Hunting in Nevada: Regulations for Hunting with Dogs

Use of dogs to hunt wild game is a centuries-old practice that is essential to the success of many hunters, and sport enthusiasts going hunting in Nevada are no different.

Liberal animal rights activists have fought the inclusion of dogs in hunting, claiming the practice is dangerous for the dogs, cruel to the animals being pursued, and an unsporting type of hunting since, in many cases, the animals end up climbing a tree to avoid the hunting dogs, giving the hunter an easy target.

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As an example, in 2013 the Nevada Wildlife Commission was presented a petition from anti-hunting groups to prohibit use of dogs in hunting black bears. The commission ultimately rejected the petition, leaving Nevada as one of 18 states where dogs are permitted to assist in bear hunting, according to the Los Angeles Times. A total of 32 states permit bear hunting, with 14 states banning use of dogs in bear hunting.

Nevada has established basic rules and regulations for hunters to follow in hunting with dogs:

1. Bird Dogs
Nevada state law allows hunters to use dogs for bird hunting, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, but training dogs in the wild to hunt birds is prohibited.

2. Chasing Wildlife
Nevada state law prohibits dog owners from allowing their canine to "run at large" in actively "tracking, pursuing, harassing, attacking or killing any wildlife in a state-owned wildlife management area," according to the Animal Legal and Historical Center. Law enforcement has the right to shoot dogs found to be chasing large- or small-game animals or game birds.

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3. Mountain Lion Hunting
A special license is not required for hunters to use dogs in tracking, pursuing, and hunting mountain lions in Nevada, the DOW said. Hunters who use hunting dogs must abide by state laws and refrain from hunting after harvest objectives are reached that signal an end to the lion season in particular regions of Nevada.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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