What the Nonresident Combination License Covers

Nevada's nonresident combination hunting and fishing license is a single permit that lets you hunt and fish throughout the state in the same calendar year. You do not need to buy separate licenses for each activity — one license covers both. The permit is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it.

This license grants you the right to hunt most game species (deer, elk, upland birds, waterfowl, and small game) and fish in Nevada's lakes, rivers, and streams. Some species and methods require additional tags or stamps — for example, a deer tag or waterfowl stamp — but the base combination license is your foundation for both activities.

The nonresident combination is the most economical choice if you plan to do both hunting and fishing on the same trip or within the same year. If you hunt only or fish only, Nevada offers separate nonresident licenses at lower cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The nonresident combination license covers both hunting and fishing for the full calendar year and costs less than buying separate licenses.
  • You must purchase the license before you hunt or fish, and it is valid only for the calendar year in which you buy it.
  • Hunting tags for specific species (deer, elk) and waterfowl stamps are sold separately and required in addition to the base license.
  • Nevada residents pay a different (lower) rate; the combination license price listed is for nonresidents only.
  • You can purchase the license online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, by phone, or in person at license vendors across the state.

How to Purchase the License

You can buy a nonresident combination license through three channels: online, by phone, or at a physical vendor. The Nevada Department of Wildlife operates the online system at ndow.org. You will need a valid form of identification (driver's license or passport) and a payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

If you prefer to call, the Nevada Department of Wildlife can process your order by phone during business hours. You can also visit any licensed vendor in Nevada — these include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some outdoor retailers. Vendors are located throughout the state, and many can issue your license on the spot.

Once purchased, your license is immediately valid. If you buy online, you will receive a confirmation email with your license number. Print the confirmation or have it ready on your phone when you hunt or fish. If you buy in person, the vendor will provide your license document.

What Species You Can Hunt and Fish

With the nonresident combination license, you can hunt mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, black bear, upland game birds (quail, sage grouse, chukar), waterfowl (ducks and geese), and small game (rabbits, hares, squirrels). However, each species has its own season — some are open only during specific months — and most big game species require a separate tag purchased through a drawing or over-the-counter system.

For fishing, the license permits you to fish for trout, bass, catfish, pike, perch, and other species in Nevada's public waters. Some waters have special regulations (catch limits, gear restrictions, or seasonal closures), so check the Nevada Department of Wildlife's current fishing regulations before you go.

Waterfowl hunting requires a federal duck stamp in addition to your state license and any required tags. You can purchase the federal stamp online or at most license vendors.

Seasons and Regulations You Must Follow

Nevada's hunting and fishing seasons change each year. The Nevada Department of Wildlife publishes an annual hunting guide and fishing guide that list all open seasons, bag limits, and gear restrictions. You are responsible for knowing the current rules before you hunt or fish.

Seasons typically run on a calendar basis — for example, deer season might open in September and close in November, while trout season may run year-round in some waters and be closed in others. Waterfowl seasons are set by federal regulation and vary by zone within Nevada. Fishing regulations differ by water body, so a lake may have different rules than a river.

Bag limits (the number of fish or game you can keep per day) and possession limits (the total you can have at home) are enforced strictly. Violating season dates, bag limits, or gear rules can result in fines, license suspension, and confiscation of equipment.

Price and How Long It Lasts

The nonresident combination license price varies year to year. Nevada Department of Wildlife sets the rate annually, and it typically ranges from around $150 to $200, though you should verify the current price on the department's website or by calling before you purchase. This is significantly less than buying a nonresident hunting license and a nonresident fishing license separately.

The license is valid for the calendar year only — from January 1 through December 31. If you purchase a license in November, it expires on December 31 of that year. You cannot carry it forward to the next year. If you plan to hunt or fish in Nevada in January, you must buy a new license for that year.

Some hunters and anglers purchase a license late in the year if they plan a trip in the final weeks, knowing they will need a fresh license for the following year. Plan your purchase timing accordingly.

Where to Fish and Hunt in Nevada

Nevada has diverse fishing waters ranging from high-altitude mountain lakes to desert reservoirs. Popular fishing destinations include Lake Tahoe (shared with California), Pyramid Lake, Walker Lake, and numerous smaller lakes and streams in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin regions. Trout are the primary species in mountain waters, while bass and catfish are common in lower-elevation reservoirs.

Hunting opportunities span from the Sierra Nevada mountains (mule deer and elk) to the high desert (pronghorn and sage grouse) to lower valleys (waterfowl and upland birds). Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service allow hunting and fishing under state regulations. Some areas require special permits or have restricted access, so contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife or the managing agency before your trip.

Access to private land requires the landowner's permission. Nevada has no public access trespass law that forces landowners to allow hunting or fishing, so always ask before entering private property.

Tags, Stamps, and Additional Permits You May Need

The combination license is your base permit, but hunting most big game species requires additional tags. For example, to hunt mule deer, you must draw a deer tag through Nevada's drawing system or purchase an over-the-counter tag if available. The same applies to elk, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. These tags are purchased separately from your license and are not included in the combination price.

Waterfowl hunters must also purchase a federal duck stamp (required by federal law) and may need a Nevada waterfowl stamp depending on the species and zone. Upland bird hunting typically requires no additional tag, but seasons and bag limits apply.

Some waters have special-use permits or require registration before you fish. Check the Nevada Department of Wildlife website or call ahead if you are planning to fish a specific lake or stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license if I only want to hunt or only want to fish?

Yes. Nevada offers a nonresident hunting-only license and a nonresident fishing-only license, each at a lower price than the combination. If you are certain you will do only one activity, a single-purpose license will cost you less. The combination is the better value only if you plan to do both.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

You can purchase a license online or by phone using another person's information, but the license must be in their name and they must have a valid ID to use it. The license is not transferable. Contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife if you have questions about gift purchases.

What happens if I lose my license?

If you lose your printed license, contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife with your license number (from your confirmation email) and they can issue a replacement. If you bought online and have your confirmation email, you can print another copy. If you bought in person, return to the vendor or contact the department for a duplicate.

Do I need a license to fish on private property?

Yes. A license is required to fish anywhere in Nevada, including private property, unless the property owner has posted a sign exempting their land from licensing requirements. This is rare. Always assume you need a license.

Can I hunt or fish the same day with one combination license?

Yes. The combination license allows you to hunt and fish on the same day, the same week, or any time during the calendar year. You do not need separate days or trips — one license covers both activities for the full year.