[Rev. 1/19/2012 11:00:20 AM]

 

This chapter of NAC has changes which have been adopted but have not been codified; you can see those changes by viewing the following regulation(s) on the Nevada Register of Administrative Regulations: R059-08, R155-08, R041-09, R082-09, R083-09, R114-09, R137-09, R138-09, R176-09, R083-10, R002-11, R054-11, R056-11

CHAPTER 503 - HUNTING, FISHING AND TRAPPING; MISCELLANEOUS PROTECTIVE MEASURES

GENERAL PROVISIONS

503.0001          Definitions.

503.0007          “Commission” defined.

503.001            “Department” defined.

503.0015          “Endangered” defined.

503.003            “Nontoxic shot” defined.

503.0035          “Protected” defined.

503.004            “Sensitive” defined.

503.0045          “Threatened” defined.

503.0047          “Edible portion” interpreted.

CLASSIFICATION AND TAKING OF WILDLIFE

503.005            Applicability.

503.015            Wild mammals.

503.020            Game mammals.

503.025            Fur-bearing mammals.

503.030            Protected, threatened and sensitive mammals.

503.035            Unprotected mammals.

503.040            Wild birds.

503.045            Game birds: Upland and migratory.

503.050            Protected, endangered and sensitive birds.

503.055            Unprotected birds.

503.060            Game fish.

503.065            Protected, endangered and threatened fish.

503.067            Sensitive fish.

503.070            Unprotected fish.

503.075            Amphibians: Classification.

503.080            Reptiles: Classification.

503.090            Seasons: Protected wildlife; unprotected wildlife.

503.093            Appropriate license, permit or authorization required to hunt, take or possess protected wildlife; exceptions.

503.094            Scientific permit for collection or possession of wildlife.

503.095            Permit to collect unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes.

503.097            Collection of unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes: General requirements.

503.099            Collection of unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes: Compliance with applicable law.

503.100            Taking of bullfrogs or crayfish.

503.101            Factors for classification of wildlife as game.

503.102            Factors for classification of wildlife as fur-bearing mammal.

503.103            Criteria for classification of wildlife as protected.

503.104            Criteria for classification of wildlife as sensitive.

POSSESSION, TRANSPORTATION, IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION AND RELEASE OF WILDLIFE

503.108            “Evidence of lawful possession” defined.

503.110            Restrictions on importation, transportation and possession of certain species.

503.115            Restriction on transportation of live game fish.

503.130            Inspection of imported wildlife: Notification by Department.

503.135            Permit to release wildlife.

503.140            Species for which certain permits and licenses are not required: Specification; release; sale; exceptions.

HUNTING AND TRAPPING: GENERALLY

503.141            “Longbow” defined.

503.142            Hunting big game mammal with firearm.

503.143            Hunting with crossbow.

503.144            Hunting with longbow and arrow.

503.145            Sight attached to firearm, longbow or crossbow.

503.146            Scope permit for person with visual disability: Issuance; application; validity.

503.147            Hunting with a dog.

503.148            Use of aircraft, hot air balloons, satellites or other devices.

503.149            Baiting big game mammals.

503.150            Registration of traps.

503.153            Steel leghold traps: Definitions.

503.155            Steel leghold traps: Spacers.

503.157            Steel leghold traps: Use of bait.

503.160            Data regarding trapping activities: Authority of Department; duty of person purchasing trapping license; denial and reinstatement of certain privileges.

503.170            Restrictions on deer hunting in particular areas; prohibition on use or possession of certain shotgun rounds in particular areas.

503.173            Maintenance of cape or scalp and antlers or horns with carcass of wildlife.

503.174            Sale of nonedible parts of legally killed game; exception for gall bladder of any species of bear.

503.175            Unlawful to disguise sex characteristics of animals.

503.180            Adoption by reference of federal regulations applicable to hunting of migratory game birds.

503.183            Hunting of certain migratory game birds: Nontoxic shot required; possession of noncomplying shot prohibited.

503.185            Transportation of blue or ruffed grouse.

503.187            Weapons and type of shot permitted for hunting wild turkey.

503.189            Use of flashlight when hunting mountain lion.

503.191            Reasonable effort required to take wildlife.

503.192            Obstruction or contamination of or interference with guzzler prohibited.

503.193            Exceptions to requirement of hunting license or permit or trapping license.

503.195            Exceptions to requirement of license or permit to hunt upland game birds.

RAPTORS

503.200            Definitions.

503.205            License or permit required to hunt, trap, possess or sell raptors; possession of eggs and feathers.

503.210            Practice of falconry: General requirements.

503.215            Acquisition and banding of raptors.

503.220            Introduction into or removal from State of raptors.

503.225            Purchase, sale or transfer of raptors.

503.230            Intentional release of raptor.

503.235            Falconry license: Requirement; application; examination; conditions; exceptions.

503.240            Falconry license: Classifications; issuance.

503.245            Sponsorship of apprentice licensee.

503.250            Possession and replacement of raptors by apprentice, general licensee or master licensee.

503.255            Equipment required for license.

503.260            Inspections.

503.265            Application for license must include information on raptors in applicant’s possession.

503.300            Permit to capture raptors: Quota for raptors; falconry license required.

503.305            Permit to capture raptors: Conditions.

503.310            Use of traps or bird nets to take raptors.

503.315            Permit to rehabilitate raptors; permit for captive breeding and propagation of raptors.

503.320            Taking of raptors for falconry: Attachment of raptor band; validation of permit; transportation of raptor from State.

503.325            Taking of raptors for falconry: Return of unused permit and raptor band.

503.330            Taking of raptors for falconry: Grounds for denial of permit; reinstatement of privilege; administrative fine.

503.335            Taking of raptors for falconry: Application for permit; falconry license required.

503.340            Taking of raptors for falconry: Fees.

503.345            Taking of raptors for falconry: Filling of quotas for permits.

FISHING

503.500            Definitions.

503.502            Bait: General authority to and restrictions on capture, transport and use.

503.504            Western Region: Applicable waters; restrictions on bait and lures.

503.506            Eastern Region: Applicable waters; restrictions on bait and lures.

503.507            Southern Region: Applicable waters; restrictions on bait and lures.

503.508            Use of bait in particular areas: Colorado River, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

503.510            Aquatic bait and live bait: Capture, sale, holding and transportation; reference work for naming of species.

503.513            Commercial wildlife permit: Prerequisites to issuance; use; expiration.

503.515            Importation of live bait for commercial purposes.

503.520            Sale of live or aquatic bait: Invoice.

503.530            Importation of live or aquatic bait: Notification of Department.

503.535            Inspection of shipment of live fish or bait: Notification by Department; action upon conclusion; fee.

503.540            Commercial taking of crayfish unlawful.

503.545            Commercial permit to take unprotected fish: Prerequisites to issuance.

503.550            Commercial permit to take unprotected fish: Conditions of use.

503.555            Commercial permit to take unprotected fish: Amendment or revocation by Department.

503.560            Certification of certain facilities as free from disease: General requirements; inspection of facilities.

503.565            Certification of certain facilities as free from disease: Revocation and reinstatement; expiration and renewal.

503.575            Noncommercial license for possession of endemic species of fish: Prerequisites; use.

503.580            Unprotected fish and bullfrogs: Methods of taking.

503.583            Ice fishing: Size of holes.

503.586            Filleting of fish.

503.590            Fishing in Lake Mead, Lake Mohave or Colorado River.

503.591            Spearfishing for striped bass.

503.592            Use of mechanical device to propel spear.

503.593            Waters in which chumming and fishing with a spear prohibited.

COMPETITIVE FIELD TRIALS

503.610            Permits: Authority to conduct certain activities; application; use.

503.620            Conducting competitive field trials and training.

503.630            Upland game birds: Permit for importation.

503.640            Upland game birds: Prerequisites to release; inspection by Department.

503.650            Upland game birds: Legbands.

WILDLIFE DEPREDATION

503.710            Wildlife depredation permit: Prerequisites to issuance.

503.720            Wildlife depredation permit: Contents.

503.730            Wildlife depredation permit: Ownership and disposition of wildlife taken.

503.740            Wildlife depredation permit: Limitation on use; federal permits.

503.760            Permits to control bobcats, coyotes or ravens from aircraft.

DREDGING PERMITS

503.810            Application for permit.

503.820            Expiration, scope, use, transferability and cancellation of permit.

 

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

      NAC 503.0001  Definitions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NAC 503.0007 to 503.0045, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R054-02, 11-19-2002, eff. 3-1-2003; A by R133-04, 10-28-2004; R093-05, 10-31-2005)

      NAC 503.0007  “Commission” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  “Commission” means the Board of Wildlife Commissioners.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R093-05, eff. 10-31-2005)

      NAC 503.001  “Department” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  “Department” means the Department of Wildlife.

     (Supplied in codification; A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R054-02, 11-19-2002, eff. 3-1-2003; A by R138-03, 1-20-2004)

      NAC 503.0015  “Endangered” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  “Endangered” means when a species or subspecies is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, eff. 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.003  “Nontoxic shot” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  “Nontoxic shot” means any shot that has been approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service pursuant to 50 C.F.R. § 20.134.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R054-02, 11-19-2002, eff. 3-1-2003)

      NAC 503.0035  “Protected” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  “Protected” means when a species or subspecies is classified as protected by the Commission pursuant to NAC 503.103.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, eff. 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.004  “Sensitive” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  “Sensitive” means when a species or subspecies is classified as sensitive by the Commission pursuant to NAC 503.104.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, eff. 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.0045  “Threatened” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  “Threatened” means when a species or subspecies is likely to become an endangered species in the near future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, eff. 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.0047  “Edible portion” interpreted. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.050)

     1.  As used in NRS 503.050, the Commission will interpret “edible portion” to mean, with respect to:

     (a) A big game mammal, except mountain lions and black bears:

          (1) The meat of the front quarters to the knee;

          (2) The meat of the hind quarters to the hock; and

          (3) The meat along the backbone between the front quarters and hind quarters;

     (b) A game mammal:

          (1) The meat of the front quarters to the elbow;

          (2) The meat of the hind quarters to the hock; and

          (3) The meat along the backbone between the front quarters and hind quarters;

     (c) A game bird, the meat of the breast; and

     (d) A game fish, the fillet meat from the gill plate to the tail fin.

     2.  The term does not include:

     (a) Meat from the head or neck;

     (b) Meat that has been damaged and rendered inedible by the method of taking;

     (c) Meat that is reasonably lost as a result of boning or close trimming of bones;

     (d) Bones;

     (e) Sinew; or

     (f) Viscera.

     3.  As used in this section:

     (a) “Elbow” means the distal joint of the humerus.

     (b) “Gill plate” means the operculum.

     (c) “Hock” means the distal joint of the tibia-fibula.

     (d) “Knee” means the distal joint of the radius-ulna.

     (e) “Tail fin” means the caudal fin.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R041-09, eff. 10-27-2009)

CLASSIFICATION AND TAKING OF WILDLIFE

      NAC 503.005  Applicability. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  The provisions of NAC 503.005 to 503.104, inclusive, do not apply to any species or subspecies of wildlife that was classified before June 1, 1992, unless that species or subspecies is being reclassified pursuant to a regulation of the Commission.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 7-6-92; A by R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.015  Wild mammals. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  Wild mammals include all species classified as game, fur-bearing, protected and unprotected mammals.

     (Supplied in codification; A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.020  Game mammals. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  The following wild mammals are further classified as game mammals:

 

 

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 2-28-94; R133-04, 10-28-2004; R059-08, 8-26-2008)

      NAC 503.025  Fur-bearing mammals. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  Fur-bearing mammals include:

 

 

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 10-1-76; 10-15-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.030  Protected, threatened and sensitive mammals. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)

     1.  Protected mammals include:

 

 

     2.  The following species of protected mammal is further classified as threatened:

 

 

      3.  The following species of protected mammals are further classified as sensitive:

 

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 10-1-76; 10-15-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-6-92; R133-04, 10-28-2004; R155-08, 9-18-2008)

      NAC 503.035  Unprotected mammals. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  Unprotected mammals:

     1.  Are all species of mammals which are not classified as game, fur-bearing, protected, sensitive, threatened or endangered animals.

     2.  Include:

 

 

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-6-92; R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.040  Wild birds.  Wild birds include all species classified as game, protected and unprotected birds.

     (Supplied in codification)

      NAC 503.045  Game birds: Upland and migratory. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  Game birds are classified as:

     1.  Upland game birds, which include:

 

 

     2.  Migratory game birds, which include all species of game birds listed in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq., including the families Anatidae (wild ducks, geese, brants and swans), Columbidae (wild doves and pigeons), Gruidae (sandhill cranes), Rallidae (rails, coots and gallinules) and Scolopacidae (woodcocks and snipes).

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 9-19-90; R199-97, 5-27-98; R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.050  Protected, endangered and sensitive birds. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  Protected birds:

     1.  Are all species of wild birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq., and listed in 50 C.F.R. § 10.13, unless such wild birds are migratory game birds as described in subsection 2 of NAC 503.045.

