Hunting in Nevada: 3 Animals to Hunt in the Spring

As a largely rural western state, Nevada offers a wide range of big-game animals and game birds to hunt legally in the fall, according to Hunting Trips R Us. From elk, mountain lions, mountain goats, and cougars to ducks, pheasants, geese, and turkeys, a variety of wildlife are available to pursue in the fall hunting season.

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However, like in most other states, the spring hunting season is very limited in scope. Wild turkeys are the only game regulated to hunt in Nevada during the spring period, though shed hunting has grown in popularity among adults, youth, and children, according to Outdoor Hub. Here are the three most popular animals to hunt in the Sagebrush State during the spring season.

1. Turkeys
Wild turkeys may be hunted during the spring between March 28 and May 3, according to the When is Turkey Season website. The bag limit is one bearded turkey. Hunting times begin 30 minutes before sunrise and end at 4 p.m. each day. The firearms and ammunition that hunters may use include a longbow and arrow, a shotgun between 10 and 20 gauge or a shot that is no longer than a #2. Turkeys may not be hunted in the fall due to low numbers.

2. Elk and Deer Antlers
Shed hunting is a hobby that outdoorsmen and hunters typically practice in the winter and spring. Shed hunting is the pastime of venturing into the woods and nature to search for, find and collect antlers that antlered species have lost during the shedding process, according to Heartland Lodge. Antlers typically fall off elk, mule deer, white-tail deer and other antlered big-game animals in Nevada any time between the end of winter and the early weeks of spring.

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Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy shed hunting for numerous reasons: to collect antlers as a hobby, sell antlers to hobbyists, explore the outdoors, to learn the habits of antlered species and help them hunt more effectively in the fall, and explore hunting properties for use in future pursuits.

There is one caveat, however. The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners passed a regulation in 2014 prohibiting shed hunting each year from Jan. 1 to April 15, according to Outdoor Hub. Shed hunting's popularity had begun to negatively impact natural areas and the quality of life of deer and elk, so outdoorsmen now must wait till April 16 of each year to begin shed hunting in the state.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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