Hunting in Nevada: 7 Great Public Hunting Lands

Key Points:

• This article lists popular public lands to hunt or fish at. Nevada has many other smaller public lands for hunting.
• Always review state laws on hunting guidelines. Each state is different.
• Happy Hunting!

Nevada is no doubt a land of outdoor opportunities such as hunting. Like other states, there are specific requirements to pursue certain animals throughout Nevada. Before planning a hunting trip, it is best to review the Nevada hunting website for guidelines for hunting and recommendations on where to find certain species of animals to hunt. Here is a list of unprotected animals that do not require special licensing.

• Ground squirrels
• Raccoons
• Coyotes
• Badgers
• Skunks
• Black-tailed jackrabbits
• European Starlings
• House Sparrows

Here is an additional list of animals that are strictly off-limits.

• Shorebird
• Songbirds
• Hawks
• Ravens
• Owls

1. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is a 6.3 million acre land free for hunters to explore and capture their prize. This forest is the largest national forest in the lower states. The opportunities to hunt mule, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep are endless.

2. The South Fork State Recreation Area

The South Fork State Recreation Area is a 1650-acre public land full of meadows and rolling hills. With the Ruby Mountains as a backdrop, there is no reason to be able to enjoy the great outdoors while hunting. Mule deer, duck, geese, badgers, beavers, and kit foxes are common animals scurrying around this land. There is also a chance to hunt for fish in the South Fork Reservoir. There are plenty of fish, such as trophy trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, wipers, and channel catfish. When hunting here, remember that using any hunting weapons is prohibited within a quarter mile of developed facilities. Only shotguns and archery are allowed on this hunting ground.

3. The Wild Horse State Recreation Area

Although hunting inside the perimeter of the Wild Horse State Recreation Area is prohibited, there are plenty of opportunities around surrounding areas. The lands construction began in 1937 and named after the wild horses that have roamed here. The 120-acre land is also a popular fishing site. Here, you have the chance to catch rainbow trout, German brown trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and catfish.

4. The Desert National Wildlife Refuge

The Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest national wildlife refuge in the United States. The 1.6 million-acre land was established in 1936. There are 320 species of birds, 53 mammals, 35 types of reptiles, and 4 amphibians calling this place home. As mentioned before, there are rules to follow in different areas of Nevada and specific permits to obtain. The Desert Bighorn sheep can only be hunted with a state-issued license. Dove, chukar, and quail can be pursued within the Sitting Dog Unit in the northern part of the refuge. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, the terrain here can be rough and rugged!

5. Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is the first in the United States designated as a wetland site and the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert. The refuge is 141,000 acre land and was named after the galleries of ash trees described in discovered expedition notes from 1893. There are plenty of quail, rabbits, and waterfowl to pursue on this land. An intriguing thing about this refuge is that there is spring water that bubbles up from underground, creating small pools and pebbled streams. This stream is home to 24 species of animals!

6. Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area

Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area is located in Mason Valley in Lyon County. There are over 16,000 acres of land full of plenty hunting opportunities. Here, hunters can pursue deer and waterfowl.

7. The Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge is on 5,000 acres of public land. To hunt here, hunters must have a refuge hunting permit and a state license.