     2.  Include the following species which are further classified as endangered:

 

 

     Applicable federal law is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq., the Bald Eagle Protection Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 668 et seq., and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

     3.  Include the following species which are further classified as sensitive:

 

 

     Applicable federal law is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq., and federal regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 6-1-71; 5-15-74; 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.055  Unprotected birds. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  Unprotected birds:

     1.  Are all species of birds which are not classified as game, protected, threatened or endangered birds.

     2.  Include:

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
	House Sparrow .......................	Passer domesticus
	Starling....................................	Sturnus vulgaris

 

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 7-1-70; 5-15-74; 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-6-92)

      NAC 503.060  Game fish. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  The following species of fish and all hybrids thereof are classified as game fish:

     1.  Cold-water game fish are:

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(a) Cutthroat trout	Bonneville...............................	Oncorhynchus clarki utah
	Lahontan.................................	Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi
	Snake River (Yellowstone).....	Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri
(b) Salmon		Oncorhynchus ssp.
	Atlantic....................................	Salmo salar
(c) Trout	Brook.......................................	Salvelinus fontinalis
	Brown......................................	Salmo trutta
	Bull..........................................	Salvelinus confluentis
	Lake.........................................	Salvelinus namyaycush
	Rainbow..................................	Oncorhynchus mykiss
	Redband..................................	Oncorhynchus mykiss gibbsi
(d) Whitefish	Mountain.................................	Prosopium williamsoni

 

     2.  Warm-water game fish are:

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(a) Bullhead	Black.......................................	Ameiurus melas
	Brown......................................	Ameiurus nebulosus
(b) Catfish	Channel...................................	Ictalurus punctatus
	White.......................................	Ameiurus catus
(c) Bass	Striped.....................................	Morone saxatilis
	White.......................................	Morone chrysops
	Largemouth Black...................	Micropterus salmoides
	Smallmouth Black...................	Micropterus dolomieu
	Spotted....................................	Micropterus punctulatus
(d) Crappie	Black.......................................	Pomoxis nigromaculatus
	White.......................................	Pomoxis annularis
(e) Perch	Sacramento..............................	Archoplites interruptus
	Yellow.....................................	Perca flavescens
(f) Sunfish	Bluegill....................................	Lepomis macrochirus
	Green.......................................	Lepomis cyanellus
	Redear.....................................	Lepomis microlophus
(g) Walleye		Stizostedion vitreum

 

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 7-1-70; 1-1-74]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 1-1-81; 12-15-81; 12-1-82; 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 12-11-87; R137-98, 9-25-98; R093-05, 10-31-2005)

      NAC 503.065  Protected, endangered and threatened fish. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)

     1.  The following species of fish are classified as protected:

 

Minnows (Cyprinidae)

 

		Common Name		Scientific Name
(a) Chub		Alvord Tui...............................		Gila alvordensis
		Fish Creek Springs Tui............		Gila bicolor euchila
		Sheldon Tui.............................		Gila bicolor eurysoma
(b) Dace		Oasis Valley Speckled.............		Rhinichthys osculus ssp.
	(c) Spinedace		Virgin........................................		Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis

 

Suckers (Catostomidae)

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(d) Sucker	Wall Canyon............................	Catostomus ssp.
	Warner.....................................	Catostomus warnerensis
	White River Desert..................	Catostomus clarki intermedius

 

Killifishes (Cyprinodontidae)

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(e) Springfish	Moorman White River.............	Crenichthys baileyi thermopilus
	Preston White River................	Crenichthys baileyi albivallis

 

     2.  The following species of protected fish are further classified as endangered:

 

Minnows (Cyprinidae)

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(a) Chub	Bonytail...................................	Gila elegans
	Independence Valley Tui........	Gila bicolor isolata
	Pahranagat Roundtail..............	Gila robusta jordani
	Virgin River.............................	Gila robusta seminuda
(b) Dace	Moapa......................................	Moapa coriacea
	Ash Meadows Speckled..........	Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis
	Clover Valley Speckled...........	Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus
	Independence Valley Speckled..................................	Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus
(c) Spinedace	White River.............................	Lepidomeda albivalis
(d) Squawfish	Colorado..................................	Ptychocheilus lucius
(e) Woundfin		Plagopterus argentissimus

 

Suckers (Catostomidae)

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(f) Sucker	Cui-ui.......................................	Chasmistes cujus
	Razorback................................	Xyrauchen texanus

 

Killifishes (Cyprinodontidae)

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(g) Poolfish	Pahrump..................................	Empetrichthys latos
(h) Pupfish	Devil’s Hole............................	Cyprinodon diabolis
	Warm Springs..........................	Cyprinodon nevadensis pectoralis
(i) Springfish	Hiko White River....................	Crenichthys baileyi grandis
	White River.............................	Crenichthys baileyi baileyi

 

     3.  The following species of protected fish are further classified as threatened:

 

Minnows (Cyprinidae)

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(a) Dace	Desert......................................	Eremichthys acros
(b) Spinedace	Big Spring...............................	Lepidomeda mollispinis pratensis

 

Killifishes (Cyprinodontidae)

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(c) Pupfish	Ash Meadows Amargosa........	Cyprinodon nevadensis mionectes
(d) Springfish	Railroad Valley.......................	Crenichthys nevadae

 

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 7-1-70; 6-1-71; 1-1-73; 1-1-74; 5-15-74; 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 1-1-81; 12-15-81; 12-1-82; R137-98, 9-25-98)

      NAC 503.067  Sensitive fish. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  The following species of protected fish are further classified as sensitive:

 

Minnows (Cyprinidae)
	Common Name	Scientific Name
1.  Chub	Big Smoky Valley Tui.............	Gila bicolor ssp.
	Fish Lake Valley Tui...............	Gila bicolor ssp.
	Hot Creek Valley Tui..............	Gila robusta ssp.
	Newark Valley Tui..................	Gila bicolor newarkensis
	Virgin River (Muddy River Population).........................	Gila seminuda
	Railroad Valley Tui.................	Gila bicolor ssp.
2.  Dace	Big Smoky Valley Speckled...	Rhinichthys osculus lariversi
	Monitor Valley Speckled........	Rhinichthys osculus ssp.
	Moapa Speckled......................	Rhinichthys osculus moapae
	Relict.......................................	Relictus solitarus
	White River Speckled.............	Rhinichthys osculus velifer

 

Suckers (Catostomidae)
	Common Name	Scientific Name
3.  Sucker	Meadow Valley Wash Desert..	Catostomus clarki ssp.

 

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 12-15-81; A 12-1-82; R137-98, 9-25-98)

      NAC 503.070  Unprotected fish. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  Unprotected fish are all species of fish not classified as game, protected, threatened, sensitive or endangered fish.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 12-15-81; 7-6-92)

      NAC 503.075  Amphibians: Classification. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)

     1.  Amphibians are classified as game, protected, threatened, sensitive, endangered or unprotected amphibians.

     2.  The following amphibians are classified as protected:

 

	Common Name	Scientific Name
(a) Frog	Northern leopard frog.............	Rana pipiens
	Relict leopard..........................	Rana onca
	Spotted....................................	Rana luteiventris
(b) Toad	Amargosa................................	Bufo nelsoni

 

     3.  Unprotected amphibians are all species of amphibians which are not classified as game, protected, threatened, sensitive or endangered amphibians.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 5-15-74; 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R137-98, 9-25-98; R094-03, 10-30-2003)

      NAC 503.080  Reptiles: Classification. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)

     1.  The following reptiles are classified as protected:

 

 

     2.  The following protected reptile is further classified as threatened:

 

 

     3.  All species of reptiles which are not classified as protected, sensitive, threatened or endangered are unprotected.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69; A 7-1-70; 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 11-10-83; 12-13-91; 7-6-92; R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.090  Seasons: Protected wildlife; unprotected wildlife. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  There is no open season on those species of wild mammals, wild birds, fish, reptiles or amphibians classified as protected.

     2.  There is no closed season on those species of wild mammals or wild birds classified as unprotected.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, part No. 1, eff. 7-1-69]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.093  Appropriate license, permit or authorization required to hunt, take or possess protected wildlife; exceptions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a person shall not hunt or take any wildlife which is classified as protected, or possess any part thereof, without first obtaining the appropriate license, permit or written authorization from the Department.

     2.  Such a license, permit or authorization is not required for:

     (a) The possession of a desert tortoise which:

          (1) Was held in captivity on or before August 4, 1989; or

          (2) Is acquired through an adoption program approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     (b) The possession of any species of wildlife classified as protected in Nevada which is:

          (1) Lawfully killed in another state and imported to Nevada; and

          (2) Possessed under the authority of the other state’s appropriate license, tag, permit or other authorization.

     (c) The taking of a protected vector or a protected venomous reptile:

          (1) Which is found in a residence, school or other building open to the public; or

          (2) If the taking is necessary to protect the life of any person in imminent danger of being attacked or bitten by the protected vector or protected venomous reptile.

     3.  As used in this section:

     (a) “Classified as protected” includes wildlife that is classified as sensitive, threatened or endangered.

     (b) “Vector” means a living nonhuman animal capable of carrying infectious disease from one person or animal to another.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 12-13-91; A 1-24-92; R077-00, 8-18-2000; R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.094  Scientific permit for collection or possession of wildlife. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.650)

     1.  The Department may issue a scientific permit pursuant to NRS 503.650 which authorizes the taking, killing, possessing or banding of any species of wildlife, or the collecting of the nest or eggs thereof, for strictly scientific or educational purposes.

     2.  An applicant for a scientific permit must include on his or her application:

     (a) The name of the applicant;

     (b) The name of the company or institution that the applicant is representing;

     (c) The physical or mailing addresses of the applicant’s residence and place of employment;

     (d) The telephone numbers of the applicant’s residence and place of employment;

     (e) The driver’s license number of the applicant, if he or she has been issued a driver’s license;

     (f) The name of each person or group of persons who will collect wildlife under the authority of the scientific permit and at the direction of the applicant;

     (g) The common and scientific name and the number of each species of wildlife, or nests or eggs thereof, to be collected, possessed, marked or banded;

     (h) The manner and means by which each specimen of wildlife will be collected or captured;

     (i) The locations at which and the dates when the specimens of wildlife are to be collected;

     (j) A brief synopsis, not to exceed five pages, of the purpose and justification for the collection and possession of the specimens of wildlife;

     (k) The location where the specimens of wildlife will be transferred or held once collected; and

     (l) The signature of the applicant and the date on which the application was signed.

     3.  A scientific permit must be valid for not more than 2 years. Upon its evaluation of the application, the Department will issue the scientific permit based on a calendar year or a fiscal year.

     4.  Not later than 30 days after the date on which the permit expires, the holder of a scientific permit shall submit to the Department a complete report which details the species of wildlife collected, the number of each species of wildlife collected at each location, the date on which each species of wildlife was collected and any other information which the Department requires.

     5.  Based on its evaluation of the application, the Department may make such stipulations and conditions on the use and scope of a scientific permit as the Department determines appropriate. A violation of a stipulation or condition is cause for the cancellation of the permit.

     6.  A scientific permit issued by the Department for the collection or possession of:

     (a) A migratory bird that is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq.; or

     (b) A species of wildlife that is listed as threatened or endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,

Ê is not valid for the collection or possession of the migratory bird or the threatened or endangered species until the Department receives a copy of the federal permit issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to the applicant for the collection or possession of the bird or species.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.095  Permit to collect unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.380)

     1.  It is unlawful for a person to collect unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes without a permit.

     2.  Except as otherwise provided in NAC 503.513 and 503.545, the Department will issue a permit authorizing a natural person to collect unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes with a seine, net, noose, trap or other device if, after an investigation is conducted, it is proved to the Department that the collecting will not be detrimental to wildlife or the habitat of the wildlife. The annual fee for a permit issued pursuant to this section is $250.

     3.  An application for a permit issued pursuant to this section must be submitted on a form furnished by the Department or a facsimile of the form.

     4.  An applicant for a permit issued pursuant to this section must include on the application:

     (a) The name of the applicant;

     (b) The physical and mailing addresses of the applicant’s residence and place of employment;

     (c) The telephone numbers of the applicant’s residence and place of employment;

     (d) The driver’s license number of the applicant, if he or she has been issued a driver’s license;

     (e) The date of birth of the applicant;

     (f) The methods and equipment to be used in the collection of the wildlife;

     (g) The location, by county or region, where the wildlife is to be collected;

     (h) The address of the location where the wildlife will be held while it is in the possession of the applicant;

     (i) If the applicant has been convicted of violating the laws or regulations of any state or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to the commercialization of wildlife within the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application, a description of each violation, a description of the penalty imposed for each violation and the name of the state in which each conviction occurred; and

     (j) The applicant’s signature and the date on which the application is signed.

     5.  Such a permit is not transferable and may be cancelled by the Department for a violation of its conditions or if operation of the permit is found to be detrimental to wildlife.

     6.  Within 30 days after the expiration of a permit for the collection of unprotected wildlife, the Department may require the person to whom it was issued to report to the Department the number and disposition of the unprotected species he or she has taken. Any failure to submit the report is a cause for denial of a future application for a similar permit.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 9-20-83; A 4-18-86, eff. 4-25-86; 4-26-89; 5-22-97; R077-00, 8-18-2000; R138-03, 1-20-2004, eff. 3-1-2004)

      NAC 503.097  Collection of unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes: General requirements. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.380)  A person granted a permit to collect unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes pursuant to NAC 503.095, 503.513 or 503.545 shall:

     1.  Comply with the terms, conditions and restrictions of the permit.

     2.  Immediately release, unharmed, any wildlife not authorized by the permit.

     3.  Allow at reasonable times any person employed by the Department who is authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter free and unrestricted access to logs of transactions, records of collection and, for the purpose of inspecting the wildlife, the area or areas where the holder of a permit is collecting, possessing, storing or shipping unprotected wildlife.

     4.  If required by the Department, maintain daily records of the unprotected wildlife he or she has taken. Not later than the 10th day of each month, the Department must receive from the holder of the permit a report which summarizes the daily records of the previous month. The holder of the permit shall, as required by the Department, include on the report:

     (a) The total number of unprotected wildlife collected, by individual species;

     (b) The sex and age of each specimen of wildlife collected, if known;

     (c) A description of the location at which each specimen of wildlife was collected, as designated by:

          (1) Township, range and sections;

          (2) Coordinates of the Universal Transverse Mercator, within plus or minus 800 meters; or

          (3) Other system of coordinates approved by the Department; and

     (d) A description of the habitat from which the specimen of wildlife was collected.

     5.  If required by the Department, maintain an annual chronological, written log of each transaction which involves the sale, barter, trade or other transfer of the specimen of wildlife collected or possessed under the authority of his or her permit. The holder of the permit shall record each such transaction in the log not later than the end of the business day on which the transaction occurred. The holder of the permit shall include in the log:

     (a) The name and address of each person to whom the wildlife is transferred;

     (b) The species of wildlife transferred and the number of each such species transferred; and

     (c) The date of the transfer.

Ê The holder of the permit shall maintain the annual log for at least 2 years after the date of the expiration of the permit to which the log applies.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 4-26-89; A 5-22-97)

      NAC 503.099  Collection of unprotected wildlife for commercial purposes: Compliance with applicable law. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.380)  A permit issued pursuant to NAC 503.095, 503.513 or 503.550 does not authorize the taking, transporting or disposal of unprotected wildlife in violation of any applicable federal, state, county or city law, regulation or ordinance.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 4-26-89; A 5-22-97)

      NAC 503.100  Taking of bullfrogs or crayfish. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 502.010, 503.290)  A person may take bullfrogs or crayfish by any method specified in NRS 503.290 or NAC 503.590, other than by a hook and line, without obtaining a license or permit issued by the Department.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R082-09, eff. 1-28-2010)

      NAC 503.101  Factors for classification of wildlife as game. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  The Department shall consider the following factors in classifying a species or subspecies of wildlife as game:

     1.  The likelihood that the wildlife will be used as food;

     2.  The recreational value of hunting or fishing for the wildlife;

     3.  The economic value of hunting or fishing for the wildlife; and

     4.  Whether hunting or fishing for the wildlife is of value to the management of the wildlife.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 7-6-92)

      NAC 503.102  Factors for classification of wildlife as fur-bearing mammal. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  The Department shall consider the following factors in classifying a species or subspecies of wildlife as a fur-bearing mammal:

     1.  The economic value of the animal’s fur;

     2.  The recreational value of trapping the animal; and

     3.  Whether trapping the animal is of value to the management of the animal.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 7-6-92)

      NAC 503.103  Criteria for classification of wildlife as protected. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  A species or subspecies of wildlife may be classified as protected if the Commission determines, from available information, that one or more of the following criteria exists:

     1.  The wildlife is found only in this State and its population, distribution or habitat is limited.

     2.  The wildlife has a limited population or distribution within this State that is likely to decline as a result of human or natural causes.

     3.  The population of the wildlife is threatened as a result of the deterioration or loss of its habitat.

     4.  The wildlife has ecological, scientific, educational or other value that justifies its classification as protected.

     5.  The available data is not adequate to determine the exact status of the population of the wildlife, but does indicate a limited population, distribution or habitat.

     6.  The wildlife is listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in the Federal Register as a candidate species, or it is classified as threatened or endangered in the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1531 et seq.

