With the end of many big game seasons in sight, Nevada hunters are reminded by the Nevada Department of Wildlife to complete and return their hunt questionnaires.
Issued with every tag, the questionnaires are important components of Nevada's big game management program. "The post-hunt information provided by hunters is vital," said Mike Cox, NDOW big game staff biologist. "Without the data hunters provide after their hunts, our biologists would have difficulty determining the actual harvest. Additionally, hunters provide information on the size and gender of the animal and their time spent afield on the hunt. All of this information helps shape NDOW's plans for next year's hunts."
The questionnaire must be properly completed and received by the Wildlife Administrative Services office no later than 5 p.m., 15 weekdays after the close of the season to which the tag applies. Questionnaires may be submitted by phone, fax, U.S. mail or online at www.huntnevada.com. Hunters should follow up with the Wildlife Administrative Services office to ensure their questionnaire was received.
Any hunter who fails to return the questionnaire within the specified period or submits incomplete or false information will be denied all big game tags for one year. This doesn't happen very often according to Cox. "Nevada hunters are very conscientious when it comes to returning their questionnaires," he said. "We routinely have 90--95 percent compliance annually. This helps our big game management efforts immensely and makes Nevada's program a model that other states envy."
'DON'T TRASH NEVADA'
Campaign to keep state clean under way
The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership of federal land management agencies has rolled out a new campaign titled "Don't Trash Nevada" to combat litter and desert dumping on public lands. The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management have coordinated with the Public Lands Institute to initiate a publicity and action plan to educate the public about the effects of trash on our fragile desert ecosystem.
Nevada has sometimes been referred to as a "dumping ground," and the campaign is aiming to change that image. The "Don't Trash Nevada Campaign" reminds people that Nevada is a unique and beautiful place where littering and dumping are not acceptable. Media tag lines include "Don't trash the neighborhood," "Watch your step," and "Enjoy the Wild West, don't waste it."
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is an affiliate of the Public Lands Institute, and works to protect wildlife habitat and wildlife recreation on all lands. Trash can pose a danger during recreation in the outdoors, as well as to the wildlife that lives there. Broken bottles, chemicals, and medical waste pose a serious threat to people and animals. The desert is a sensitive environment, which can take many years to recover from disturbance.
The campaign aims to establish respect for the state's natural environment. Nevada has the largest percentage of public lands out of all of the states and trash on our lands is everyone's problem. There are several things you can do to help:
Take the Don't Trash Nevada Pledge:
• I pledge to never knowingly litter or dump.
• I promise to use only approved receptacles and/or waste disposal sites.
• I promise to tell others that littering and dumping are not acceptable.
• If I see litter on the ground, I will pick it up and place it in the appropriate container.
• I will volunteer my time, whenever possible, to help with clean-up events.
• I will recycle whenever possible.
• I promise to be a good example to others.
Educate others on the detrimental effects of litter and dumping on the environment.
Volunteer for clean-up projects around your community.
Participate in local recycling projects. Make use of trash and recycling receptacles.
Report illegal dumping. On public lands, report the incident to the appropriate land manager.
On private or county lands, call Southern Nevada Health District at 759-0600.
