News from May 2024
Nevada DMV busts major credit card skimming operation linked to stolen SUVs
By B. B. Urness | May 31, 2024
Officials from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles' Compliance Enforcement Division (CED) have arrested a suspect in Las Vegas after collaborating with the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Possible wolf sighting under investigation by Nevada wildlife department
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
On March 17, a pilot working with a helicopter capture crew contracted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) reported spotting three suspected wolves near Merritt Mountain, north of Elko, during a moose collaring project. The sighting was immediately communicated to NDOW biologists, who then coordinated with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to search the area for confirmation.
Nevada approves new hunting tag quotas amid public concern over mule deer
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved the big game hunting tag quotas for the 2024-2025 season. The decision follows recommendations from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and input from County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife. While most species quotas, including antelope, elk, mountain goat, bear, and bighorn sheep, align with NDOW's suggestions, significant changes were made to mule deer quotas due to public concerns about population declines in northeastern Nevada.
Nevada Department of Wildlife appoints new diversity administrator
By J. D. Suayan | May 30, 2024
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has appointed Jasmine Kleiber as the new Wildlife Diversity Division Administrator. This division is responsible for the protection and management of numerous non-game wildlife species in Nevada, including those that are at-risk and sensitive.
Spring brings challenges as hungry bears emerge in Lake Tahoe
By J. D. Suayan | May 30, 2024
The Lake Tahoe region is preparing for the arrival of spring, which will see bears emerging from their winter dens in search of food. As the snow melts, these animals will be on the lookout for accessible food sources to replenish their fat reserves depleted during hibernation.
DNA tests confirm suspected wolves in Elko County are coyotes
By J. D. Suayan | May 30, 2024
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has confirmed that recent sightings of animals suspected to be wolves in Elko County were, in fact, coyotes. The confirmation comes after two independent genetic laboratories analyzed DNA samples collected from hair, fecal matter, and urine found near Merritt Mountain, north of Elko.
Nevada offers secure online process for hunting, fishing, and boating licenses
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
Nevada offers diverse hunting opportunities, including big game, upland birds, and waterfowl. Licenses and permits for these activities can be purchased through a secure online process. For those interested in fishing, a license is required to fish in both desert reservoirs and alpine lakes.
Nevada Department of Wildlife focuses on comprehensive conservation efforts
By J. D. Suayan | May 30, 2024
Protecting and managing Nevada's wildlife is central to the mission of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The department is engaged in conservation efforts through strategic initiatives and management plans. A new bill aims to secure federal funding to fully implement Nevada's Wildlife Action Plan.
Las Vegas fifth grader wins state poster contest with artistic flair
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
The students at Amplus Academy's Durango campus in Las Vegas experienced a brief interruption during their lessons when their teacher, Wright Burnett-Smith, received an email with exciting news. One of his fifth-grade students, Noel DeVries, was announced as the winner of the Nevada Free Fishing Day Poster Contest.
Nevada wildlife board to decide big game tag quotas for next hunting season
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners is preparing to set big game tag quotas for the 2024-2025 hunting season. The decision will be made during a meeting scheduled for May 3 and May 4 in Reno, Nevada. This nine-member board will finalize the quotas after considering recommendations from the Nevada Department of Wildlife and input from County Advisory Boards (CABs) and public members.
Tahoe agency advises caution in human-bear interactions
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) has issued a reminder about the importance of respecting wildlife, particularly black bears in the Lake Tahoe area. According to Urban Wildlife Biologist Rebecca Carniello from the Nevada Department of Wildlife, “Black bears are typically cautious around humans and by seeking out interactions with them or allowing them to den under homes you are exposing them to human presence, sounds, and smells.” Carniello emphasizes that while black bears in the Tahoe Basin often encounter humans, additional exposure could increase their comfort...
Nevada wildlife officials seek help identifying suspects in illegal turkey release
By K. R. Nelson | May 30, 2024
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying two individuals suspected of illegally releasing around 25 turkeys at the Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area on April 9, 2024. The area is located approximately 110 miles north of Las Vegas along the Great Basin Highway.
Disaster Peak Ranch secured for conservation of threatened wildlife
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
The Lahontan cutthroat trout, Nevada's state fish, once thrived across the Great Basin but now faces threats from habitat loss and invasive species. In response, Disaster Peak Ranch, a 3,345-acre property on the Nevada-Oregon border, has been preserved through efforts by Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), Nevada Division of State Lands (NDSL), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Nevada promotes outdoor activities while ensuring safety measures
By A. D. Bamburg | May 30, 2024
Scan the Nevada landscape, and you might find bighorn sheep scaling mountains, eagles soaring overhead, or a native frog catching mosquitos by the water's edge. With many unique species in the state, there's a great chance to see something amazing. An interactive species database offers an opportunity to learn about them all.
20% fees not enough? They were for fee-cap opponents’ lawyer
By R. B. Pepalis | May 30, 2024
The Washington superlawyer representing opponents to a proposed 20% cap on contingency fees in Nevada argues the cap would place “unprecedented limits on ordinary Nevadans to obtain legal representation.”
Nevada Commission on Ethics will not submit a bill draft request for 2025 legislative session
By L. E. Bushouse | May 29, 2024
The Nevada Commission on Ethics has decided not to submit a bill draft request for the 2025 legislative session. This decision follows two consecutive legislative sessions where the commission's proposed legislation, despite garnering support, failed to become law after lawmakers amended the bill to exempt themselves from oversight.
Flags lowered to half-staff on National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
By A. A. Sanchez | May 29, 2024
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo commanded that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on May 15, in honor of peace officers who have lost their lives while serving. The flags were lowered at the Capitol and all state public buildings and grounds.
Amber Donnelli will serve as interim president of Great Basin College
By D. L. Deener | May 29, 2024
The Nevada System of Higher Education's (NSHE) Board of Regents has voted in favor of an agreement that will see Amber Donnelli serve as the interim president of Great Basin College. Donnelli is set to assume her new role this summer.
Nevada Governor’s OSIT approves Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment proposal
By M. N. Tirado | May 29, 2024
The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT) has given the green light to the Initial Proposal Volume II of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The objective of this initiative is to establish high-speed Internet infrastructure in locations throughout the state that are currently unserved or underserved, as well as in Community Anchor Institution locations.
Gaming win dipped in March for most of Nevada
By A. I. Benavidez | May 29, 2024
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has announced that nonrestricted gaming licensees recorded a gaming win of $1,290,406,695 in March 2024. This figure represents a 1.65% dip from the same period in the previous year. However, for the fiscal year ending on March 31, the win climbed by 4.44%.