     7.  Other evidence exists to justify classifying the wildlife as protected.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 7-6-92; A by R133-04, 10-28-2004)

      NAC 503.104  Criteria for classification of wildlife as sensitive. (NRS 501.105, 501.110, 501.181)  A species or subspecies of wildlife may be classified as sensitive if the Commission determines, from available information, that one or more of the following criteria exists:

     1.  The population or distribution of the wildlife is in a significant decline.

     2.  The population of the wildlife is threatened as a result of disease or predation or ecological or human causes.

     3.  The primary habitat of the wildlife is deteriorating.

     4.  The wildlife is listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in the Federal Register as a candidate species, or it is classified as threatened or endangered in the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 1531 et seq.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 7-6-92; A by R133-04, 10-28-2004)

POSSESSION, TRANSPORTATION, IMPORTATION, EXPORTATION AND RELEASE OF WILDLIFE

      NAC 503.108  “Evidence of lawful possession” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597, 504.295)  As used in NAC 503.108 to 503.140, inclusive, “evidence of lawful possession” means:

     1.  Any license or permit issued by a wildlife agency or regulatory agency in the state or country where a species listed in NAC 503.110 originated that allows the possession of species specified therein, including viable embryos or gametes; or

     2.  Any other documentation establishing lawful possession, including, but not limited to, a document issued by a wildlife agency or regulatory agency of the state or country where a species listed in NAC 503.110 originated that indicates a license or permit is not required for the possession of the species specified therein.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 2-28-94)

      NAC 503.110  Restrictions on importation, transportation and possession of certain species. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597, 503.650, 504.295)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section and NAC 504.486, the importation, transportation or possession of the following species of live wildlife or hybrids thereof, including viable embryos or gametes, is prohibited:

 

     (a) Fish:

 

 

     (b) Reptiles:

 

Common Name	Scientific Classification
(1) Alligators and caimans.......................	All species in the family Alligatoridae
(2) Crocodiles..........................................	All species in the family Crocodylidae
(3) Gharial (gavial)..................................	All species in the family Gavialidae
(4) Bird snake..........................................	All species in the genus Thelotornis
(5) Boomslang.........................................	Dispholidus typus
(6) Keelbacks...........................................	All species in the genus Rhabdophis
(7) Burrowing Asps.................................	All species in the family Atractaspidae
(8) Coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mambas and Australian elapids.................	All species in the family Elapidae, except species in the subfamily Hydrophiinae
(9) Pit vipers and true vipers, except species indigenous to this State...	All species in the family Viperidae, except species indigenous to this State
(10) Snapping Turtles..............................	All species in the family Chelydridae

 

     (c) Amphibians:

 

Common Name	Scientific Classification
(1) Clawed frogs.....................................	All species in the genus Xenopus
(2) Giant or marine toads........................	Bufo horribilis, Bufo marinus and Bufo paracnemis

 

     (d) Mammals:

 

Common Name	Scientific Classification
(1) Wild Dogs or Dhole...........................	Cuon alpinus
(2) Raccoon Dog.....................................	Nyctereutes procyonoides
(3) Mongooses and Meerkats..................	All species in the genera Atilax, Cynictis, Helogale, Mungos, Suricate, Ichneumia and Herpestes
(4) Wild European Rabbit.......................	Oryctolagus cuniculus
(5) Multimammate Rat or Mouse............	All species in the genus Mastomys (=Praomys)
(6) Bats....................................................	All species in the order Chiroptera
(7) Nutria.................................................	Myocastor coypus
(8) Coyote...............................................	Canis latrans
(9) Foxes..................................................	All species in the genera Vulpes, Fennecus, Urocyon, Alopex, Lycalopex and Pseudalopex
(10) Raccoon...........................................	Procyon lotor
(11) Skunk...............................................	All species in the genera Spilogale, Mephitis and Conepatus
(12) Wild pigs and hogs..........................	All species in the family Suidae, except domestic breeds of Sus scrofa
(13) Axis deer..........................................	Cervus (=Axis) axis, C. porcinus, C. kuhli and C. calamianensis
(14) Red deer, elk and wapiti..................	All subspecies of Cervus elaphus
(15) Rusa deer.........................................	Cervus timorensis
(16) Sambar deer.....................................	Cervus unicolor
(17) Sika deer..........................................	Cervus nippon
(18) Roe deer...........................................	Capreolus capreolus and C. pygargus
(19) White-tailed deer.............................	Odocoileus virginianus
(20) Moose..............................................	Alces alces
(21) Reedbucks.......................................	All species in the genus Redunca
(22) Oryx and Gemsbok..........................	All species in the genus Oryx
(23) Addax..............................................	Addax nasomaculatus
(24) Blesbok, Topi and Bontebok...........	All species in the genus Damaliscus
(25) Hartebeests......................................	All species in the genera Alcelaphus and Sigmoceros
(26) Wildebeest and Gnus.......................	All species in the genus Connochaetes
(27) Chamois...........................................	Rupicapra rupicapra and R. pyrenaica
(28) Tahr..................................................	All species in the genus Hemitragus
(29) Ibex, Wild Goats, Tur and Markhor	All species in the genus Capra, except domestic goats, Capra hircus
(30) Barbary (Aoudad) Sheep.................	Ammotragus lervia
(31) Mouflon sheep, Urial, Bighorn and Argali...........................................	All species in the genus Ovis, except domestic sheep, Ovis aries

 

     (e) Birds:

 

Common Name	Scientific Classification
(1) Pink Starling or Rosy Pastor..............	Sturnus roseus
(2) Red-billed Dioch...............................	Quelea quelea
(3) Red-whiskered Bulbul.......................	Pycnonotus jocosus

 

     (f) Crustaceans:

 

Common Name	Scientific Classification
(1) Asiatic mitten crab.............................	Eriocheir sinensis
(2) Crayfish.............................................	All species in the families Parastacidae, Cambaridae and Astacidae, except Procambarus clarkii, Orconectes causeyi and indigenous species of the genus Pacifastacus

 

     (g) Mollusks:

 

Common Name	Scientific Classification
(1) African giant snail..............................	Achatina fulica
(2) Zebra and quagga mussels.................	All species in the genus Dreissena
(3) New Zealand mud snail.....................	Potamopyrgus antipodarum, P. jenkinsi

 

     2.  The headquarters of the Department and each regional office of the Department will maintain a physical description and picture of each species listed in this section when reasonably available.

     3.  The Department may issue a scientific permit for the collection or possession of wildlife or a commercial license for the possession of live wildlife, whichever is applicable, for the importation, transportation or possession of a species listed in this section only to:

     (a) A zoo or aquarium which is an accredited institutional member of the Zoological Association of America, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or their successors.

     (b) A person who displays, exhibits or uses the species for entertainment or commercial photography, including, without limitation, motion pictures, still photography or television, if the species:

          (1) Is accompanied by evidence of lawful possession;

          (2) Is not in this State for more than 90 days; and

          (3) Is maintained under complete control and prohibited from coming into contact with members of the general public.

Ê If the person is displaying, exhibiting or using mammals for commercial purposes other than for food or fiber, he or she must possess the appropriate license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture.

     (c) A college, university or governmental agency, for scientific or public health research.

     (d) Any other scientific institution, as determined by the Department, for research or medical necessity.

     (e) Any person engaged in commercial aquaculture, upon application and proof to the Department that the activity will not be detrimental to aquatic life, other wildlife or recreational uses. As a condition of the issuance to such a person of a commercial license for the possession of a species listed in this section, a bond may be required to provide for the removal of any species to which the license applies that may escape or be released from captivity for any reason. The amount of the bond will be determined by the Department after considering the degree of potential hazard to wildlife.

     (f) A tax-exempt nonprofit organization that exhibits wildlife solely for educational or scientific purposes.

     4.  An interstate shipment of a species listed in this section may be transported through this State, without a permit or license issued by the Department, if:

     (a) The shipper or transporter has evidence of lawful possession of the species issued by the state or country where the species originated;

     (b) Mammals, birds or fish are accompanied by a health certificate issued by the state or country where the species originated that indicates the destination, origin and proof of ownership of the species being transported;

     (c) The species is in this State for less than 48 hours; and

     (d) The species is not unloaded or otherwise released while being transported through this State.

     5.  This section does not apply to the Department when it is conducting authorized introductions or transplantations of a native species of big game mammal listed in this section.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 20 § 27.6, eff. 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 9-20-83; 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 1-2-86; 11-14-88; 2-28-94; R168-99, 1-19-2000; R093-05, 10-31-2005; R052-07, 10-31-2007; R176-09, 4-20-2010)

      NAC 503.115  Restriction on transportation of live game fish. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597)  Game fish taken under the authority of a fishing license or fishing permit may not be transported alive from the body of water where the game fish was taken.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R093-05, eff. 10-31-2005)

      NAC 503.130  Inspection of imported wildlife: Notification by Department. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597)  The Department will notify a person permitted to import wildlife of the time and place of inspection of imported wildlife subject to inspection.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 20 § 27.7, eff. 9-20-75]

      NAC 503.135  Permit to release wildlife. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597)

     1.  An application for a permit to release wildlife must be made on a form provided by and available from the Department at its office in Reno, Fallon, Elko or Las Vegas.

     2.  An applicant for a permit to release wildlife must include on the application:

     (a) The name of the applicant;

     (b) The physical and mailing address of his or her residence;

     (c) The telephone number of his or her residence;

     (d) The applicant’s driver’s license number, if he or she has been issued a driver’s license;

     (e) The name of the owner of the property where the wildlife is to be released;

     (f) The address and legal description of the property where the wildlife is to be released;

     (g) The species of each type of wildlife and the number of each such type of species to be released.

     (h) The purpose for the release;

     (i) The date on which the wildlife is to be released;

     (j) The location or source from which the applicant has acquired, or will acquire, the wildlife to be released; and

     (k) The applicant’s signature and the date on which he or she signed the application.

     3.  If the Department determines, based on its evaluation of the application, that the condition of the wildlife to be released could pose potential harm to the existing wildlife of this State if released, the Department will require the applicant to submit to the Department a certificate of health issued by a licensed veterinarian or a fish pathologist approved by the Department, as appropriate, attesting to the health of the wildlife to be released.

     4.  Based on its evaluation of the application for a permit to release wildlife, the Department may make such stipulations and conditions on the use and scope of a permit as the Department determines appropriate. A violation of a stipulation or condition is cause for the cancellation of the permit.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 8-21-97)

      NAC 503.140  Species for which certain permits and licenses are not required: Specification; release; sale; exceptions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597, 504.295)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4 and NAC 503.500 to 503.535, inclusive, the following animals may be possessed, transported, imported and exported without a permit or license issued by the Department:

     (a) Canaries;

     (b) Toucans;

     (c) Lovebirds;

     (d) Nonindigenous house finches;

     (e) Parakeets;

     (f) Cockatiels;

     (g) Mynah birds;

     (h) Parrots;

     (i) Hamsters;

     (j) Domesticated races of rats and mice;

     (k) Gerbils;

     (l) Guinea pigs;

     (m) Monkeys and other primates;

     (n) Aquarium fish;

     (o) Marsupials;

     (p) Elephants;

     (q) All felines, except mountain lions and bobcats;

     (r) Wolves;

     (s) Camels (Camelus spp.);

     (t) European ferret (Mustela putorius);

     (u) Llamas (Lama glama);

     (v) American Bison;

     (w) Marine mammals;

     (x) Ostrich (Struthio spp.);

     (y) Emus (Dromiceius spp.);

     (z) Rheas (Rhea spp.);

     (aa) Nonvenomous, nonindigenous reptile species and subspecies;

     (bb) Albino forms of indigenous reptile species;

     (cc) Alpaca (Lama pacos);

     (dd) Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris);

     (ee) Old World species of pheasants, partridges, quails, francolin, peafowl and jungle fowl (nonendemic species of the subfamily Phasianae), except:

          (1) Chukar partridge;

          (2) Hungarian (gray) partridge;

          (3) Snow cock; and

          (4) Ring-necked and white, winged pheasant;

     (ff) Domesticated races of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), distinguished morphologically from wild birds;

     (gg) Domesticated races of ducks and geese (Anatidae), distinguished morphologically from wild birds;

     (hh) Domesticated races of chinchillas;

     (ii) Domesticated races of mink;

     (jj) Waterfowl reared in captivity that are lawfully acquired pursuant to the regulations adopted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;

     (kk) Those species of ducks, geese and swans not listed as protected pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq.;

     (ll) Yak (Bos grunniens);

     (mm) Cassowary;

     (nn) Coturnix quail (Coturnix coturnix);

     (oo) Zebra (Equus spp.);

     (pp) Salt water fish, crustaceans and mollusks;

     (qq) Nonindigenous species of amphibians, except:

          (1) Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); and

          (2) Species listed in NAC 503.110;

     (rr) African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris); and

     (ss) California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getulus californiae) that do not have between their head and vent a continuous pattern of bands or rings regardless of whether the bands or rings are opened or closed.

     2.  Species listed in this section must not be released into the wild, except as otherwise authorized by the Department in writing.

     3.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, lawfully acquired species listed in this section may be sold in Nevada.

     4.  This section does not authorize the sale, possession, transportation, importation or exportation of animals in violation of any applicable federal or state law, county or city ordinance, or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.

     5.  As used in this section, “aquarium fish” includes all the species of fish, except the species listed in NAC 503.110, which are listed in H. Axelrod and W. Vorderwinkler, Encyclopedia of Tropical Fishes, 29th ed., 1988. A copy of that publication may be obtained from T.F.H. Publications, Inc., One T.F.H. Plaza, Neptune City, New Jersey 07753, for a price of $17.59.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 20 § 27.11, eff. 10-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 11-5-81; 2-28-94; 5-22-97)

HUNTING AND TRAPPING: GENERALLY

      NAC 503.141  “Longbow” defined. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  As used in NAC 503.141 to 503.195, inclusive, “longbow” includes any recurved bow or compound bow.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R176-03, eff. 4-8-2004; A by R152-06, 5-21-2007; R114-09 & R138-09, 4-20-2010)

      NAC 503.142  Hunting big game mammal with firearm. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)  The Commission hereby establishes the following exceptions to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 503.150:

     1.  During a type of hunt that is restricted to muzzle-loading firearms, a person may hunt a big game mammal only with a muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading musket, and may use only a lead ball, a lead bullet, a semi-jacketed bullet or a metal alloy bullet that expands. The use of smokeless powder is prohibited. Only black powder or a black powder substitute such as Pyrodex or Triple 7 may be used as a propellant. A sabot round may be used. The muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading musket must have the following characteristics:

     (a) A wheel lock, matchlock or flintlock ignition system, or a percussion ignition system that uses a primer or percussion cap;

     (b) A single barrel of caliber .45 or larger; and

     (c) Except as otherwise provided in NAC 503.146, open sights or peep sights. The use of a sight that is operated or powered by a battery, electronics or a radioactive isotope such as tritium is prohibited.

Ê The muzzle-loading rifle or the muzzle-loading musket is deemed to be not loaded if the priming compound or element, such as the priming powder or the unfired primer or percussion cap, is removed.

     2.  During a type of hunt that is restricted to muzzle-loading firearms, it is unlawful for a person hunting under the authority of a tag for such a hunt to carry in the field a firearm or longbow and arrow except for:

     (a) A muzzle-loading rifle or a muzzle-loading musket with the characteristics set forth in subsection 1; or

     (b) A flintlock or percussion handgun. However, it is unlawful to use such a handgun to hunt a big game mammal.

