Hunting is a popular activity here at the Refuge. The hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, quail, snipe, and rabbits is permitted on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday during the official hunting season. Dove hunting is permitted daily during the month of September. Additionally, the hunting of big game, coyotes, crows, and swans is prohibited.
Please note that hunting is only permitted in the designated hunting areas. The public hunting area begins just North of Dove Dike and ends south of Lower Lake. Make sure to check the hunting brochure below for more information.
All Nevada Department of Wildlife regulations, Federal, and refuge regulations are applicable. Current refuge regulations are listed below.
HUNTING ZONE
Areas open to hunting are delineated with signs and begin just north of Dove Dike and continues south through Lower Pahranagat Lake. Please see our hunting zone map.
SPECIES
Hunting of geese, ducks, coots, moorhens, and snipe is permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the regular state season. Hunting of swans is prohibited. Use caution when hunting white geese.
Dove hunting is permitted daily during the month of September. Starting October 1st, dove hunting is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Quail and rabbit hunting is permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the regular state season. Hunting of jackrabbits is permitted only during the state cottontail season. Big game hunting is not allowed. All other wildlife, including coyotes and crows, are protected.
NON-TOXIC SHOT
You may only possess approved non-toxic shot while in the field. Lead shot is not allowed.
FIREARMS
Hunting is permitted by shotgun only. When participating in a legal hunting activity, firearms are permitted but must be unloaded and encased or dismantled while being transported by a vehicle or boat. Loaded is defined as having rounds in the chamber or magazine. Target shooting is prohibited. Spent shotgun shells are litter; please pick them up.
BLINDS & PERSONAL PROPERTY
Temporary blinds are permitted. All decoys, portable blinds, and other personal property must be removed from the refuge daily and temporary blinds must be dismantled at the close of each day.
PETS
Pets must be leashed and attended at all times except when used in association with a legal hunt in designated areas. Use of dogs is encouraged to reduce crippling losses. However, dogs must be supervised and controlled by their owners at all times.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
The possession or use of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
HELPFUL HUNTING TIPS
The refuge covers a variety of habitats including rough uneven terrain, deep waters, marshes, and dense stands of vegetation. Hunting difficulty varies by area, and hunters should consider their own abilities and limitations before using the refuge. Hunters should hunt with a partner and consult the refuge manager for suggestions to hunt the area safely.
Respect the rights of others and the resources of the refuge. Hikers or birdwatchers might be in the field during hunting season; be aware of who is in the area before shooting. Please report acts of vandalism, poaching, littering or other violations to the Refuge Manager.
Know your target. Study bird identification guides before the hunting season. Learn field marks of males and females during breeding and eclipse plumage, as well as when sitting or flying. Be certain of the species before you shoot.
The refuge provides a hunting and fishing brochure in which hunters and anglers can find the latest hunting and fishing regulations.
