By Soren Nelson Pacific Southwest States Coordinator
On March 16, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners considered a proposal to establish a state-wide minimum safe hunting distance from an occupied dwelling.
Under the proposed regulation, hunters in Nevada would be required to obtain permission from the inhabitant of an occupied dwelling before discharging a bow or shotgun within 500 feet of said occupied dwelling. Authorization to discharge a rifle within 1500 feet of an occupied dwelling in the pursuit of game would also be mandatory.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) submitted comments to the Commission expressing concern that the proposal would limit access to both public and private land in the Silver State.
“Loss of access to public lands that make hunting possible for many citizens is of particular concern because it serves as a barrier to the participation that is directly tied to the critically important funding mechanisms that support wildlife conservation,” said CSF’s Pacific Southwest States Coordinator Soren Nelson.
A wide variety of groups and individuals submitted comments in opposition to the proposal, including Nevada Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Assemblyman Ira Hansen. As a result, the proposal was not advanced and will not be considered at a future Commission meeting.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