     3.  During a type of hunt in which the use of any legal weapon is authorized by a regulation of the Commission, a person may hunt a big game mammal with a muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading musket only if:

     (a) The muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading musket has:

          (1) A single barrel of caliber .45 or larger; and

          (2) Open sights, peep sights or a rifle scope.

     (b) The person uses a lead ball, a lead bullet, a semi-jacketed bullet or a metal alloy bullet that expands. A sabot round may be used.

Ê The muzzle-loading rifle or muzzle-loading musket is deemed to be not loaded if the priming compound or element, such as the priming powder or the unfired primer or percussion cap, is removed.

     4.  A person may hunt big game mammals with a rifle if the rifle uses a centerfire cartridge of caliber .22 or larger.

     5.  A person may hunt big game mammals with a handgun if the handgun uses a centerfire cartridge, has a barrel length of 4 inches or more and:

     (a) Uses a cartridge of caliber .22 or larger with an overall loaded length of 2 inches or more; or

     (b) Uses a cartridge of caliber .24 or larger with a case of length no less than the length of the case of a cartridge for a Remington magnum of caliber .44.

     6.  A person may hunt deer and mountain lion with a shotgun no larger than 10 gauge and no smaller than 20 gauge. Only rifled slugs or shotgun rounds with sabots that contain a single expanding projectile may be used when hunting deer. A shotgun that is used to hunt deer or mountain lion pursuant to this subsection may be equipped with a smoothbore barrel or a barrel that is partially or fully rifled.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 25 § 6, eff. 12-4-79 + No. 26 § 6, eff. 12-4-79, A 5-12-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 9-19-90; R155-97, 3-2-98; R176-03, 4-8-2004; R093-05, 10-31-2005; R185-05, 2-23-2006; R138-09, 4-20-2010)

      NAC 503.143  Hunting with crossbow. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)

     1.  A crossbow may be used to hunt a big game mammal in a type of hunt that allows the use of any legal weapon if the crossbow has:

     (a) A minimum draw weight of 125 pounds;

     (b) A minimum draw length of 14 inches from the front of the bow to the nocking point;

     (c) A stock that is at least 18 inches long; and

     (d) A positive mechanical safety mechanism.

     2.  Crossbow arrows or bolts used in hunting big game mammals must be at least 16 inches long and have:

     (a) Fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or

     (b) Expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position.

     3.  It is unlawful for any person to:

     (a) Hunt a big game mammal with a crossbow during a type of hunt restricted to the use of archery or muzzle-loading firearms.

     (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt while in or on any motorized vehicle while the vehicle is on a public highway or other public right-of-way. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to a person who is a paraplegic, has had one or both legs amputated or has suffered a paralysis of one or both legs which severely impedes walking, if the motorized vehicle is not in motion.

     (c) Hunt any wildlife with an arrow or bolt that has any chemical, explosive or electronic device attached.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R152-06, eff. 5-21-2007)

      NAC 503.144  Hunting with longbow and arrow. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of subsection 4, the bowstring of a longbow used in hunting any game mammal or game bird must be moved or held entirely by the muscle power of the shooter through all points of the draw cycle until release and may only be released by direct and conscious action of the shooter, either by relaxing the tension of the fingers or by triggering the release action of a handheld release aid.

     2.  A longbow used in hunting a big game mammal must, in the hands of the user, be capable of throwing a 400 grain arrow 150 yards over level terrain. Arrows used in hunting big game mammals must be at least 24 inches long and have:

     (a) Fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8-inch wide at the widest point; or

     (b) Expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8-inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position.

     3.  An arrow that is used in hunting any game mammal or game bird may be equipped with a nock that is illuminated electronically or chemically.

     4.  It is unlawful for any person to:

     (a) Carry any firearm in the field while hunting under archery regulations.

     (b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, carry a longbow with an arrow nocked on the bowstring while in or on any motorized vehicle while the vehicle is on a public highway or other public right-of-way. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to a person who is a paraplegic, has had one or both legs amputated or has suffered a paralysis of one or both legs which severely impedes his or her walking, if the motorized vehicle is not in motion.

     (c) Hunt any game mammal or game bird with a longbow that uses any mechanical device that can anchor a nocked arrow at full draw or partial draw unless the person:

          (1) Carries written documentation, signed and dated by a licensed physician, stating that the person has a permanent disability in the upper torso; or

          (2) Has had one or both arms, or a part thereof, amputated,

Ê and the permanent disability or amputation prevents the person from manually drawing and holding at full draw a longbow that meets the requirements of subsection 2.

     (d) Hunt any wildlife with an arrow that has any explosive, electronic tracking device or poison attached. As used in this paragraph, “poison” means any substance that, upon contact with the species of wildlife that is hunted, is capable of causing injury, illness or death.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 25 § 7 + No. 26 § 7, eff. 12-4-79]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 5-9-88; R168-99, 1-19-2000; R176-03, 4-8-2004; R114-09, 4-20-2010)

      NAC 503.145  Sight attached to firearm, longbow or crossbow. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)  The Commission hereby establishes the following exception to paragraph (f) of subsection 1 of NRS 503.150. Except as otherwise provided by paragraph (c) of subsection 1 of NAC 503.142, a sight attached to a firearm or longbow that is used to hunt a game mammal or game bird, or a sight attached to a crossbow that is used to hunt a big game mammal, may be illuminated or powered by:

     1.  A battery contained within the sight;

     2.  Light-gathering fiber optics;

     3.  A radioactive isotope such as tritium; or

     4.  Iridescent or fluorescent paint.

Ê It is unlawful for a person to hunt a big game mammal, a game mammal or a game bird with a weapon that is equipped with a sight that is capable of casting or projecting a beam of light from the sight to the animal.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R176-03, eff. 4-8-2004; A by R093-05, 10-31-2005; R152-06, 5-21-2007)

      NAC 503.146  Scope permit for person with visual disability: Issuance; application; validity. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)

     1.  The Department may issue a scope permit to a person with a visual disability. The scope permit authorizes a person with a visual disability to hunt, during a type of hunt that is restricted to muzzle-loading firearms, using a 1x magnification rifle scope that is mounted on a muzzle-loading rifle. A person using such a permit shall present the permit upon the request of a law enforcement officer.

     2.  An application for a scope permit must:

     (a) Be submitted to the Department on a form provided by the Department;

     (b) Include a certificate issued by a licensed physician certifying that the applicant has a visual disability; and

     (c) Include any other information required by the Department to issue the permit.

     3.  A scope permit issued pursuant to this section is valid for 1 year after the date it is issued.

     4.  As used in this section, “visual disability” means a visual impairment which substantially limits a major life activity and is not correctable by glasses or contact lenses.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R138-09, eff. 4-20-2010)

      NAC 503.147  Hunting with a dog. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)  It is unlawful to hunt, chase or pursue:

     1.  Any black bear or mountain lion with a dog except during the open season, in an open management area and under the authority of a hunting license and:

     (a) A black bear tag, if the person is hunting, chasing or pursuing a black bear; or

     (b) A mountain lion tag, if the person is hunting, chasing or pursuing a mountain lion.

     2.  Any fur-bearing mammal with a dog except during the open season and under the authority of a trapping license.

     3.  Any wild turkey with a dog from March 1 through June 30 of any year.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; A 9-19-90; 9-13-91; 10-13-95; R133-04, 10-28-2004; R002-11, 10-26-2011)

      NAC 503.148  Use of aircraft, hot air balloons, satellites or other devices. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not, for the purpose of hunting, locate or observe, or assist a person in locating or observing, any big game mammal in a management unit described in NAC 504.210 during the period beginning 48 hours before a big game hunting season opens until the close of the season in that management unit with the use of:

     (a) An aircraft, including, without limitation, any device that is used for navigation of, or flight in, the air;

     (b) A hot air balloon or any other device that is lighter than air; or

     (c) A satellite or any other device that orbits the earth and is equipped to produce images.

     2.  For the purposes of subsection 1, the season for hunting a mountain lion which is open in a management unit shall be deemed not to be a big game hunting season during the period beginning after the big game hunting season for all other species of big game has closed in that management unit until the period beginning 48 hours before the opening of a big game hunting season established for hunting any other species of big game in that management unit.

     3.  Evidence of an act constituting a violation of subsection 1 includes, without limitation:

     (a) Flying slowly at low altitudes;

     (b) Hovering;

     (c) Circling; or

     (d) Repeatedly flying,

Ê over a forest, marsh, field, woodland or rangeland where a big game mammal is likely to be found.

     4.  The provisions of this section do not apply to a person who:

     (a) Is acting within the scope of his or her official duties and who is:

          (1) An employee or authorized agent of this State;

          (2) An employee of a municipal or county government of this State; or

          (3) An employee of the Federal Government;

     (b) Holds a scientific permit issued by the Department for the collection of wildlife and who is acting in compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit; or

     (c) Holds a permit issued by the Department which authorizes the control of bobcats, coyotes or ravens from an aircraft and who is acting in compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit.

     5.  The provisions of this section do not authorize any act that is prohibited by NRS 503.010.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R060-99, eff. 10-27-99; A by R170-01, 4-3-2002)

      NAC 503.149  Baiting big game mammals. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  A person shall not:

     (a) Bait big game mammals for the purpose of hunting; or

     (b) Knowingly hunt big game mammals that were baited by another person.

     2.  For the purposes of this section, “bait” means the intentional placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of salt, minerals, grain or any other food material, whether natural or manufactured, that could attract, entice or lure wildlife to an area for the purpose of hunting. The term does not include:

     (a) Any incidental attracting or feeding of wildlife associated with any accepted agricultural or livestock practice; or

     (b) Planting crops and leaving those crops standing as food plots for wildlife.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R002-11, eff. 10-26-2011)

      NAC 503.150  Registration of traps. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.452)

     1.  A person may obtain an application form for registering a trap from any office of the Department. The forms must be completed in accordance with the instructions thereon.

     2.  The Department shall issue registration numbers beginning with NV 0001. The number must be clearly stamped on the trap or on a metal tag that is attached to the trap.

     3.  The person shall enter the appropriate registration number on his or her trapping license.

     [Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, No. 29 § 3, eff. 9-25-79]

      NAC 503.153  Steel leghold traps: Definitions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  As used in this section and NAC 503.155 and 503.157, unless the context otherwise requires:

     1.  “Bait” means the flesh, fur, hide, viscera or feathers of any animal.

     2.  “Exposed bait” means bait, any portion of which is visible from any angle.

     3.  “Trap” means any device designed, built or made to close upon, contain, confine or hold fast any wild mammal or wild bird.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 18 part § 2, eff. 10-1-73; A 10-1-77; 9-25-79]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R107-05, 9-18-2007)

      NAC 503.155  Steel leghold traps: Spacers. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  All steel leghold traps of size number 2 or larger or with an outside jaw spread of 5 1/2 inches or larger used in the taking of any wildlife must have lugs, spacers or similar devices permanently attached so as to maintain a minimum trap opening of three-sixteenths of an inch.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 18 § 1, eff. 10-1-73]—(Substituted in revision for NAC 503.420)

      NAC 503.157  Steel leghold traps: Use of bait. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  It is unlawful for a person to:

     (a) Place, set or maintain a steel leghold trap within 30 feet of exposed bait;

     (b) Capture a mammal or raptor with a steel leghold trap that is placed, set or maintained within 30 feet of exposed bait; or

     (c) Use any part of a game mammal, game bird, game fish, game amphibian or protected species of wildlife for bait.

     2.  A person using bait is responsible if it becomes exposed for any reason.

     3.  As used in this section, “raptor” means any species of bird of the order Falconiformes or Strigiformes that is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 18 part § 2, eff. 10-1-73; A 10-1-77; 9-25-79]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R107-05, 9-18-2007)

      NAC 503.160  Data regarding trapping activities: Authority of Department; duty of person purchasing trapping license; denial and reinstatement of certain privileges. (NRS 501.105, 501.119, 501.181)

     1.  The Department may determine methods of obtaining necessary data from a person who purchases a trapping license from the Department or a license agent relative to the trapping activities and success of the person.

     2.  Each person who purchases a trapping license from the Department or a license agent shall complete and return any reporting form or questionnaire required by the Department. The person must return any such form or questionnaire regardless of whether the person trapped any fur-bearing mammals or unprotected species of wildlife during the term of the trapping license. Except as otherwise provided by an annual regulation of the Commission, the completed form or questionnaire must be received by the Department or an independent contractor designated by the Department not later than April 30 of each year. Failure to return the form or questionnaire within that period or the submission of any false information on the form or questionnaire is cause for the Commission to suspend the trapping license held by the person and deny the person the right to acquire any trapping license for a period of 1 year. A person whose trapping license is suspended or whose right to acquire a trapping license is denied pursuant to this section may have the privilege reinstated if the person:

     (a) Pays to the Department an administrative fine in the amount of $50; and

     (b) Completes and submits the required form or questionnaire to the Department.

     3.  As used in this section, “license agent” has the meaning ascribed to it in NAC 502.065.

     [Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, No. 29 § 5, eff. 9-25-79]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R107-05, 9-18-2007)

      NAC 503.170  Restrictions on deer hunting in particular areas; prohibition on use or possession of certain shotgun rounds in particular areas. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  In the fenced or cultivated lands of the Smith and Mason Valleys, in the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area and in the zones within the Fort Churchill State Historic Park and the Lahontan State Recreation Area that are designated for hunting by the Administrator of the Division of State Parks of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources:

     (a) Deer may be hunted only with:

          (1) A shotgun no larger than 10 gauge and no smaller than 20 gauge, using:

               (I) Rifled slugs; or

               (II) Shotgun rounds with sabots that contain rifled slugs or a single expanding projectile; or

          (2) A longbow and arrow.

     (b) The use or possession of shotgun rounds with sabots that contain other than rifled slugs or a single expanding projectile is prohibited.

     2.  A shotgun that is used to hunt deer pursuant to subsection 1 may be equipped with a smoothbore barrel or a barrel that is partially or fully rifled.

     3.  In the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area:

     (a) Deer may be hunted only on the following days during the season set for the hunting of deer:

          (1) Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays;

          (2) Nevada Day, as observed, pursuant to NRS 236.015;

          (3) November 11, Veteran’s Day;

          (4) Thanksgiving Day; and

          (5) Family Day, as declared pursuant to NRS 236.015.

     (b) Deer may be hunted only with longbow and arrow during the season set for the archery hunt for deer.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 26 § 9, eff. 12-4-79; A 7-1-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 8-22-86, eff. 9-15-86; 10-16-87; R155-97, 3-2-98; R054-02, 11-19-2002, eff. 3-1-2003; R185-05, 2-23-2006)

      NAC 503.173  Maintenance of cape or scalp and antlers or horns with carcass of wildlife. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  Except as otherwise provided in NAC 502.403, any person who kills a deer, elk, mountain goat, antelope or bighorn sheep shall, until the carcass is frozen, smoked, dried, consumed or accepted by a commercial processing plant for processing, maintain possession of at least that portion of the cape or scalp that includes the ears to the base of the muzzle and any antlers or horns. The cape or scalp and any antlers or horns from the animal must be possessed in such a manner that they remain or are kept together with the carcass of the animal.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 6 § 6, eff. 9-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 5-9-88; 10-12-94, eff. 3-1-95; R176-03, 4-8-2004)

      NAC 503.174  Sale of nonedible parts of legally killed game; exception for gall bladder of any species of bear. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the sale of the hide, head, antlers or horns or other nonedible parts of game animals which were legally killed is permitted.

