Bear Hunting In Nevada

Hunting Methods  Hunting With Dogs
 

Bears in Nevada were nearly wiped out by the arrival of new settlers. Habitat loss, uncontrolled hunting, and poisoning left few bears left in the wild. 

When Did Bear Hunting Start In Nevada?

In 1929 Black Bears were given a regulated hunting season.

Is The State Broken Down Into BMUs (Bear management units)?

Nevada has 10 Hunt Units for bear hunting. They are Units; 192, 194, 195, 196, 201, 202, 203, 204, 206 and 291.

When Is Bear Hunting Season?

All Units-Sep. 15- Dec. 1 (Or until harvest limit of 50 is met)
Note: There is only one Bear Season, during which time all legal weapons and the use of dogs is permitted to hunt with.

What Weapons Are Permitted?

Archery: Longbows, Compound bows or Recurved bows with a draw weight minimum of 40 pounds; Crossbows with a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds, using arrows/bolts at least 16 inches long; Arrows with a broadhead attached that is 24 inches in length; Fixed broadheads and mechanical heads that must be at least 7/8 inch in width. 

Firearms: Rifles that use a centerfire cartridge no more than 3 inches in length, with a  minimum of .22 caliber and a maximum of .50 caliber; Handguns that use a centerfire cartridge with a minimum caliber of .22 and has a barrel length of 4 or more inches.
 

Muzzleloaders: Any muzzleloading firearm with a single barrel of .45 caliber or larger, using only black powder or full synthetic black powder; Lead balls or bullets; Semi-jacketed bullet or a metal alloy bullet that expands; Saboted rounds. 

 

Note: Crossbows may not be used during archery season, only during the “Any Legal Weapon” hunt.
 

Can Hunters Kill Cubs?

There is no specification on what size bears, if any, are not legal to shoot.

Can Hunters Kill A Bear Over Bait?

No. Baiting is not legal.

Is Dog Hunting Permitted In Nevada?

Yes. Hunting with dogs is permitted. 

What Procedure Must Hunters Follow After They Kill A Bear?

Upon harvesting a bear, hunters are told to call the Department phone number 775-688-BEAR and leave a message.

What Is Their Reasoning For Hunting Bears?

• Regulating bear population

• Controlling nuisance problems

• Recreational opportunity for sportsmen and women

What Is The Government Organization(s), That Is In Charge Of Bear Hunting/Wildlife?

Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)

When Does The Nevada Department of Wildlife  Hold Their Meetings?

There are eight scheduled NDOW meetings for 2019. Dates, times, and locations can be found here. http://www.ndow.org/Public_Meetings/

Are The Meeting Open To The Public?

Yes, the meetings are open to the public. Information regarding attendance can be found here- http://www.ndow.org/Public_Meetings/

Who Has The Power To Stop The Hunt?

The Governor and Nevada’s elected General Assembly Members have the authority to introduce and vote on proposed law changes. 

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Brad Johnston, Chairman of the NDOW Commission

Groups And Organizations That Oppose Bear Hunting.

No Bear Hunt Nevada - https://nobearhuntnv.org/

BEAR League - http://www.savebears.org/index.html

Hunt Clubs And Organizations That Participate In And Fund Bear Hunting.

Nevada Bighorns Unlimited - https://nevadabighornsunlimited.org/

Nevada Outfitters - https://www.nevadaoutfitters.org/

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