Deadline approaches: Nevada Silver State 2016 Tag offers hunt of a lifetime and more

Try describing the Silver State Tag without sounding like an infomercial. It simply cannot be done. 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 already allows hunters 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, but the winner also walks away with thousands of dollars’ worth of hunting gear and services.

“This is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking to hunt even without all of the additional prizes,” said Chad Bliss, Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioner. “But when you add all of the prizes donated by Nevada’s sportsmen’s groups, it becomes something you simply cannot pass up. Plus the money raised goes right back into helping Nevada’s wildlife.”

The prizes include the following:
Desert Bighorn Sheep: Rifle and a scope (Nevada Bighorns Unlimited) Sitka gear and Kenetrek boots (Wild Sheep Foundation), Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars (Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn), guided hunt (Hide N Seek Outfitters/Deep Creek Outfitters/White River Guide Service), full body mount (Artistic Wildlife Taxidermy), Yeti cooler (Elko Bighorns Unlimited), canvas bed roll, cot and back pack (Nevada Bighorns Unlimited-Midas Chapter), Havalon knife (Wild Sheep Foundation-Student Chapter) and a Minimalist hunting pack, Instinct hat, Wilderness Athlete – Hydrate and Recover and Wilderness Athlete – Energy and Focus (Cabela's).

Elk: Remington STS Camo 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), $500 gift card (Sportsworld), Instinct Prestige hunting pack, Instinct hat, Wilderness Athlete – Hydrate and Recover and Wilderness Athlete – Energy and Focus (Cabela's), Guide DCS jacket and Attack pant, ICON cap and Guide gloves (KUIU). Mule Deer: Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline tripod (includes fluid head) Ranger 1000 laser rangefinder (Vortex), Instinct Fast Tracker hunting pack, Instinct hat, Wilderness Athlete – Hydrate and Recover and Wilderness Athlete – Energy and Focus (Cabela's), Guide DCS jacket and Attack pant, ICON cap and Guide gloves (KUIU), bedroll tarp and Yeti cooler (Nevada Muleys).

Antelope: Razor HD 20-60x85 spotting scope, 15x50 Viper HD binoculars, Skyline tripod (includes fluid head) Ranger 1000 laser rangefinder (Vortex), Instinct Scout hunting pack, Instinct hat, Wilderness Athlete – Hydrate and Recover and Wilderness Athlete – Energy and Focus (Cabela's), Guide DCS jacket and Attack pant, ICON cap and Guide gloves (KUIU).

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 July 1 - February 28. 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 fee of $20 plus the $3 predator and $2 online fee, which bring the total to $25 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 for the Silver State Tags may only be submitted electronically at www.huntnevada.com during the regular big game tag application period. The deadline for applying is Monday, April 18.

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 Silver State Tag draw is open to both resident and nonresident hunters who are eligible to hunt big game, even those who are fulfilling waiting period requirements for the species available.

Like the money generated through the sale of Heritage Tags, Nevada law requires that Silver State Tag application fees be deposited in the Wildlife Heritage Trust Account. Funds from this account must be used for the protection, propagation, restoration, transplantation, introduction and management of Nevada’s game species and fur-bearing mammals as well as management of predatory wildlife.

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 www.ndow.org.