Spring is here, which means the big game tag application season is upon us. NDOW has set May 7th as the application deadline and results will be released on or before May 23rd. NDOW will be hosting tag seminars in Southern Nevada (March 26th) and Northern Nevada (April 2nd). You can register and get more details HERE.
This also means that it is time for all new hunters to take their hunter safety course so they can apply. Be sure to sign up now before classes fill up. Nevada BHA members serve as NDOW volunteer hunter education instructors, so we hope to see a lot of new hunters in class this spring.
BHA Nevada board members and hunter education volunteers Bryce Pollock, Nich Maus, and Patrick Romano with NDOW Conservation Educator Logan Klonicke at this years hunter education instructors dinner.
In this issue, we continue to track the progress of conservation and hunting legislation in Carson City. We have updated our list of bills that we are tracking and which we support and oppose. From Washington D.C., Senator Rosen has reintroduced the Washoe Lands Bill that would conserve thousands of acres of public land while allowing for housing development. BHA’s North American Headquarters has announced the dates for our annual Rendezvous, June 13th – 15th in Missoula, Montana. To celebrate Rendezvous, BHA is conducting a membership raffle that you can take advantage of, all details are below.
If you have a story, a recipe, or photo that you would like to share, send it to us at: [email protected]
Not a member of BHA yet? Join Here: BHA Membership
Shots from the Field
If you need some motivation for the fall, here is BHA member Andrew with his 2024 Nevada bull elk.
If you have any pictures that you would like to submit, send them to us at: [email protected] or via Instagram: nevada_bha
Nevada Legislative Round-Up
As the 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature continues, here is an update on the bills that we are following. You can click on the title of each bill below to be redirected to the bill’s webpage. Once there you can submit your opinion by clicking the “Opinions” box to the right of the bill. Example below:
Bills that BHA supports:
AB 87 - This bill appropriates $5 million from the State General Fund to the Wildlife Crossings Account. The funds are specifically designated for designing, constructing, and identifying new wildlife crossings and related highway features to improve wildlife movement across roadways.
This bill is currently facing an uphill battle in Carson City. The issue is not the merits of the bill, but its cost in the face of an uncertain economic outlook. This bill will need a lot of public support to get across the line so be sure to submit your opinion.
AB 132—This bill would increase the allowed capacity of guzzlers from 20,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons and extend the maximum allowed pipe length from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile.
AB 101 – This bill would make it unlawful to waste any part of a mountain lion or black bear that is considered edible.
AB 108 - Makes an appropriation of $500,000 from the State General Fund to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account. This would support the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program, which promotes outdoor education and recreational opportunities - including hunting and angling - across Nevada.
Bills that BHA opposes:
AB 245 – This bill would make it unlawful for anyone younger than 21 years of age to possess or control a semi-automatic shotgun or semi-automatic rifle. BHA opposes this bill because semi-automatic shotguns and rifles are a common choice for parents teaching their children how to hunt and safely handle firearms.
Federal Round-Up
ROSEN REINTRODUCES WASHOE LANDS BILL
On Feb. 6, the Truckee Meadows Public Land Management Act (S. 462) was reintroduced by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV). This legislation, among other provisions, would designate approximately 223,039 acres of Wilderness, 551,427 acres as National Conservation Areas, and withdraw 173,919 acres from mineral development.
“The Nevada Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is pleased to support the Truckee Meadows Public Land Management Act as recently introduced by Sen. Rosen and we thank her for her leadership. We see this legislation as a good representation of compromise by many stakeholders and interests that took many years and many versions to achieve,” said Bryce Pollock, Vice Chair for the Nevada Chapter of BHA. “We are very appreciative of Sen. Rosen’s consideration to ensure that public land access would not be limited for hunters and anglers along the Truckee River. We look forward to the conservation of more than one million acres of public lands, including many valuable recreation areas in North Washoe County, and are excited for the addition of a public shooting range that hunters can utilize for many generations to come.”
Rendezvous 2025 June 13th - 15th
Join Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for our 14th Annual North American Rendezvous! This June, we’re headed back to our roots in Missoula, Montana! Secure your spot and experience iconic events like the Wild Game Cookoff, Public Lands and Waters Celebration, Brewfest, and more. Whether you're flying solo or bringing the whole crew to this family-friendly event, you won’t want to miss this gathering filled with all-new educational seminars, hands-on demos, and some of your favorite outdoor icons. Click the link below for details and tickets. See you ‘round the fire at Rendezvous!
BHA’s North American Rendezvous is the year’s largest gathering of public lands and waters advocates, and it's bound to be a heck of a party!
Rendezvous Prize Package
Join, renew, upgrade, or gift a BHA membership between March 3 – April 11, 2025, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a North American Rendezvous Package from BHA Headquarters!
Package includes: a Family Weekend Pass to Rendezvous (2 adults & 3 children 16 & under), a Field to Table Dinner for 2 at the Teller Wildlife Refuge on June 12, and a BHA Merch Package so you can gear up and rep BHA while you’re at the event!
Note: Package includes event admission only. Travel, lodging, and additional expenses are not included.
STATE CHAPTER SPONSORS
We are grateful for all of our state chapter sponsors who support our work!
Thank you!
If you know or own a business that would be interested in supporting Nevada BHA, send us an e-mail at: [email protected]
BHA Nevada
About Joel Weltzien
Joel grew up backpacking and river running in rural Montana, and as an adult began hunting and fishing every chance he got. As California's Chapter Coordinator, Joel seeks to advance diverse coalitions in support of BHA's mission in the Golden State.