great time to remember that life jackets are important any time of year you’re on the water. Fall brings changing water temperatures, which can make unexpected immersion especially dangerous.

NDOW’s life jacket loaner stations provide free access to life jackets at locations across Nevada. Forgot yours? Grab one, wear it, and return it when you’re done!

The new Cave Lake location joins loaner stations at:

📍 Wingfield Park — Reno
📍 Crissie Caughlin Park — Reno
📍 Cave Rock Boat Launch — Lake Tahoe
📍 Sand Harbor Boat Launch — Lake Tahoe
📍 South Fork State Recreation Area — Spring Creek
📍 Comins Lake — near Ely
📍 Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area — near Lund
📍 Eagle Valley Reservoir — Pioche
📍 Echo Canyon Reservoir — Pioche
📍 Big Bend of the Colorado River — Laughlin
📍 Fisherman’s Access Park — Laughlin

Check out the map for loaner station locations and remember: A life jacket only works if you wear it!

Mountain lion sightings have recently been reported near the Evans Canyon Trailhead in Reno.Nevada is mountain lion coun...
10/20/2026

Mountain lion sightings have recently been reported near the Evans Canyon Trailhead in Reno.

Nevada is mountain lion country, and while sightings aren’t uncommon, we want to remind residents and recreationists to be aware of their surroundings when enjoying the outdoors.

Recent wildfires may also influence wildlife movement as animals seek suitable habitat, food and shelter. This can sometimes bring wildlife into lower elevations and closer to developed areas.

If you’re heading out on the trails, keep these tips in mind:

* Keep pets leashed and small children close.
* If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run. Face the animal, maintain eye contact and slowly back away.
* Make yourself appear larger and speak firmly and loudly.
* In the rare event of an attack, fight back.

Mountain lions are an important part of Nevada’s ecosystem, and sharing the landscape means knowing how to safely coexist.

Report mountain lion sightings in urban areas to NDOW at 775-688-1331.

Learn more about living in mountain lion country at NDOW.org.

Thousands of students. Countless outdoor adventures. One incredible teacher. 👏Today, Reno teacher Ryan Brock made histor...
10/20/2026

Thousands of students. Countless outdoor adventures. One incredible teacher. 👏

Today, Reno teacher Ryan Brock made history as the first-ever recipient of the Nevada Outdoor Teacher of the Year Award! 🎉

For more than 20 years, Ryan made the great outdoors an extension of his classroom at Jessie Beck Elementary School, helping thousands of students discover Nevada’s wildlife and wild places.

From wildlife conservation and archery to unforgettable camping trips, Ryan has dedicated his career to connecting kids with nature. For more than 15 years, he even secured funding to take every fifth grader at his school on a four-day camping trip, often giving students their very first camping experience!

The Outdoor Education Council recognized Ryan today for his incredible dedication to inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists.

Thank you, Ryan, for helping generations of Nevada students discover and appreciate our wild places!

🎙️ Stay tuned for an upcoming episode of the Nevada Wild Podcast, where we'll sit down with Ryan for an in-depth conversation about his passion for outdoor education and the lasting impact of getting kids outside!

10/20/2026

Your pet fish does not belong in a Nevada pond. 🐟🚫

Releasing aquarium pets or plants into the wild is illegal — and it can harm native wildlife and habitat.

Can’t care for it anymore? Rehome it. Don’t release it.

Learn more about responsible alternatives at DontLetItLoose.com.

See illegal dumping? Call 1-800-992-3030.

Don’t let it loose.

Our friends at the University of Nevada, Reno are sharing a closer look at a recent collaboration that brought some of N...
10/19/2026

Our friends at the University of Nevada, Reno are sharing a closer look at a recent collaboration that brought some of Nevada’s native fish to Manzanita Lake! 🐟

From the Truckee River to the heart of campus, this project highlights the importance of native fish conservation, and creates new opportunities for students and visitors to learn about the species living in Nevada’s waterways.

We’re proud to partner with UNR on projects that connect our communities with Nevada’s wildlife!

Check out the full story ⬇️

Nevada Department of Wildlife partners with the University of Nevada, Reno to reintroduce native fish on campus

10/19/2026

Wildfires have hit close to home for many Nevadans this year. 🔥 But how does this year's wildfire activity compare to years past, and what happens after the flames are out?

On the latest episode of the Nevada Wild podcast, NDOW wildlife staff specialists Matt Glenn and Alexa Lyons join host Bobby Jones to discuss the challenges of wildfire restoration, the growing threat of invasive grasses and the work underway to help Nevada's wildlife habitat recover.

🎧 Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2613022/episodes/19973929

Quail season is here in Nevada! California, Gambel's and mountain quail seasons are officially underway, with plenty of ...
10/18/2026

Quail season is here in Nevada!

California, Gambel's and mountain quail seasons are officially underway, with plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy Nevada's uplands!

Whether you're chasing coveys through the desert or exploring rugged mountain terrain, quail hunting is a great way to get outside and experience Nevada's wild places.

Before heading into the field, make sure you have a valid hunting license, know your bag limits, and review current regulations for your hunt area.

Good luck this season and happy hunting!

Swan season is officially open in Nevada! 🦢For hunters lucky enough to draw a swan permit, the wait is over! Nevada's 20...
10/17/2026

Swan season is officially open in Nevada! 🦢

For hunters lucky enough to draw a swan permit, the wait is over! Nevada's 2026–2027 swan hunting season opens today, October 17, in Churchill, Lyon and Pershing counties.

A few important reminders before heading into the field:

🦢 A valid Nevada swan hunt permit is required, with one swan allowed per permit and a maximum of two permits per season.

📋 Successful hunters must validate their permit and present at least the head and neck of their swan for mandatory inspection within three days of harvest.

⚠️ The season may close early if the trumpeter swan harvest quota is reached. Be sure to check for closures before heading out.

All swan permit holders must also complete a harvest questionnaire by February 28, regardless of harvest.

Good luck to everyone heading out this season! Hunt safely and review current regulations before you go.

Chukar hunters, your time has come!The steep climbs, rocky terrain and endless pursuit of one of Nevada's most challengi...
10/16/2026

Chukar hunters, your time has come!

The steep climbs, rocky terrain and endless pursuit of one of Nevada's most challenging upland game birds are calling!

Chukar and Hungarian partridge season opens TOMORROW, October 17, and runs through February 7, 2027.

Before you lace up those boots and head into chukar country, swipe through for season details, important reminders and a few fun facts about these notoriously elusive birds.

🥾 Who's hitting the hills for opening weekend?

Good luck, hunt safely and check current regulations before heading out!

Address

Reno, NV

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18555426369

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