     2.  It is unlawful to sell, purchase, barter or trade a gall bladder of any species of bear, regardless of whether the gall bladder was taken inside or outside this State. The possession of more than two bear gall bladders of any species of bear is prima facie evidence that the gall bladders are possessed for sale, purchase, barter or trade in violation of this section.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 9-20-83; A by R002-11, 10-26-2011)

      NAC 503.175  Unlawful to disguise sex characteristics of animals. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  It is unlawful for a person to disguise or attempt to disguise the sex characteristics of any animal killed by the person if sex characteristics are a determining factor in any regulation of the Commission concerning hunting seasons for or possession of the animal.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 6 § 7, eff. 9-1-78]—(Substituted in revision for NAC 502.365)

      NAC 503.180  Adoption by reference of federal regulations applicable to hunting of migratory game birds. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  The Commission adopts by reference the regulations of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service which are published in 50 C.F.R. 20.21, 20.25, 20.35, 20.36, 20.37, 20.38, 20.39, 20.40, 20.42, 20.43, 20.44, 20.61, 20.81, 20.82 and 20.83 as those regulations exist on October 1, 1990. Those regulations apply to all hunting of migratory game birds within the boundaries of the State of Nevada. Title 50 of C.F.R. may be purchased for $20 by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, Missouri 63197-9000, or by toll-free telephone at (866) 512-1800.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 12-15-81; A 9-13-91)

      NAC 503.183  Hunting of certain migratory game birds: Nontoxic shot required; possession of noncomplying shot prohibited. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)

     1.  A hunter of ducks, mergansers, geese, swans, coots, gallinules or snipe shall use nontoxic shot in muzzleloaders or in shells for a shotgun when hunting in this State.

     2.  The possession of shells for a shotgun which contain other than nontoxic shot is prohibited while hunting any birds designated in subsection 1.

     3.  The possession of shot for a muzzle-loading shotgun other than nontoxic shot is prohibited while hunting any birds designated in subsection 1.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 8-22-86, eff. 9-15-86; A 10-16-87; 9-22-88; 9-19-90; 9-13-91; 10-13-95; R054-02, 11-19-2002, eff. 3-1-2003)

      NAC 503.185  Transportation of blue or ruffed grouse. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  A person shall not transport a blue or ruffed grouse within this State unless the head or one fully feathered wing remains attached to the grouse from the time it is removed from the place where it was taken until it arrives at the person’s residence or a commercial facility for its preservation.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 12-15-81)

      NAC 503.187  Weapons and type of shot permitted for hunting wild turkey. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)

     1.  No weapon other than a:

     (a) Shotgun which is no larger than 10 gauge nor smaller than 20 gauge and uses a shot size no larger than a number 2 pellet; or

     (b) Longbow and arrow,

Ê may be used to hunt wild turkey.

     2.  Shot used to hunt wild turkey on a wildlife management area must be:

     (a) Nontoxic shot; and

     (b) Not larger than standard-size T.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 9-19-90; A by R054-02, 11-19-2002, eff. 3-1-2003)

      NAC 503.189  Use of flashlight when hunting mountain lion. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.150)  A person who is hunting, chasing or pursuing a mountain lion, pursuant to a mountain lion tag, and who is not in or on a motorized vehicle, may use a flashlight which is handheld and powered by a dry cell.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 11-18-93; A 10-13-95)

      NAC 503.191  Reasonable effort required to take wildlife. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  Each person who shoots and wounds any wildlife while hunting shall make a reasonable effort to take that wildlife, including, without limitation, pursuing and tracking it.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R114-09, eff. 4-20-2010)

      NAC 503.192  Obstruction or contamination of or interference with guzzler prohibited. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a person shall not:

     (a) Obstruct or contaminate the flow of water to or the storage of water in a guzzler; or

     (b) In any other manner interfere with the operation of a guzzler.

     2.  The provisions of this section do not apply to an officer, employee or agent of the Department or a federal land management agency while acting in his or her official capacity as an officer, employee or agent of the Department or federal land management agency.

     3.  As used in this section:

     (a) “Federal land management agency” means the United States Forest Service, the United States Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Park Service.

     (b) “Guzzler” means any artificial basin that collects or is designed and constructed to collect precipitation specifically for use by any wildlife.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R083-10, eff. 12-16-2010)

      NAC 503.193  Exceptions to requirement of hunting license or permit or trapping license. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 502.010)

     1.  A person is not required to obtain a hunting license or permit to hunt unprotected wild birds or mammals.

     2.  A person is not required to obtain a hunting license or permit or a trapping license to hunt or trap wildlife which are authorized to be taken in accordance with a permit issued pursuant to NAC 503.710 to 503.740, inclusive.

     3.  A person who holds a trapping license issued by the Department is not required to obtain a hunting license to hunt coyotes, badgers, skunks, raccoons, weasels, ring-tailed cats or fur-bearing mammals.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 10-13-95)

      NAC 503.195  Exceptions to requirement of license or permit to hunt upland game birds. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  A person is not required to obtain a hunting license or permit to hunt:

     1.  Upland game birds which are reared in captivity and released pursuant to a permit issued by the Department for the training of hunting dogs or raptors or for competitive field trials; or

     2.  Upland game birds located within the boundaries of a private or commercial shooting preserve which is licensed by the Department, if the species of upland game bird which is hunted is listed on the license of the shooting preserve.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 10-13-95)

RAPTORS

      NAC 503.200  Definitions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)  As used in NAC 503.200 to 503.345, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires:

     1.  “Captive-bred” or “bred in captivity” means raptors, including eggs, hatched in captivity from parents that mated or otherwise transferred gametes in captivity.

     2.  “Captivity” means a live raptor that is held in a controlled environment which is intensively manipulated by humans for the purpose of producing raptors of selected species, and which has boundaries designed to prevent raptors, eggs or gametes of the selected species from entering or leaving the controlled environment.

     3.  “Eyas” means a nestling bird not yet capable of flight.

     4.  “Falconry” means the sport of taking, or attempting to take, quarry by means of a trained raptor.

     5.  “Passage” means a bird that has fledged and is less than 1 year of age.

     6.  “Raptor” means a live migratory bird of the orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes, other than the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

     7.  “Take” means to trap or capture, or attempt to trap or capture, a raptor for the purpose of falconry.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 15 § 25.3, eff. 6-1-72; A 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.205  License or permit required to hunt, trap, possess or sell raptors; possession of eggs and feathers. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)

     1.  It is unlawful for any person to hunt, trap, possess or sell any species of owl, hawk or other bird of prey, including any raptor or its parts, without first obtaining a license or permit from the headquarters of the Department.

     2.  Raptor eggs may not be taken or possessed, except that raptor eggs laid by a bird in the possession of a person who holds a permit to propagate raptors may be possessed if the holder of the permit notifies the headquarters of the Department in writing within 5 calendar days after the first egg has been laid. Eggs laid by a raptor held under the authority of a falconry license must be reported by the licensee to the Department within 5 calendar days after the first egg has been laid. The licensee will dispose of the egg as directed by the Department.

     3.  Raptor feathers that are molted or are from raptors held in captivity that die, may be retained and exchanged by licensees for imping purposes only.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 15 § 25.10, eff. 6-1-72; A 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97; R168-99, 1-19-2000)

      NAC 503.210  Practice of falconry: General requirements. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  When practicing falconry on game species, a licensee shall comply with the provisions of title 45 of NRS and all regulations of the Commission. A species of wildlife which is classified as protected by the Department, or as threatened or endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, that is taken incidentally by a raptor may not be retained or possessed by a licensee. A species of wildlife which is classified as a game species by the Department that is taken incidentally by a raptor during the closed season may not be retained or possessed by the licensee. A licensee shall not intentionally release a raptor after any wildlife which is in a refuge or in a state or national park or is on privately owned property where the licensee does not have permission to hunt.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 15 § 25.11, eff. 12-15-76; A 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97; R093-05, 10-31-2005)

      NAC 503.215  Acquisition and banding of raptors. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)

     1.  No person may acquire a raptor unless he or she first obtains from the Department a numbered, nonreuseable marker supplied by:

     (a) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service for those raptors required to be identified by such a marker pursuant to 50 C.F.R. Part 21.29; or

     (b) The Department for all other raptors,

Ê and attaches it to the raptor immediately upon acquisition.

     2.  The altering, counterfeiting or defacing of a marker is prohibited except that a permittee may remove the rear tab from a marker and make smooth any imperfect surface if the integrity of the marker and its numbering are not affected.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.12, eff. 12-15-76; A 12-30-77; 8-1-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 10-13-95)

      NAC 503.220  Introduction into or removal from State of raptors. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)

     1.  It is unlawful, except by the written consent and approval of the Department, for any person at any time to receive, bring, or have brought or shipped into the State of Nevada, or to remove from one portion of this State to any other portion or to any other state, any raptor or any eggs or young of any raptor.

     2.  Any person who holds a valid falconry license which is issued by the Department and lists the raptors in his or her possession may bring into this State or remove to any other state any raptor listed on the license without having a permit for importation or exportation if a numbered marker which is supplied by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the Department, as appropriate, and which is not reusable, is attached to the raptor.

     3.  A person who is a resident of another state and who holds a valid falconry license issued by the appropriate agency of that state may bring into or remove from this State a raptor in his or her possession under the authority of that falconry license without having a permit for the importation or exportation of a raptor issued by the Department if a numbered marker which is supplied by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the appropriate agency of the state which issued the license if required, as appropriate, and which is not reusable, is attached to the raptor.

     4.  A raptor taken from the wild in Nevada by a resident of this State may not be permanently removed from this State unless the:

     (a) Resident holds a valid license issued by the Department pursuant to NRS 503.583 and leaves this State to establish his or her domicile in another state; or

     (b) Raptor has been held for at least 1 year.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 & 25.13, eff. 6-1-72; A 9-20-75; 12-15-76; 12-30-77; 8-1-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 10-13-95; 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.225  Purchase, sale or transfer of raptors. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)

     1.  A person who holds a valid falconry license issued by the Department may receive by transfer legally acquired raptors from other persons possessing a valid falconry license or a propagation permit. Any person who receives a raptor by transfer, purchase, trade or barter must be authorized to receive such a raptor pursuant to the provisions of NAC 503.235 and 503.250.

     2.  A licensed falconer may purchase, sell, trade or barter any captive-bred raptor which is banded with a numbered seamless marker authorized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     3.  A captive-bred raptor may not be transferred, purchased, sold, traded or bartered until it is 2 weeks old and only after it is properly marked with a numbered seamless marker provided or authorized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     4.  Each time a person acquires a raptor, he or she shall notify the Department within 5 calendar days after the acquisition. To comply with the provisions of this subsection, a person who acquires a raptor may submit to the Department a copy of Form 3-186A, which must be submitted to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.14, eff. 6-1-72; A 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.230  Intentional release of raptor. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)  A falconry licensee must obtain written authorization from the Department before a raptor of any species not indigenous to Nevada is intentionally released to the wild. The marker from the released bird must be removed and surrendered to the Department within 5 calendar days after the date on which the bird is released. The marker from an intentionally released bird which is indigenous to Nevada must also be removed and surrendered to the Department within 5 calendar days after the date on which the bird is released.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.15, eff. 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.235  Falconry license: Requirement; application; examination; conditions; exceptions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.583)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 7, a person who resides in the State of Nevada and who practices falconry or trains birds of prey must obtain a falconry license of the proper class from the Department. An applicant for a falconry license must include on his or her application:

     (a) The name of the applicant;

     (b) The physical and mailing address of the applicant’s residence;

     (c) The telephone number of the applicant’s residence;

     (d) The date of birth of the applicant;

     (e) The driver’s license number of the applicant, if he or she has been issued a driver’s license;

     (f) The number of raptors the applicant possesses and the species of each;

     (g) The age of each raptor, if known;

     (h) The sex of each raptor, if known;

     (i) The source and date of acquisition of each raptor;

     (j) The band number of each raptor; and

     (k) The applicant’s signature and the date on which he or she signed the application.

     2.  If the applicant has moved to this State with the intention of making this State his or her permanent residence and the applicant holds a falconry license issued by the state from which he or she is moving, the applicant may attach a copy of his or her falconry license to his or her application in lieu of taking the examination required by subsection 3. If the applicant fails to attach a copy of his or her falconry license issued by the applicant’s previous state of residence, he or she will be required to take the examination required by subsection 3.

     3.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, before the Department issues a falconry license, the applicant must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions on a supervised examination supplied or approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and administered by the Department. The examination will test the applicant’s knowledge of basic biology, the care and handling of raptors, and the literature, laws, and regulations, and other subjects relating to falconry. Failure of the examination will result in a 30-day waiting period after the date of the written examination before reexamination.

     4.  A person must possess a valid falconer’s license when practicing falconry. In addition, a person who releases a raptor at game birds or game mammals during the open season must possess a valid hunting license issued by the Department.

     5.  The Department may deny issuance or renewal of any class of falconry license or permit if the applicant has been convicted of a violation of any provision of NAC 503.200 to 503.345, inclusive. An applicant whose license has been denied may appeal the denial to the Commission.

     6.  A person who does not reside in the State of Nevada does not have to obtain a falconry license of the proper class from the Department to practice falconry while visiting this State if the person possesses a valid falconry license issued by the state of which he or she is a resident.

     7.  A person who possesses a raptor solely for commercial displays or exhibitions is not required to obtain a falconry license if:

     (a) The species of raptor used or to be used in the commercial display or exhibition is not listed as a protected species by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 et seq.; and

     (b) The raptor is not used for the sport of falconry.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.20 & Part § 25.50, eff. 6-1-72; A 9-20-75; 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.240  Falconry license: Classifications; issuance. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.583)

     1.  The Department may issue apprentice, general and master falconry licenses.

     2.  The Department may issue an apprentice license to an applicant who:

     (a) Is at least 14 years of age; and

     (b) Obtains a sponsor for the first 2 years during which the applicant is an apprentice licensee.

     3.  The Department may issue a general license to an applicant who:

     (a) Is at least 18 years of age;

     (b) Has at least 2 years’ experience in the practice of falconry as an apprentice licensee or the equivalent classification of an apprentice licensee;

     (c) Has possessed a raptor during each year that the applicant was licensed as an apprentice or the equivalent; and

     (d) Submits a signed letter from his or her sponsor which recommends the issuance of a general license to the applicant.

     4.  The Department may issue a master license to an applicant who has at least 5 years’ experience in the practice of falconry as a general licensee or the equivalent classification of a general licensee.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 Part § 25.21, eff. 12-15-76; A 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

REVISER’S NOTE.

      The regulation filed with the Secretary of State on July 1, 1997, LCB File No. R149-96, by the Board of Wildlife Commissioners contained the following provision not included in NAC:

      “A person who, on the effective date of this regulation, holds a current master falconry license issued by the Division [now the Department] pursuant to NAC 503.240 does not need to comply with the amendatory provisions of section 15 of this regulation [NAC 503.240] to renew his master falconry license.”

