Nevada updating process for obtaining hunting tags

By Sean Ammerman

Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 | 1:28 a.m.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife's application process is changing. It will no longer be based on written forms.

The new system, which will be in effect by March, is computer based. Those applying for licenses can do so at stores where hunting supplies are sold, but the process will no longer require a hand-written application.

The computer-based system will provide faster turnaround for licenses and close a loophole that allowed applicants to forgo hunter-education classes, said John McKay, an outdoor education coordinator for the department.

"We wanted to update the licensing system to modern technology," he said. "This will allow our licenses to be more compatible with other states."

The system requires all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1960, to have attended an eight-hour educational course. Those who have already taken the course do not need to retake it.

Also beginning in the new year, the department will no longer accept out-of-state licenses that lack proof of the hunting-education requirement.

Some out-of-state licenses have hunter-education proof marks that may not be recognized by the state. Call the department at 486-5127 to confirm if a license meets Nevada standards.

"In the past, if a person walked into a store, they may be issued a license even if they do not meet the requirements," McKay said. "That won't happen in the new system."

Department officials urge hunters to double check their licences for proper proof before the upcoming spring education courses, when most hunters crowd the sessions.

"We don't want to lose hunters because all of a sudden they don't have the proper requirements," McKay said.

For more information, visit www.ndow.org

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].