Nevada Bird Hunting

Seasons Span September 27 – February 1, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Chukar Partridge: October 11, 2025 – February 1, 2026
    • Youth Season: September 27 – October 5, 2025
  • Hungarian (Gray) Partridge: October 11, 2025 – February 1, 2026
    • Youth Season: September 27 – October 5, 2025
  • California and Gambel’s Quail: October 11, 2025 – February 1, 2026
    • Youth Season: September 27 – October 5, 2025
  • Mountain Quail: October 11, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (assumed based on aggregate quail limits)
  • Sage Grouse: Limited season, typically mid-September to early October (e.g., September 20-28, 2025, in units 012, 013, 031, 051). Specific units have a 2-day season with a daily/possession limit of 2 birds. No season on Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Dusky, Sooty, and Ruffed Grouse (Forest Grouse): September 1 – December 31, 2025
  • Ring-necked Pheasant: November 1 – November 30, 2025
  • Himalayan Snowcock: September 1 – November 30, 2025 (Ruby Mountains, Unit 101)

Note: Season dates can vary by region or hunting zone (e.g., Northeast, Northwest, South). Always check NDOW’s official resources for specific unit restrictions and updates.

Required Licenses and Costs

To hunt upland game birds in Nevada, hunters need the following licenses and permits. Costs are approximate and based on 2024-25 data; confirm with NDOW for 2025-26 updates:

  • Hunting License (required for all hunters 12 years or older):
    • Resident Adult: $38
    • Resident Youth (12-17): $13
    • Nonresident Adult: $156
    • Nonresident 1-Day Combination License: $23 (additional days $8 each)
  • Upland Game Bird Stamp: Required for hunting upland game birds (except dove and crow).
    • Resident: $10
    • Nonresident: $10
  • Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck Stamp): $25 (required for dove hunting, valid electronically from purchase through June 2026).
  • Nevada HIP Number: Free, required for migratory game birds (e.g., dove). Obtainable through NDOW’s licensing portal.
  • Hunter Education: Required for hunters born after January 1, 1960. Courses can be taken online or in-person; no specific cost provided, but fees may apply for certain providers.

Licenses and permits can be purchased through NDOW’s online portal (www.ndowlicensing.com), at NDOW offices, or at participating retailers.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

  • Chukar Partridge:
    • Daily: 6
    • Possession: 18
  • Hungarian (Gray) Partridge:
    • Daily: 4
    • Possession: 12
  • California and Gambel’s Quail:
    • Daily: 10 (in aggregate with other quail, max 2 mountain quail)
    • Possession: 30 (in aggregate, max 6 mountain quail)
  • Mountain Quail:
    • Daily: 2 (counts toward aggregate quail limit)
    • Possession: 6 (counts toward aggregate quail limit)
  • Sage Grouse:
    • Daily: 2
    • Possession: 2 (in designated units with limited seasons)
  • Dusky, Sooty, and-agency:0⁊ Ruffed Grouse:
    • Daily: 3 (combined forest grouse)
    • Possession: Not specified (assumed triple daily limit)
  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Daily: 2 (roosters only)
    • Possession: Not specified (assumed triple daily limit)
  • Himalayan Snowcock:
    • Daily: 2
    • Possession: Not specified

Note: Hunters are requested to submit one wing from each blue grouse or ruffed grouse to NDOW for research purposes.

Additional Notes

  • Regulations:
    • Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells for upland and migratory birds (except during goose-only season).
    • Nontoxic shot is required for certain migratory birds (e.g., dove).
    • The head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to dusky, sooty, or ruffed grouse during transport until reaching a residence or preservation facility.
  • Hunting Zones: Seasons and limits may vary by zone (e.g., Northeast, Northwest, South, Moapa Valley). Check NDOW’s zone maps for details.
  • Public Land: Nevada offers over 165,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for hunting.
  • Updates: Always verify season dates, limits, and regulations with NDOW’s official resources (www.ndow.org or www.eregulations.com) before hunting, as changes may occur.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website (www.ndow.org) or consult the 2025-26 Nevada Small Game Hunting Guide.