Silver State Tag offers hunt of a lifetime and more

Describing the Silver State Tag is a lot like watching one of those late night infomercials. With all the extra gear and services a person can win, you are constantly saying the phrase, “but wait, there’s more!”

The Silver State Tag, open to both resident and nonresident hunters, already allows sportsmen the opportunity to hunt one of four big game species (mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, Nelson (desert) bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope) anywhere in the state, even if you are in a waiting period for the species available.

Add onto that the fact that winners also walk away with thousands of dollars’ worth of hunting gear and services and you are talking about an opportunity you simply cannot pass up.

The prizes include the following:

Desert Bighorn Sheep:
Sitka gear and Kenetrek boots (Wild Sheep Foundation)
Razor HD 20-65x85 spotting scope and 15x50 Viper HD binoculars (Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn)
Rifle and scope (Nevada Bighorns Unlimited)
Multiple guide services (Deep Creek Outfitters and White River Guide Service)
Shoulder mount, (Artistic Wildlife Taxidermy)
Yeti Cooler (Elko Bighorns Unlimited)
Back pack (NBU-Midas Chapter)
Minimalist hunting pack and hat (Cabela’s)
Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete)

Elk:
Browning A-bolt 7mm (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – Ely Chapter)
Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline Tripod (includes fluid head) Ranger 1000 Laser Rangefinder (Vortex)
Shoulder mount (Trophy Room Services)
40 qt. Orca cooler (C&B Auto/Napa – Ely)
Guide DCS jacket & Attack pant, ICON Cap and Guide gloves (KUIU)
Alaskan frame pack and hat (Cabela’s)
Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete)
$500 gift card (Sportsworld - Ely)

Mule Deer:
Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline tripod (includes fluid head) and Ranger 1000 Laser Rangefinder (Vortex)
Shoulder mount (Wildlife Revolutions/Reno Nevada)
Guide DCS jacket & Attack pant, ICON cap and Guide gloves (KUIU)
Alaskan guide frame pack (Cabela’s)
Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete)
Bedroll tarp and Yeti Cooler (Nevada Muleys).
$100 gas card (Meadow Valley Wildlife Unlimited)

Antelope:
Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline tripod (includes fluid head) Ranger 1000 Laser Rangefinder (Vortex)
Shoulder mount (Golden Aspen Taxidermy)
40 qt. Orca cooler (Silver State Sportsmen – Eureka, NV)
Guide DCS jacket, Attack pant, ICON cap and Guide Gloves (KUIU)
Elite Scout hunting pack and hat (Cabela’s)
Hydrate and Recover / Energy and Focus sports drinks (Wilderness Athlete)

The Silver State Tag is similar to the state’s Heritage Tags, sometimes called governors tags or bid tags, and gives lucky recipients the chance to hunt a specific big game animal statewide in those hunt units where there is an established season from Aug. 1 – Dec. 31. But unlike the Heritage Tags which generally sell at auction for thousands of dollars, Silver State Tags are available through Nevada’s normal tag application process at a far lesser price.

Tag applicants pay a nonrefundable application $24 each for mule deer, desert bighorn and pronghorn antelope. An additional $5 is required for the elk application. Tag recipients will be charged the current fees established for the tag received. Applications may be submitted electronically at www.ndowlicensing.com during the regular big game tag application period. The deadline for applying is April 16.

In addition to expanded choice of hunt location, tag holders will also have an extended season in which to harvest their game animal. For desert sheep, mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope, Silver State Tag bearers can begin hunting Aug. 1 and hunt through Dec. 31. Tag holders also can use their legal weapon of choice throughout the season’s duration – bow, muzzleloader or rifle.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.