 

      NAC 503.245  Sponsorship of apprentice licensee. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.583)

     1.  A person who is a general or master falconry licensee or the equivalent may sponsor an apprentice falconry licensee.

     2.  A person may not sponsor more than three apprentice licensees at one time.

     3.  If sponsorship is terminated, the holder of an apprentice license must obtain a new sponsor within 30 days of the date of termination of the sponsorship or his or her apprentice license will be revoked.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 Part § 25.21, eff. 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84)

      NAC 503.250  Possession and replacement of raptors by apprentice, general licensee or master licensee. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)

     1.  An apprentice licensee:

     (a) Shall not possess more than one raptor nor obtain more than one raptor for replacement during any 12-month period.

     (b) May possess only an American kestrel (Falco sparverius), a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) or a red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus).

     2.  A general licensee shall not possess more than two raptors nor obtain more than two raptors for replacement during any 12-month period.

     3.  A master licensee shall not possess more than three raptors nor obtain more than two raptors taken from the wild for replacement during any 12-month period.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 Part § 25.21, eff. 6-1-72; A 9-20-75; 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.255  Equipment required for license. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.583)  Before obtaining a license, an applicant must allow an inspection by a representative of the Department to ensure that the applicant possesses:

     1.  At least one pair of Alymeri or similar jesses constructed of pliable, high-quality leather or suitable synthetic material to be used when any raptor is flown free. Traditional one-piece jesses may be used when a raptor is not being flown.

     2.  At least one flexible, weather-resistant leash and one strong swivel of acceptable falconry design.

     3.  At least one suitable container for each raptor for drinking and bathing. The container must be 2 to 6 inches deep and wider than the length of the raptor.

     4.  At least one weathering area and a perch of an acceptable design for each raptor.

     5.  A reliable scale or balance suitable for weighing a raptor. The device must be graduated in increments of not more than 1/2 ounce or 15 grams.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.215, eff. 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.260  Inspections. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)

     1.  Any person holding a falconry license must allow the Department’s employees to enter his or her premises at any reasonable hour to inspect equipment, mews or other raptor housing facilities and raptors possessed by the licensee or to inspect, audit or copy any permit, book or record required to be kept by the provisions of NAC 503.200 to 503.345, inclusive, or federal regulations relating to falconry.

     2.  Refusal to allow inspection of raptors, facilities and equipment during reasonable hours will result in the denial of issuance or revocation of the raptor license or permit and seizure of any raptor in the licensee’s possession.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.22, eff. 6-1-72; A 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84)

      NAC 503.265  Application for license must include information on raptors in applicant’s possession. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)  A person who is applying to renew a falconry license, and a person who is applying for a new falconry license, must include on his or her application for the license each species of raptor and the band number of each raptor he or she possesses on the date of the application. A falconry license or permit to take a raptor will not be issued or renewed unless the applicant has provided the Department with the information required by this section.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.23, eff. 12-15-76; A 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.300  Permit to capture raptors: Quota for raptors; falconry license required. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)  Each year, the Commission may establish a resident and nonresident quota for raptors that may be taken from the wild under a permit. A holder of a permit may obtain from the wild only the number of raptors permitted but in no event, more than two raptors per year. Before obtaining a permit to capture raptors, a permittee must possess a valid falconry license issued by this State or, if he or she is not a resident of this State and does not possess a falconry license issued by this State, a valid falconry license issued by the state of which the permittee is a resident.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.30, eff. 6-1-72; A 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.305  Permit to capture raptors: Conditions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)  A holder of a permit to capture raptors is subject to the following conditions:

     1.  Eyasses may be taken only by a general or master falconer during the period specified by the Commission. No more than two eyasses may be taken by a permittee during that period.

     2.  Passage birds may be taken only during the period specified by the Commission.

     3.  Not more than 180 days during any calendar year will be specified for the taking of eyasses or passage birds, but a marked raptor may be retrapped at any time.

     4.  The only raptors over 1 year of age which may be taken are the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) and the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), except that under a depredation (special purpose) permit which was jointly authorized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department, any raptor other than raptors of threatened or endangered species may be taken for falconry purposes by a general or master falconer.

     5.  Peregrine falcons may not be taken in Nevada. Such falcons legally obtained may be imported and possessed under the terms and conditions of a falconry license issued by the Department.

     6.  Birds of the following species may not be captured, transported, possessed or used in the practice of falconry:

     (a) Bald eagle;

     (b) Osprey;

     (c) White-tailed kite; and

     (d) Any owl except the great horned owl.

     7.  Permits to take raptors are not transferable.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 15 § 25.301 & Part § 25.35, eff. 6-1-72; A 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.310  Use of traps or bird nets to take raptors. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)

     1.  A raptor may be taken by a trap or bird net which is humane in its operation and use. Snare type traps must be attended at all times. All other traps must be identified with the name and address of the licensee and checked at least once every 24 hours. Raptors may not be captured by means of a steel-jawed trap or jump-trap. Apprentice licensees may use only bal-chatri, harness or bow net traps in acquiring raptors.

     2.  As used in subsection 1:

     (a) “Bal-chatri” means a hemispherical cage on which many nooses are tied baited with a bird or mammal and placed in view of a wild raptor to serve as a trap in which neither raptor nor bait is injured.

     (b) “Harness” means a light leather or cloth saddle covered with nooses which is placed on tethered bait.

     (c) “Bow net” means a circular hoop hinged in the middle and covered with netting. It is usually attached to the ground so one side can swing freely.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 15 § 25.31, eff. 12-15-76; A 12-30-77]

      NAC 503.315  Permit to rehabilitate raptors; permit for captive breeding and propagation of raptors. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)

     1.  The Department may issue a permit to rehabilitate raptors for the possession and temporary care of raptors. Such a permit may authorize a person to hold an injured raptor for rehabilitation and later release the raptor into the wild upon recovery or when directed by the Department. An applicant for a permit to rehabilitate raptors must hold a valid permit to rehabilitate raptors issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or provide evidence satisfactory to the Department that approval for such a permit is pending. A permit to rehabilitate raptors issued by the Department is not valid until the Department receives a copy of a permit to rehabilitate raptors issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to the applicant.

     2.  A project for the captive breeding and propagation of raptors may be approved by the Department if the applicant holds a permit for the propagation of raptors issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service pursuant to 50 C.F.R. § 21.30, or provides evidence satisfactory to the Department that approval for such a permit is pending. A permit for the captive breeding and propagation of raptors issued by the Department is not valid until the Department receives a copy of a permit for the propagation of raptors issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to the applicant. The applicant must first provide a statement showing the objectives and justification for the project. An applicant’s failure to comply with the terms, conditions and restrictions of the federal permit for the propagation of raptors is cause for the Department to cancel its approval of the project.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 15 § 25.40, eff. 6-1-72; A 12-15-76; 12-30-77]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.320  Taking of raptors for falconry: Attachment of raptor band; validation of permit; transportation of raptor from State. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)  A holder of a permit who is successful in taking a raptor shall immediately attach the raptor band provided by the Department to a leg of the raptor and personally present the raptor to a representative of the Department for validation of the permit no later than 72 hours after the raptor is taken. No raptor may be transported from this State until the band is attached and the person transporting it has had the permit validated by the Department.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 78-2 § 1 subsec. 3, eff. 6-29-78; A 10-1-78; 4-8-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.325  Taking of raptors for falconry: Return of unused permit and raptor band. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)  A holder of a permit who has not taken a raptor for each permit shall return the unused permit and band to the Department for cancellation within 5 days after the close of the season.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 78-2 § 1 subsec. 4, eff. 6-29-78; A 10-1-79; 4-8-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.330  Taking of raptors for falconry: Grounds for denial of permit; reinstatement of privilege; administrative fine. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)

     1.  If a holder of a permit has submitted any false statement on his or her application for the permit or fails to return the permit and raptor band for cancellation or validation within the period specified, the Department will deny him or her a raptor permit for the following year.

     2.  Any person who has been denied a raptor permit pursuant to the provisions of this section may have the privilege reinstated if the person pays to the Department an administrative fine of $50.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 78-2 § 1 subsec. 5, eff. 6-29-78; A 10-1-79; 4-8-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 7-1-97)

      NAC 503.335  Taking of raptors for falconry: Application for permit; falconry license required. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 503.583)

     1.  An application for taking raptors for falconry must be submitted to the Department at an address specified on the application by the deadline for the submission of such applications as established by the Commission.

     2.  The applicant must include on the application:

     (a) The name of the applicant;

     (b) The physical and mailing address of the applicant’s residence;

     (c) The date of birth of the applicant;

     (d) The telephone number of the applicant’s residence;

     (e) The driver’s license number of the applicant, if he or she has been issued a driver’s license;

     (f) The number of the applicant’s falconry license, the class of the license and the name of the state which issued the license;

     (g) A description of each raptor, by species:

          (1) In the applicant’s possession as of the date of the application, specifying those raptors which the applicant acquired during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of the application; and

          (2) Which the applicant acquired during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of the application but which is no longer in the applicant’s possession;

     (h) The age, sex and band number of each such raptor;

     (i) The date that each raptor was acquired;

     (j) If applicable, the date on which each raptor acquired by the applicant during the 12 months immediately preceding the date of the application was transferred, released, lost or died;

     (k) Whether each raptor in the possession of the applicant was caught in the wild or bred in captivity; and

     (l) The applicant’s signature and the date on which the application was signed.

Ê An incomplete application will be returned without action.

     3.  An applicant must possess a valid falconry license from this State or another state at the time that he or she applies for a permit to take raptors pursuant to this section. If the applicant does not possess such a license, the applicant must apply for a falconry license at the same time that he or she applies for the permit to take raptors for falconry pursuant to this section.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 78-2 § 2 subsecs. 1-6, eff. 6-29-78; A 10-1-79; 4-8-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 7-1-97; R138-03, 1-20-2004)

      NAC 503.340  Taking of raptors for falconry: Fees. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582, 504.295)  Each application must be accompanied by the following fee:

     1.  For each permit to take a raptor issued to a resident, $15.

     2.  For each permit to take a raptor issued to a nonresident, $120.

     3.  For acting upon each application, a nonrefundable fee of $5.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 78-2 § 2 subsec. 7, eff. 6-29-78; A 10-1-79; 4-8-80]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 11-5-81; 3-5-86; R138-03, 1-20-2004)

      NAC 503.345  Taking of raptors for falconry: Filling of quotas for permits. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.582)

     1.  If a quota is not filled from applications received on or before the latest date for acceptance, the Department will accept applications received after that date and award permits in the order of receipt of the applications until the quota is filled.

     2.  An applicant who does not draw a permit may reapply for any species of raptor whose quota is not filled after the drawing. The Department will award permits for the unfilled quota in the order of receipt of the applications.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 78-2 § 2 subsecs. 9 & 10, eff. 6-29-78; A 10-1-79; 4-8-80]

FISHING

      NAC 503.500  Definitions. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  As used in NAC 503.500 to 503.575, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires:

     1.  “Aquatic bait” means live, unprotected amphibians (such as salamanders, waterdogs and frogs), crustaceans (such as crayfish) and mollusks (such as clams and snails).

     2.  “Aquatic life” means live amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, fish and all other animals which grow in, live in or frequent water.

     3.  “Artificial lures” means any device with a hook or hooks attached which is made partly or entirely of rubber, wood, metal, glass, plastic or feathers.

     4.  “Live bait fish” means live, unprotected species of freshwater fish.

     5.  “Minimum size” means the minimum total length a fish must measure to be possessed legally.

     6.  “Region” means one of the three administrative regions established by the Department.

     7.  “Single barbless hook” means a fish hook having one point which is manufactured without barbs or on which the barbs have been closed completely or filed off. The term does not include a fish hook which shares a common shank with one or more other fish hooks, regardless of whether the barbs have been closed completely or filed off.

     8.  “Total length” means the length of a fish measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail fin.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 7 § 30.3, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 12-15-81; 12-1-82; 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 12-18-89; 11-23-94)

      NAC 503.502  Bait: General authority to and restrictions on capture, transport and use. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.300, 503.310)

     1.  A person who has a fishing license or short-term permit to fish, or who is not required to obtain such a license or permit pursuant to NRS 502.010 and NAC 502.285, may capture, transport and use bait for fishing or personal consumption except that:

     (a) The use of any game fish or protected species of fish for bait is prohibited.

     (b) Aquatic bait, other than salamanders or saltwater mudsuckers, may be used only in the water from which it is taken.

     (c) Aquatic life may be imported into this State only with the prior approval of the Department.

     (d) Aquatic bait and live bait fish may be transported from one river basin to another or from one area of this State to another only as provided in the appropriate regional regulation for the use of live bait fish.

     2.  A person who possesses bait in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not sell, barter or trade that bait.

     3.  Any bait obtained from a dealer in live bait fish who is licensed in this State must be accompanied by a currently dated receipt issued by that dealer.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 12-15-81; 12-3-84, eff. 1-1-85; 3-13-97; R109-02, 1-21-2003; R094-03, 10-30-2003)

      NAC 503.504  Western Region: Applicable waters; restrictions on bait and lures. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.300, 503.310)

     1.  The Western Region consists of all waters within Carson City and Churchill, Douglas, Humboldt, Lyon, Mineral, Storey, Pershing and Washoe counties.

     2.  In the area of the Carson River Basin from Quilici Dam (12 miles below Dayton) above the Lahontan Reservoir downstream to and including Lahontan Reservoir, the Carson River below Lahontan Dam and all of the waters within Lahontan Valley, Churchill County:

     (a) Only Lahontan redside (shiner), speckled dace, Tahoe sucker, mountain sucker, mosquitofish, carp, tui chub, Sacramento blackfish, fathead minnows and Piute sculpin may be used as live bait fish.

     (b) Fish used as live bait may be taken only from the Carson or Truckee River Basin in Carson City or Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Storey or Washoe county or purchased only from a dealer who is licensed in this State and authorized to sell live bait fish for use in the Carson River Basin.

     3.  In the area of the Carson River Basin from the boundary between California and Nevada to Quilici Dam:

     (a) Only Lahontan redside (shiner), speckled dace, Tahoe sucker, mountain sucker and mosquitofish may be used as live bait fish.

     (b) Fish used as live bait may be taken only from the Carson River above Quilici Dam or purchased only from a dealer who is licensed in this State and authorized to sell live bait fish for use in the Carson River Basin.

     4.  In the Humboldt River Basin, from Stahl Diversion Dam (near Golconda, Humboldt County) to and including Rye Patch Reservoir, the Pitt-Taylor and Chimney reservoirs, the Humboldt River below Rye Patch Dam and all waters of the Humboldt River in Lovelock Valley, Pershing and Churchill counties:

     (a) Only Lahontan redside (shiner), tui chub, speckled dace, Tahoe sucker, mountain sucker, Sacramento blackfish, fathead minnows and carp may be used as live bait fish.

     (b) Fish used as live bait may only be taken from the Humboldt River and its tributaries or be purchased from a dealer who is licensed in this State and authorized to sell live bait fish for use in the Humboldt River Basin.

     5.  In the waters of Lake Tahoe and its tributaries located in Carson City and Douglas and Washoe counties:

     (a) Only Lahontan redside (shiner), tui chub, Tahoe sucker, mountain sucker, Piute sculpin and speckled dace may be used as live bait fish.

     (b) Fish used as live bait may be taken only from, and must be native to, Lake Tahoe and its tributaries.

