There have been significant revisions to the Nevada draw system for 2023 that may change your hunting plans for the better.
- Nevada’s first-come, first-served list has changed. Permits will now only be available based on the residency that the permit would originally have been awarded to.
- A new archery ram desert sheep tag is available to non-residents.
- Non-residents can once again apply for a mountain goat tag.
Now, let’s take a deeper look at some of the opportunities.
Mule Deer
The overall deer numbers in Nevada have not been doing very well over the last few years and deer numbers are down due to drought. The state is taking action by cutting almost all deer tags across the state this year to attempt to turn around the deer numbers. There are still a few select units that will produce some great deer, and with this winter having more moisture and, with any luck, some spring and summer rain, this year could produce some giant deer. I recommend applying and at least building bonus points if you want to chase a true giant mule deer in the future.
Rocky Mountain Elk
This state produces some of the biggest bulls in the West, but for non-residents the draw odds can be very steep. If you want to apply, you need to be in it for the long haul and understand that this will probably be a once-in-a-lifetime tag. The top units in the state produce 350+ bulls every year, and several bulls in the 380–400″ range are taken every year. With the bonus system in place, you may get lucky and draw a tag years before you should, so you should be applying in this state every year and not just be building points.
Desert Bighorn/California Bighorn
If you have sheep fever and believe you will never be able to afford a hunt either north or south of the border, Nevada is a must-apply state for a chance at drawing a sheep tag in the Lower 48. This year, non-residents have 1 archery and 17 rifle desert bighorn hunts to choose from, plus 4 choices for California bighorn tags. With this number of tags available to non-residents, Nevada holds your best odds of drawing a desert sheep tag in the West by far.
Mountain Goat
If you have been sitting on mountain goat points since the state froze non-resident points, or you want to start applying in Nevada for mountain goat, your year has come to try to draw the one non-resident tag. The odds are going to be a long shot for sure, but if you’re not in it, you won’t win it. This is an application that might be here next year or it might not be, but if you are already applying for something else in Nevada you should put your name in the hat for the minimal state fee.
Again, the Nevada application deadline is approaching on May 10. With the incredible number of non-resident desert sheep tags allocated annually and some of the best mule deer bucks and elk bulls in the country coming from Nevada, this should be on your immediate to-do list. By the way, if you have never applied in Nevada before, you will need to send them a copy of your hunter safety certification.
Let’s talk about Nevada. If you have any questions about the big game draw or would like to talk about strategy, please give WTA TAGS a call at 800-755-TAGS (8247) or email us today.
