Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 503 - Hunting, Fishing and Trapping; Miscellaneous Protective Measures
Here’s a detailed overview of Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 503 – Hunting, Fishing and Trapping; Miscellaneous Protective Measures:
🧭 Overall Structure
NAC 503 regulates hunting, fishing, trapping, and protective measures for wildlife in Nevada. It includes sections on general provisions, wildlife classification, licenses and permits, trapping rules, raptors, fishing, wildlife depredation, dredging, and other special authorizations
🌿 Key Sections & Highlights
▶️ General Provisions & Wildlife Classification
Wild mammals are categorized into game, fur-bearing, protected, threatened, and sensitive species
Game birds, protected birds, reptiles, and aquatic species also have classification rules .
🎯 Hunting & Trapping Regulations
Definitions and restrictions for hunting with bows, crossbows, using dogs, baiting, and artificial aids
Ban on using aircraft or drones to locate wildlife during open seasons
Trap regulations: Traps must be checked every 48–96 hours depending on the unit; steel leghold traps need spacers and cannot be baited improperly
Trapping within half-mile of residences in urbanized counties is largely prohibited
🏷️ Licensing & Permits
A valid license/permit is required to hunt, trap, or possess wildlife—specific exceptions apply (e.g. unprotected species)
Raptor rules: Hunting or possessing birds of prey requires permits; falconry licenses come in apprentice, general, and master categories
Commercial collection permits cover unprotected wildlife collection, with detailed application requirements and a $250 annual fee
Release permits: Required for releasing wildlife, with health certificate and site approval prerequisites .
🐾 Possession & Transport Rules
Lists specific species that can be possessed without permits—as pets or exhibit animals—and exceptions to those rules .
Adult big-game parts must remain with the carcass (cape, scalp, antlers, horns) until processed
Transportation of protected reptile species is heavily restricted .
🌊 Additional Provisions
Adoption of federal migratory bird regulations (CFR Title 50 as of Oct 1990)
Fishing and dredging permits, competitive field trial permits, and wildlife depredation control measures are also included
✅ Practical Implications
| Activity | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hunting/trapping game or protected wildlife | Requires license/permit |
| Using dogs, bait, aircraft, or drones | Regulated by season, location & species |
| Steel leghold traps | Must have spacers; check intervals apply |
| Releasing wildlife | Health clearance and permit required |
| Raptor handling | Falconry license mandatory |
| Commercial collection | $250 permit and record submission required |
| Possession of exotic pets | Allowed only if species meets listed criteria |
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