     6.  In the waters of the Main Walker River from the bridge of the Southern Pacific Railroad near Wabuska downstream to and including Weber Reservoir on the Walker River Indian Reservation and the Lower Walker River down to and including Walker Lake:

     (a) Only Lahontan redside (shiner), tui chub, speckled dace, Tahoe sucker, mountain sucker, carp and mosquitofish may be used as live bait fish.

     (b) Fish used as live bait may only be taken from the Walker River Basin in Lyon or Mineral county or be purchased from a dealer who is licensed in this State and authorized to sell live bait fish for use in the Walker River Basin.

     7.  The use of fish as bait, whether alive or dead, or parts thereof, is prohibited in the ponds and sloughs of the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area and the Fort Churchill Cooling Ponds.

     8.  In the lower Truckee River Basin, which includes the Truckee River and its tributaries from below the I-80 bridge which is upstream from the Crystal Peak Park to, but excluding Pyramid Lake, and including Paradise Ponds, Virginia Lake, Washoe Lake and the Fernley Wildlife Management Area:

     (a) Only Lahontan redside (shiner), speckled dace, Tahoe sucker, mountain sucker, Piute sculpin, mosquitofish, tui chub, fathead minnows and carp may be used as live bait fish.

     (b) Fish used as live bait may only be taken from the Truckee River or its tributaries or be purchased from a dealer who is licensed in this State and authorized to sell live bait fish for use in the Truckee River Basin.

     9.  In the upper Truckee River Basin, which includes the Truckee River and diversion ditches and tributaries above the I-80 bridge which is upstream from the Crystal Peak Park to the California state line, only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used. Only one single barbless hook may be attached to each hook eye or ring of the lure.

     10.  The following provisions apply to all other waters in the Western Region:

     (a) The capture, possession while fishing or the use of fish as bait, whether dead or alive, or parts thereof, other than preserved salmon eggs, is prohibited.

     (b) Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used in Catnip Reservoir, Hobart Reservoir, Knott Creek Reservoir, including inlet and outlet streams, Marlette Lake, including tributaries and outlet streams, Andorno Creek, Coleman Creek, the North Fork of Battle Creek and that portion of the East Walker River which is from one-quarter of a mile above the confluence of the East Walker River and Sweetwater Creek downstream to one-half of a mile below the confluence of the East Walker River and Red Wash Creek. Only one single barbless hook may be attached to each hook eye or ring of the lure.

     (c) Only artificial lures may be used in Hinkson Slough on the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 12-15-81; 12-1-82; 1-2-86; 12-11-87; 5-9-88; 12-18-89; 12-13-91; 11-18-93; 11-23-94; 11-22-95, eff. 11-25-95; 11-14-97, eff. 3-1-98; R104-01, 12-6-2001; R092-05, 10-31-2005)

      NAC 503.506  Eastern Region: Applicable waters; restrictions on bait and lures. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.300, 503.310)

     1.  The Eastern Region consists of all waters in Elko, Eureka, Lander and White Pine counties.

     2.  Within this region:

     (a) The possession while fishing or use of fish as bait, whether dead or alive, or parts thereof, except preserved salmon eggs, is prohibited.

     (b) Aquatic bait may be used only in the water from which it is taken.

     3.  Only artificial lures may be used in the Tonkin Springs Reservoir and the collection ditch of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

     4.  Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used in the Smith Creek Reservoir and on the south fork of the Humboldt River from the access causeway for the Lucky Nugget subdivision upstream to Lee. Only one single barbless hook may be attached to each hook eye or ring of the lure.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 12-15-81; 12-1-82; 1-2-86; 12-11-87; 1-31-90, eff. 3-1-90; 12-13-91; 11-23-94; 11-22-95, eff. 3-1-96; R198-97, 3-2-98; R104-01, 12-6-2001; R083-09, 10-27-2009)

      NAC 503.507  Southern Region: Applicable waters; restrictions on bait and lures. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.290, 503.300, 503.310)

     1.  The Southern Region consists of all waters in Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln and Nye Counties.

     2.  In the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and the Colorado River located in Clark County:

     (a) Only golden shiner, fathead minnow, mosquitofish, red shiner, threadfin shad, carp and goldfish may be used as live bait fish.

     (b) Other forms of aquatic and animal life, including, but not limited to, the waterdog, grasshopper, earthworm and crayfish, may be used as bait.

     (c) A person holding a fishing license may purchase fish authorized for use as bait from a dealer in bait licensed in Arizona, California or Nevada or may, for his or her own use, take fish authorized for use as bait by:

          (1) A dipnet;

          (2) A cast net with a radius not exceeding 4 feet measured from the horn to the leadline;

          (3) A seine not exceeding 10 feet in length and 4 feet in width; or

          (4) A trap for minnows not exceeding 12 inches in depth, 12 inches in width or 24 inches in length.

     3.  Only artificial lures may be used in the Dacey Reservoir.

     4.  In all other waters of the Southern Region, the capture, possession while fishing or use of fish as bait, whether dead or alive, or parts thereof, other than preserved salmon eggs is prohibited.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 12-15-81; 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 1-2-86; 11-14-97, eff. 3-1-98; R104-01, 12-6-2001; R092-05, 10-31-2005; R083-09, 10-27-2009; R137-09, 1-28-2010)

      NAC 503.508  Use of bait in particular areas: Colorado River, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.300, 503.310)  In the waters of the Colorado River, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave:

     1.  In addition to fish used as live bait, forms of animal life such as waterdogs, grasshoppers, earthworms and crayfish may be used for bait.

     2.  Only the following species of live fresh-water fish may be lawfully raised, possessed, transported, sold, offered for sale, imported, used or taken from the waters of the Colorado River for use as live bait:

     (a) Golden shiner.

     (b) Fathead minnow.

     (c) Mosquitofish.

     (d) Red shiner.

     (e) Threadfin shad.

     (f) Carp.

     (g) Goldfish.

     3.  A fisherman with a valid license may possess or use as live bait only the species of fish named in subsection 2. These species of fish may be purchased only from a dealer in bait licensed in Arizona, California or Nevada or may be taken for personal use only with a:

     (a) Dipnet;

     (b) Cast net with a radius not exceeding 4 feet measured from the horn to the leadline;

     (c) Seine not exceeding 10 feet in length and 4 feet in width; or

     (d) Trap for minnows not exceeding 12 inches in depth, 12 inches in width and 24 inches in length.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 12-14-81; 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 1-2-86; R137-09, 1-28-2010)

      NAC 503.510  Aquatic bait and live bait: Capture, sale, holding and transportation; reference work for naming of species. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.310)

     1.  Aquatic bait and the following species of live bait may be captured, offered for sale, held or transported by a person permitted to sell live bait, subject to any special conditions contained in the annual permit issued by the Department or in subsection 2:

 

	Authorized Species by Region
	Western	Eastern	Southern
Species	Region	Region	Region
Lahontan redside (Richardsonius egregius)	X
Red shiner (Notropis lutrensis)		N	X
Tui chub (Gila bicolor)	X	O
Speckled dace (Rhinichtyhys osculus)	X	N
Mosquitofish (Gambusia ssp.)	X	E
Carp (Cyprinus carpio)	X		X
Goldfish (Carassius auratus)		P	X
Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)		E	X
Fathead minnow (Pimephalespromelas)	X	R	X
Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense)		M	X
Mountain sucker		I
(Catostomus platyrhynchus)	X	T
Tahoe sucker (Catostomus tahoensis)	X	T
Longjaw mudsucker (Gillichthys mirabilis)		E	X
Salamander (Waterdogs) (Ambystoma)		D	X
Piute Sculpin (Cottus beldingi)	X

 

     2.  In the Western Region, the capture of any fish used as live bait for sale from the Carson River drainage below Quilici Dam is prohibited. The Quilici Dam is located near Dayton, Nevada.

     3.  The reference work from which the species listed in subsection 1 were named is special publication 12 of the American Fisheries Society, A List of Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States and Canada, 4th edition, 1980.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 7 § 30.12, eff. 1-1-75; A 9-20-75; 1-1-77; 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 1-1-81; 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 1-2-86; R104-01, 12-6-2001; R093-03, 10-30-2003)

      NAC 503.513  Commercial wildlife permit: Prerequisites to issuance; use; expiration. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.310, 504.295)

     1.  Any person may obtain a commercial wildlife permit for the capture, sale, possession or transportation of live bait fish or live aquatic bait for commercial purposes upon application and payment to the Department of the annual permit fee of $150, if:

     (a) The location, plan and stocking of the facilities used by the permittee in the bait operation are approved by the Department; and

     (b) No stream or natural body of water is enclosed or impounded in connection therewith to the detriment of fish naturally indigenous or planted or propagated therein at public expense.

     2.  The products of such a facility, fish spawn, fry and fish, or aquatic bait, may be sold at any time of the year by the permittee or his or her vendees, after having first complied with the provisions of title 45 of NRS and NAC 503.500 to 503.575, inclusive.

     3.  The permit expires on December 31 of the year in which it was issued.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 7 § 30.10, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 9-13-91; 8-21-97; R138-03, 1-20-2004, eff. 3-1-2004)

      NAC 503.515  Importation of live bait for commercial purposes. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.310)  Any person licensed as a dealer in live bait in Nevada may receive, bring or have brought or shipped into the State live bait or live aquatic bait for commercial purposes. The salamander may be acquired only from approved installations or areas in the states bordering Nevada.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 7 § 30.14, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 1-2-86)

      NAC 503.520  Sale of live or aquatic bait: Invoice. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.310)  When a dealer licensed in Nevada sells or disposes of live bait or aquatic bait, the dealer shall at the same time attach thereto or deliver to the purchaser or donee an invoice stating the kind and number of such bait. This invoice may be used as a transportation permit for the purchaser or donee.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 § 30.16, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]

      NAC 503.530  Importation of live or aquatic bait: Notification of Department. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.310, 503.597)

     1.  Any person receiving, bringing or having brought or shipped into and destined for the State of Nevada any live fish, live bait or aquatic bait shall notify the Department at least 3 days in advance of each shipment of such fish or bait. The notice must include:

     (a) The date of the shipment;

     (b) The destination of the shipment;

     (c) The approximate time of arrival of the shipment; and

     (d) The proposed route of the shipment.

     2.  The person must notify the Department of any change in the transportation schedule at least 24 hours before the date and time shown on the notice of shipment.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 § 30.21, eff. 1-1-75; A 9-20-75; 1-1-78]

      NAC 503.535  Inspection of shipment of live fish or bait: Notification by Department; action upon conclusion; fee. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.310, 503.597, 504.295)

      1.  If inspection of a shipment is required, the Department shall notify the person of the time and place of inspection.

     2.  At the conclusion of an inspection, the permittee or his or her representative will be issued a permit for the transportation of live fish or bait if the shipment of fish or bait is found to comply with the provisions of NAC 503.500 to 503.575, inclusive. If a shipment is determined by the Department inspector to be detrimental to the best interests of the State, such fish or bait must either be destroyed or the permittee or his or her representative must remove it from the State by the route of entry or a route designated by the inspector.

     3.  A $25 inspection fee shall be charged for each inspection, except if two or more shipments originate from one source and arrive at the same destination at the same time, only one $25 inspection fee may be charged, such fee to be prorated equally among the importers involved.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 § 30.22, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R138-03, 1-20-2004)

      NAC 503.540  Commercial taking of crayfish unlawful. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597, 504.295)  It is unlawful for any person to take crayfish from any of the waters of the State for commercial purposes.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 subpt. D, eff. 1-1-78]

      NAC 503.545  Commercial permit to take unprotected fish: Prerequisites to issuance. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.380)  Any person may obtain a permit to take unprotected fish commercially, other than live bait fish, from the waters of the State upon application and payment to the Department of an annual permit fee of $500, if:

     1.  The location, time and manner of conducting the operation is approved by the Department; and

     2.  The operation is not deleterious to fish or other wildlife naturally indigenous or planted or propagated therein at public expense.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 § 30.30, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R138-03, 1-20-2004, eff. 3-1-2004)

      NAC 503.550  Commercial permit to take unprotected fish: Conditions of use. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.380)  A commercial permit to take unprotected fish is issued subject to the following provisions:

     1.  The Department may authorize a permittee to take unprotected fish with a seine, net, trap or other device. The use of a gill or trammel net, explosive or poison is unlawful.

     2.  A permittee shall comply with any special terms, conditions or restrictions of the permit.

     3.  A permittee shall immediately release unharmed any game fish or protected fish that is taken during the operation.

     4.  A permittee shall, at reasonable times, allow any person authorized to enforce the provisions of this regulation, free and unrestricted access to the area where the permittee is taking, possessing, storing or shipping fish.

     5.  A permittee shall maintain daily records of the fish he or she has taken and submit a report of the fish taken to the Department within 10 days following expiration of the permit.

     6.  A permit issued pursuant to this section does not authorize the taking, transporting or disposing of unprotected fish in violation of any applicable federal or state law or regulation.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 § 30.31, eff. 1-1-75; A 9-20-75; 1-1-78]

      NAC 503.555  Commercial permit to take unprotected fish: Amendment or revocation by Department. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.380)  A commercial permit to take unprotected fish may be immediately amended or revoked if the Department determines that the operation is deleterious to any species of game fish or protected fish.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 § 30.32, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]

      NAC 503.560  Certification of certain facilities as free from disease: General requirements; inspection of facilities. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597, 504.295)

     1.  A person who establishes, operates or controls a commercial fish hatchery, private noncommercial fishpond or other installation for the culture of fish within the State of Nevada shall, and a person who does so outside this State for the purpose of importing fish or aquatic life into this State may, make application to the Department at an address specified on the application for a letter of certification stating that such installation is free from fish diseases or pathogens that induce diseases, which the Department has determined to be deleterious to the fish or aquatic life of Nevada.

     2.  It is unlawful for a person:

     (a) To operate any such installation in this State until it is certified by the Department; or

     (b) To import live fish or aquatic life from any installation outside this State which has not been certified by the Department.

     3.  Any game warden authorized to enforce the provisions of title 45 of NRS may enter any such installation at any reasonable hour and inspect the premises and operation to determine that it is free from fish diseases.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 §§ 30.40 & 30.41, eff. 1-1-75; A 9-20-75; 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; R138-03, 1-20-2004)

      NAC 503.565  Certification of certain facilities as free from disease: Revocation and reinstatement; expiration and renewal. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.597, 504.295)

     1.  If an inspection of any such installation reveals significant loss of fish or evidence of clinical symptoms of any disease which is deleterious to fish or aquatic life, the letter of certification issued pursuant to NAC 503.560, shall be revoked.

     2.  During the period of revocation, it is unlawful for any person to remove or to import fish or aquatic life from such installation without the written authorization of the Department. The letter of certification must not be reinstated until the Department is satisfied that the installation is free of fish diseases.

     3.  The letter of certification expires on June 30 of each year unless sooner terminated. Requests for renewal must be made on the form provided by the Department.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 7 §§ 30.42 & 30.43, eff. 1-1-75; A 1-1-78]

      NAC 503.575  Noncommercial license for possession of endemic species of fish: Prerequisites; use. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 504.295)

     1.  Except as otherwise required in NAC 504.4595, a person may, pursuant to the provisions of NAC 504.450 to 504.488, inclusive, obtain a noncommercial license for the possession of any endemic, native or nonnative, species of fish if:

     (a) The location, plan and stocking of the fish pond or ponds are approved by the Department;

     (b) No stream or natural body of water is enclosed or impounded in connection therewith; and

     (c) Any fish spawn, fry or fish for use in the pond or ponds is obtained only from an installation or other source that has first been approved by the Department.

