If you are considering going bobcat hunting in Nevada, there are a few rules. While this article covers many of them, regulations are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check for updates and to know and adhere to all the regulations for hunting bobcats in Nevada.
In Nevada, the bobcat season runs from the second Saturday to the third Sunday in February. You can take bobcats by gun/bow with only a hunting license, but you will need a trapping license to sell the pelt.
Purchase a Nevada hunting license here.
Related: Interested in hunting coyotes in Nevada? Read the rules for it here.
Related: Learn these three vital tips to successfully hunt bobcats.
Related: Read the rules for hunting fox in Nevada.
General rules for bobcat hunting in Nevada.
Starting with a simple scope mounted light is inexpensive—but truly an exciting way to hunt coyotes. Read this article to choose the right color of light for night hunting predators.
Infrared scopes have their value in terms of better target identification compared to thermal, but they cost a lot more. Beginners should consider the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, but read this article before buying one.
A thermal riflescope is a major purchase. You must wait until you have determined you are addicted to coyote or predator hunting before buying one. For new hunters, I recommend the ATN Thor 4 (good for up to 150 yards). Please check out my article on ATN Thor 4 scope before buying one.
Counties you cannot coyote hunt at night in Nevada.
The following counties either limit or prohibit night hunting. Please check with your local authorities.
- Churchill County Lyon County; Humboldt County Douglas County; Mineral County Nye County; Esmeralda County; Carson City County; Storey County; Clark County; Lincoln County; Washoe County; Pershing County; White Pine County; Lander County; Nye County Code; Elko County; and Douglas County.
Don’t worry, some just have distance requirements.
Can you use decoys and electronic callers while bobcat hunting in Nevada?
Electronic calls or electronically activated calls may be used.
Check prices for electronic callers on Amazon here.
Amazon sells a variety of predator hunting decoys here.
Is hunting bobcats in Nevada legal with a suppressor?
Silencers are legal in Nevada. Hunting? Silencers are legal for hunting both game and non-game animals in Nevada.
Can you kill a property destroying bobcat on your land in Nevada?
According to the University of Nevada: “The first step is to properly identify the species of animal that you’d like to manage. Assistance with identification can be obtained from Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (Extension) and the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDOA).
It’s important to properly identify the problem wildlife, as many animals in Nevada are protected during all or part of the year. This includes game species and migratory birds. You may be subject to a fine or other penalties if you harass or kill one of these animals, even if it is a nuisance to you.
Shooting is sometimes but not always an option for managing nuisance wildlife.
Before you decide to shoot a nuisance animal, you should be aware that there are specific rules and regulations related to the discharge of firearms.
Check with local authorities, including the NDOW, before shooting a nuisance animal.“
Related: Learn how to read a bobcat’s sign here.
How much does it cost to go bobcat hunting in Nevada?
While prices for a guided bobcat hunt will vary due to a variety of circumstances, the average price run between $350 to $500 per day.
Please note: The companies below are listed because they offer online pricing. There is no relationship between them and Thepredatorhunter.com.
Currant Creek Outfitters, LLC.
Reporting requirements and illegal methods.
1. Any person who kills a bobcat shall, within 10 days after the close of the season, personally:
(a) Present its pelt for inspection by and give its lower jaw to a representative of the Department;
(b) Have the Department’s seal affixed to the pelt; and
(c) Complete a report of the killing in accordance with the Department’s instructions.
2. A person shall not sell, offer for sale, barter, trade, purchase, transfer ownership, tan, offer for out-of-state shipment by a common carrier or, except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, transport from this State any pelt of a bobcat unless the Department has affixed its seal to the pelt.
3. During the season designated by the Commission for the taking of bobcats, a person who holds a valid resident trapping license may transport from this State, for not more than 2 hours:
(a) The pelt of a bobcat that has not been stretched, dried or cured; or
(b) The entire unskinned carcass of a bobcat, lawfully taken by the person in this State, without the seal being affixed to the pelt pursuant to subsection 2, for the purpose of returning to the person’s residence within this State by the most expedient route or checking any additional trap set by the person that is located in an area of this State which is most readily accessed from any state. The provisions of this subsection do not authorize a person to import, transport, export, or possess an unsealed pelt in violation of a law or regulation of any state.
4. A person shall not possess a pelt of a bobcat 10 days or more after the close of the season unless the Department’s seal is permanently attached to the pelt.
5. A resident of Nevada must pay the Department $5 for such a seal.
6. It is unlawful for a person to present for sealing or to have sealed in this State the pelt of any bobcat taken in another state.
7. As used in this section, “pelt” means the hide or skin of a bobcat that is not permanently tanned or has not been processed to a finished form or product beyond initial fleshing, cleaning, temporary tanning, curing, stretching, salting, or drying. The term includes, without limitation, any green pelt or raw pelt.
In addition, you must fill out a bobcat harvest report.