Big game tag applications start Friday

Hunters interested in applying for Nevada's big game tags, can begin online application at 8 a.m. Friday, when the online applications go live on www.huntnevada.com. Hunters that applied online in the past will be sent a postcard reminding them it is time to apply. Those hunters who applied on paper through the mail will be sent a pre-printed application. Otherwise, paper applications will only be available at NDOW offices and online at www.ndow.org. This year's application deadline is April 19. Applications must be received, either via mail or online, by 5 p.m., to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be officially notified of the draw results by June 18. However, a new 48-hour notification process allows initial tag draw results to be posted online at www.huntnevada.com within 48 hours of the actual draw, which is usually held in late May.

While they are waiting for the application period to open, hunters can review hunt choices in the 2010 Big Game Seasons and Application Regulations book, which are posted online at www.ndow.org and also available at license agents statewide. Sporting goods stores, hardware stores and grocery stores that are license agent vendors for NDOW received shipments of the Big Game Application Regulation this week.

NDOW will once again hold tag application workshops in Las Vegas (March 22 and March 31) and Reno (March 25). The workshops include information on Nevada's big game management, tag quotas and allocations, draw odds, and bonus points. NDOW staff will explain common application errors, the computerized draw system and any new procedures or regulations for this year's drawing.

Maureen Hullinger, NDOW licensing program officer, recommends every hunter attend a workshop at least once to gain a better understanding of the process. "If there is one area where we are constantly trying to correct misinformation it's the tag draw," said Hullinger. "There are no secrets, no magic formulas presented, but understanding how the process works is one of the single most important steps a hunter can take towards being successful in the draw."

When selecting a hunt, it is always important to do your homework and know what to expect from the units you are applying for. The NDOW website (www.ndow.org) is a valuable tool with several resources to help sportsmen select the right hunts. In an effort to make things easier, NDOW has placed the Top 10 Big Game Tag Application Resources on one page at http://www.ndow.org/hunt/resources/top_10.shtm. The page includes maps, hunter information sheets, bonus point tables and hunt statistics and draw odds.