Columnist Paula DelGiudice: Big game hunters should apply early

Paula DelGiudice

Wednesday, March 28, 2001 | 9:12 a.m.

Paula DelGiudice's outdoors notebook appears Wednesday. Reach her at desertdenizens@aol.com

The deadline for applying for this year's big game hunt is April 16. So there is little else on hunters' minds today besides trying to determine which area to choose when applying for the hunt.

The Nevada Division of Wildlife has that in mind, and is urging hunters to apply early to avoid mistakes on their applications. According to the NDOW, applications are now in the mail and the chances of being rejected because of errors are reduced if hunters return them quickly.

Applications received by the Wildlife Administrative Offices in Fallon containing errors are returned to the applicant to be corrected. In previous years, approximately 60,000 applications (75 percent) are received during the last week of the application period, leaving no time for the application to be returned.

Those who have not received an application in the mail can obtain one from the NDOW offices at 4747 Vegas Drive in Las Vegas or 744 South Racetrack Road in Henderson.

Applications, regulations brochures and tag drawing information may also be obtained on the Web at www.nevadadivisionofwildlife.org.

Applications must be received through the mail at the Wildlife Administrative Services Office in Fallon no later than 5 p.m. on April 16 to be eligible for the tag drawing.

To help hunters understand the tag drawing process, the complicated bonus point system and the nature of game management in Nevada, the NDOW is offering a big game tag application workshop for hunters on May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Cashman Center. NDOW biologists will be available to answer questions about hunt areas.

Reservations are not required and admission is free. For information, call NDOW at 486-5127, ext. 3504.

This year the Partnership In Wildlife (PIW) tags will cost less than in the past. For $10, hunters will be given a second chance if they are unsuccessful in the initial computerized drawings.

NDOW personnel and volunteer fishing instructors will cover such basics as fish identification, baits and tackle and how to rig a fishing rod. Equipment and bait will be provided by NDOW. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are required for anglers 12 and older. To register for the class call NDOW at 486-5127, ext. 3504.