     2.  A person holding a license issued pursuant to this section may take fish from the pond or ponds at any time.

     3.  The products of such a facility must not be sold, bartered or traded.

     4.  If the owner or operator of such a facility disposes of any fish from the facility, he or she shall, at the same time, deliver to the donee an invoice signed by the owner or his or her designated agent. The invoice must include:

     (a) The number of the license;

     (b) The name of the licensee;

     (c) The date of disposition;

     (d) The kind and number of the fish; and

     (e) The name and address of the donee.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 7 §§ 30.60 & 30.61, eff. 7-25-70; A 1-1-75; 9-20-75; 1-1-78]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 9-13-91; 2-28-94; 5-22-97)

      NAC 503.580  Unprotected fish and bullfrogs: Methods of taking. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.290)

     1.  Except as provided in subsection 2 of NAC 503.507, unprotected fish may be taken by bow and arrow, hook and line, dipnet, cast net, minnow seine or minnow trap. Unprotected fish may be taken by spear except in any water where this method is specifically prohibited.

     2.  In addition to taking bullfrogs by any method enumerated in NRS 503.290, they may be taken with hands or gig. No firearm or airgun may be used in taking bullfrogs.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84)

      NAC 503.583  Ice fishing: Size of holes. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  For purposes of ice fishing, a hole cut through the ice must not exceed 10 inches in diameter.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81)

      NAC 503.586  Filleting of fish. (NRS 501.105, 501.181)  Where size limits apply, fish may not be filleted before transport. Only the gills, guts, and scales may be removed before transport. Where bag limits but not size limits apply, fish may be filleted before transport if the fillets are kept in one piece so bag and possession limits can be determined.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 12-3-84, eff. 1-1-85)

      NAC 503.590  Fishing in Lake Mead, Lake Mohave or Colorado River. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 502.045)  In the waters of Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and the Colorado River:

     1.  The use of more than two hooks for bait or flies is prohibited.

     2.  Licensed fishermen may take unprotected fish. The taking of fish by spear or by bow and arrow is prohibited within one-half mile of any dock or swimming area.

     3.  Licensed fishermen may take striped bass by spear except within one-half mile of any dock or swimming area.

     4.  Each unattended live box or stringer containing fish must have a water resistant identification legibly bearing the name, address and number of the fishing license of the person using and storing fish in the box or stringer. Where several persons use the same box or fish stringer, each person shall attach his or her own identification to the box or stringer.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84; 12-3-84, eff. 1-1-85; 1-2-86; 12-11-87)

      NAC 503.591  Spearfishing for striped bass. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 502.045, 503.290)  Spearfishing for striped bass is legal in:

     1.  Lake Mead; and

     2.  Lake Mohave from Cottonwood Cove to the cable below Hoover Dam except in that portion of Lake Mohave from Cottonwood Cove to Davis Dam and from Davis Dam down-river to the Nevada state line.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-2-86; A 10-17-86, eff. 1-1-87)

      NAC 503.592  Use of mechanical device to propel spear. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.290)

     1.  Any person who, while swimming or diving, uses a mechanical device held in the hand which uses a rubberband, a spring or pneumatic power to propel a spear to kill, capture or injure a fish shall:

     (a) Display a flag as described in subsection 2.

     (b) Not use such a mechanical device in an area set aside for waterskiing or swimming or in a heavily traveled lane for boats.

     (c) Use such a mechanical device only when the person is under the surface of the water.

     (d) Use such a mechanical device only if the spear is attached to the device by a lanyard.

     2.  The flag required by subsection 1 must be:

     (a) Displayed within 100 feet of the location of the swimmer or diver;

     (b) At least 12 inches square with a red background and white diagonal stripe that is one-fifth the width of the flag; and

     (c) Attached to a float or buoy which is clearly visible to approaching vessels. Between sunset and sunrise, a light must be attached to the float, buoy or flag.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-2-86; A 12-11-87)

      NAC 503.593  Waters in which chumming and fishing with a spear prohibited. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.300)

     1.  Chumming is prohibited in:

     (a) Lake Tahoe.

     (b) Topaz Lake.

     (c) Crittenden Reservoir.

     (d) The collection ditch of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

     (e) Spooner Lake.

     2.  Fishing with a spear for unprotected fish is prohibited in:

     (a) Lake Tahoe.

     (b) Topaz Lake.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 1-1-81; A 1-2-86)

COMPETITIVE FIELD TRIALS

      NAC 503.610  Permits: Authority to conduct certain activities; application; use. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.200)

     1.  Any person may conduct competitive field trials for hunting dogs or competitive field trials for raptors under a competitive field trials permit, or train hunting dogs or raptors under a training permit issued by the Department.

     2.  The person must submit an application, accompanied by the fee established in subsection 5 of NRS 502.240, to the Department at least 15 days before the trials or training activity. The application must set forth the date, time and location of the trials or training activity and the number of each species of upland game birds which will be released. An applicant for a training permit may request any number of dates for training during a specific 2-month period.

     3.  A competitive field trials permit is valid for only one field trial. The permittee or his or her designated representative shall have the permit in his or her possession and be present at the event.

     4.  A training permit is valid only for the person whose name appears thereon. The permittee shall have the permit in his or her possession while training hunting dogs or raptors with upland game birds that were bred in captivity.

     5.  An upland game bird bred in captivity and used for training that is not taken or recaptured on the date or dates specified on a permit issued pursuant to this section must not be taken or recaptured thereafter except during the appropriate season and according to any applicable rules or regulations adopted by the Commission.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 11 § 22.10, eff. 8-16-71; A 2-1-73; 5-15-74; 9-20-75]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 9-13-91)

      NAC 503.620  Conducting competitive field trials and training. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.200)

     1.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 3, 4 and 5, in any area which is determined by the Department to be unpopulated by upland game birds:

     (a) Competitive field trials for, or the training of, hunting dogs or raptors is permitted at any time.

     (b) Legally acquired upland game birds may be released for shooting or taken by raptors.

     2.  Except as otherwise provided in subsections 3, 4 and 5, in any area which is determined by the Department to be populated by upland game birds:

     (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), competitive field trials for, or the training of, hunting dogs or raptors is permitted only during the season established by the Commission for the hunting of the species of game bird used in the trials or training.

     (b) Competitive field trials for, or the training of, hunting dogs or raptors may be permitted at any time if upland game birds are released by the permittee and the Department determines the activity is not detrimental to existing wildlife.

     3.  Competitive field trials for hunting dogs or raptors are permitted on:

     (a) Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area from:

          (1) February 1 through February 14; and

          (2) August 16 through August 31; and

     (b) Overton Wildlife Management Area from February 1 through February 28.

     4.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5 and NAC 504.120, the training of hunting dogs or raptors is permitted on wildlife management areas at any time.

     5.  The training of hunting dogs or raptors is permitted on Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area:

     (a) From February 1 through February 14;

     (b) From August 16 through August 31; and

     (c) Except as otherwise provided in NAC 504.120, at any time, so long as the supervisor of the wildlife management area determines that the training is not detrimental to the wildlife management area.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 11 § 22.11, eff. 8-16-71; A 2-1-73; 5-15-74]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs by R054-02, 11-19-2002, eff. 3-1-2003)

      NAC 503.630  Upland game birds: Permit for importation. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.200)

     1.  Upland game birds may be imported to be released for competitive field trials or training of hunting dogs or raptors only pursuant to an importation permit issued by the Department.

     2.  An application for an importation permit must include:

     (a) The name and address of the supplier;

     (b) The number and species of birds to be imported; and

     (c) The method and date of shipment.

     3.  Each shipment of birds must be accompanied by an importation permit.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 11 § 22.12, eff. 5-15-74]

      NAC 503.640  Upland game birds: Prerequisites to release; inspection by Department. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.200)

     1.  Upland game birds released for competitive field trials or training of hunting dogs or raptors must be at least 12 weeks of age, fully winged and in a condition to go wild.

     2.  The Department may inspect the birds before their release.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 11 § 22.13, eff. 8-16-71; A 2-1-73; 5-15-74]

      NAC 503.650  Upland game birds: Legbands. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.200)

     1.  Upland game birds released for competitive field trials or training of hunting dogs or raptors must be banded with legbands approved by the Department and furnished by the permittee.

     2.  The legband must remain with the bird until it is utilized by a hunter.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs, No. 11 § 22.14, eff. 8-16-71; A 2-1-73; 5-15-74]

WILDLIFE DEPREDATION

      NAC 503.710  Wildlife depredation permit: Prerequisites to issuance. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.595)

     1.  The Director or a person designated by the Director may, after thorough investigation, issue a permit to frighten, herd or kill wildlife if:

     (a) He or she has received information from the owner or tenant of any land or property indicating that such land or property is being damaged or destroyed or is in danger of being damaged or destroyed by wildlife; and

     (b) The injury complained of is substantial and can be abated.

     2.  The complaining person must state:

     (a) The location of the land or property;

     (b) The nature of the crops or other property being injured; and

     (c) The extent of the injury.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 4 part § 1, eff. 6-1-70; A 2-1-72]

      NAC 503.720  Wildlife depredation permit: Contents. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.595)  Such permit shall specify:

     1.  The name of the person permitted to frighten, herd or kill wildlife;

     2.  The method which may be used by the permittee;

     3.  The time for which the permit is valid;

     4.  The number of animals which may be killed;

     5.  The manner in which all dead animals shall be disposed of, and that they must be disposed of in the manner specified;

     6.  That a report of the operation shall be submitted to the Department; and

     7.  Such other conditions as are appropriate.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 4 part § 1, eff. 6-1-70; A 2-1-72]

      NAC 503.730  Wildlife depredation permit: Ownership and disposition of wildlife taken. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.595)

     1.  Except as provided in subsection 2, wildlife taken under such a permit may not be used for any purpose by the permittee or those assisting the permittee. Such wildlife are the property of the State and, if required by the Department, shall be retrieved and maintained in a good manner by the permittee. The Department may dispose of them by:

     (a) Donation to a public scientific or educational institution;

     (b) Donation to a charitable or other worthy institution for use as food; or

     (c) Sale of animals or pelts of value. The proceeds of a sale shall be deposited as provided in NRS.

     2.  The Department may donate the hide or pelt of such wildlife to a permittee to defray the cost of handling a depredation complaint.

     3.  Game species taken under such a permit which are unfit for human consumption or other unsalvable wildlife shall be destroyed by the Department.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 4 § 2, eff. 6-1-70; A 2-1-72; 12-1-76]—(NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, 4-27-84, eff. 5-25-84)

      NAC 503.740  Wildlife depredation permit: Limitation on use; federal permits. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.595)

     1.  NAC 503.710 to 503.740, inclusive, do not authorize the herding or killing of wildlife in violation of any federal law or regulation.

     2.  A permit issued pursuant to the provisions of NAC 503.710 to 503.740, inclusive, shall not be exercised unless the permittee also complies with all permit requirements of the appropriate federal agencies.

     [Bd. of Fish & Game Comm’rs Gen. Reg. No. 4 § 3, eff. 6-1-70]

      NAC 503.760  Permits to control bobcats, coyotes or ravens from aircraft. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.005)

     1.  The Department may issue a permit to the owner or tenant of any land or property, or to a governmental agency, to engage in the hunting, killing or nonlethal control of bobcats or coyotes from an aircraft for the purpose of protecting land, wildlife, livestock, domestic animals or human life. The Department may also issue a permit to the State Director of Animal Damage Control of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture to engage in the hunting, killing or nonlethal control of ravens from an aircraft. Such permits will not be issued for hunting for sport.

     2.  An applicant for such a permit must provide the following information:

     (a) His or her name, address and telephone number;

     (b) The purpose for which the permit is requested, specifying whether the permit is to protect land, wildlife, livestock, domestic animals or human life;

     (c) A description of the area in which the ravens, bobcats or coyotes will be hunted, killed or controlled;

     (d) The number of ravens, bobcats or coyotes intended to be taken;

     (e) The registration number of the aircraft to be used, the name and address of the pilot and the location where the aircraft will be based during the operation; and

     (f) Such other information as the Department may require.

     3.  A person granted a permit pursuant to this section shall comply with the terms, conditions and restrictions of the permit.

     4.  On or before January 10 after the calendar year in which the permit was issued, the permittee shall submit to the Department, at an address specified on the appropriate form, a written report of the number of ravens, bobcats or coyotes taken during each month in which the permit was valid.

     [Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, No. 31, eff. 4-8-80]—(NAC A 1-2-86; 4-14-92; R138-03, 1-20-2004)

DREDGING PERMITS

      NAC 503.810  Application for permit. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.425)  An application for a dredging permit may be obtained from any office of the Department. A completed application and the required fees must be submitted to the Department. The applicant must include on the application:

     1.  The name of the applicant;

     2.  The physical and mailing addresses of the applicant’s residence and place of employment;

     3.  The telephone numbers of the applicant’s residence and place of employment;

     4.  The driver’s license number of the applicant, if he or she has been issued a driver’s license;

     5.  The date of birth of the applicant;

     6.  The applicant’s occupation and the name of his or her employer;

     7.  The make and model of the dredge to be used;

     8.  The diameter of the intake of the dredge;

     9.  The name of each river, stream and lake in which the dredge will be used, as designated by the mountain range, if applicable, and the county in which the river, stream or lake is located;

     10.  The date or dates on which the dredge will be operated in the river, stream or lake; and

     11.  The applicant’s signature and the date on which the applicant signed the application.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 8-21-97)

      NAC 503.820  Expiration, scope, use, transferability and cancellation of permit. (NRS 501.105, 501.181, 503.425)

     1.  A dredging permit:

     (a) Expires on December 31 of the year in which it was issued;

     (b) May authorize the use of not more than three separate dredges; and

     (c) Will only authorize the operation of a dredge which has a maximum intake that is 4 inches or less in diameter.

     2.  A dredging permit may include authorization to operate a dredge in not more than 10 different bodies of waters.

     3.  The period authorized for dredging on each body of water will be determined by the Department within the following dates, based upon the spawning season of the species of fish present in that body of water:

     (a) If there are no species of fish present in the body of water, between January 1 and December 31.

     (b) If the body of water contains species of fish that spawn in both spring and fall, between June 1 and September 30.

     (c) If the body of water contains species of fish that spawn only in the spring, between June 1 and December 31.

     (d) If the body of water contains species of fish that spawn only in the fall, between March 1 and September 30.

     4.  The Department will not authorize dredging in a body of water or any portion of a body of water which contains species of fish classified by the Federal Government as endangered, threatened or sensitive, or classified by the Department as protected, if the Department determines that the dredging may be deleterious to the species of fish.

     5.  A holder of a dredging permit shall immediately return substrata gravel and sands removed during the dredging to the streambed from which the gravel or sand was removed and restore, as closely as possible, the original contour of the streambed.

     6.  A dredging permit:

     (a) Is not transferable; and

     (b) May be cancelled at any time by the Department for a violation of any term, condition or restriction of the permit.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Wildlife Comm’rs, eff. 8-21-97)