Application process for big-game tags offers many options

Hunters who have been waiting anxiously for Nevada’s big-game tag application process to begin no longer have to wait. As of Friday, the quest for coveted 2009 big-game tags officially began. The application deadline is April 20, so don’t procrastinate.

You’ll find the 2009 Nevada Big Game Seasons and Application Regulations booklet online at the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Web site (www.ndow.org), or you can pick it up wherever you buy your hunting license. Paper applications can be found at the same locations or printed out from the agency’s Web site. If you prefer to submit your application electronically, you can do so at www.huntnevada.com.

Statistics show that most of us prefer the online application process. For me, it’s a no-brainer because I only have to pay the application and predator fees up front and won’t be charged any tag fees unless I draw a tag. If you applied online last year, you should receive a postcard reminder about the tag draw in the mail. Mine came last weekend. Only those who applied via paper applications and snail mail will receive an application packet.

In a change from previous years, preliminary results will be released approximately 48 hours after the tag drawing has been completed. You will find them on the huntnevada.com Web site, but these initial results will not be considered final until all tags and licenses are paid. That means credit card charges have to be accepted and checks have to clear the bank first.

Official results should be available by June 19.

It will be interesting to see whether the country’s economic situation affects the number of tag applications that are submitted here and in surrounding states.

While in a local sporting goods store the other day, I overheard a gentleman presenting a passionate argument to his sweetheart about the benefits of hunting to their family economics. She didn’t sound convinced. My guess is that this same discussion will be taking place in many homes during the coming weeks.

Good luck when it’s your turn.

• BIGHORN SHEEP HELP — Members of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn will gather this weekend to rebuild two water developments for bighorn sheep. If you don’t have plans and would like to do something for wildlife conservation and see some new country along the way, you might want to consider lending the fraternity a hand.

Also known as guzzlers, the water developments are designed to trap and store rainwater for the benefit of bighorn sheep and other wildlife species during the hot summer months when water is at a premium. They are built under the auspices of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

The fraternity is hoping for 40 to 50 volunteers and will meet at the gravel pit located at mile marker 11.2 on Highway 318, north of Hiko, at 8 a.m. Saturday. Workers will be divided into two teams, then flown to the two guzzler sites via helicopter. The goal is to add three storage tanks and a drinker to each of the two projects and be done by 3:30 p.m., weather and other circumstances permitting.

Fraternity member Paul Harris said anyone going to the project should bring a coat and sweatshirt, work gloves, lunch, snacks and drinks. He recommends nothing larger than a small Playmate-style cooler and a small backpack for your personal gear. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen.

For more information, contact fraternity president Jelindo Tiberti at 702-382-7070.

• ANGLER’S LEGACY — Almost three years ago I wrote about Angler’s Legacy, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s new program that asked anglers to take a pledge promising to introduce at least one newcomer to the sport.

Earlier this month, the number of anglers who took that pledge surpassed 100,000. Those pledges, according to RBFF president Frank Peterson, “may have already generated $25 million for the boating and fishing industries and 170,000 new fishing licenses for states — not to mention badly needed jobs across the fishing industry.”

Freelance writer Doug Nielsen is a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. His “In the Outdoors” column, published Thursday, is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NDOW. Any opinions he states in his column are his own. He can be reached at doug@takinitoutside.com.