Nevada Big Game Draw
Draw Application Help
How the NDOW draw works, when to apply, and what bonus points actually do. When you’re ready to talk units, call or text Justin.
The Short Version
Apply Early. Apply Online. Know Your Units.
Nevada issues elk, mule deer, antelope, and bighorn sheep tags through a computerized draw. Applications are made online at ndowlicensing.com during set application periods, months before the seasons open.
Mountain lion is different. Lion tags are sold online or over the counter at license agents, with no draw. That’s why our lion hunts can be booked any time.
This page sums up how NDOW runs the draw and links to the official sources. NDOW’s rules govern, so check the current year’s regulations and the NDOW Big Game Application FAQ before you apply.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, HuntingCalendar
2026 Application Periods
NDOW’s published 2026 calendar. NDOW sets new dates by commission regulation each year. When this page was updated in October 2026, the 2027 calendar hadn’t been posted yet, so check the NDOW Apply & Buy page before you plan around these.
| Draw | Opens | Deadline | Results by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident guided mule deer | Feb 9 | Mar 9 | Mar 20 |
| Main big game draw | Mar 23 | May 13 | May 29 |
| Second draw | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jun 26 |
| First-come, first-served | Early to mid July | Until all tags are issued | Not applicable |
The main draw deadline in 2026 was 11:00 p.m. Pacific on May 13. NDOW’s regulation lists the second draw deadline as June 16, and its Apply & Buy page lists June 15, so check the current year’s regulation for the exact cutoff.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, Hunting; NDOW Commission Regulation 26-01: 2026 application deadlines and draw result dates (PDF)How It Works
How NDOW Draws Tags
The mechanics, as NDOW describes them.
Entries
Your bonus points for the species are squared, and one is added. That’s how many entries your application gets.
Draw Number
Each entry gets a random number. Your lowest number becomes your draw number for that species.
Ranking
Applications are ranked from lowest draw number to highest, and tags go out in that order until each quota is filled.
Groups
The draw runs in a set order of groups: Silver State and Partnership in Wildlife tags first, then junior mule deer, then the main antlered and ram hunts, and later the antlerless, ewe, and spike hunts.
Bonus points
Points improve your odds of a low draw number. They don’t guarantee a tag. Residents and non-residents can earn one point per species or subspecies each year, either after an unsuccessful application or by buying a point. Points apply to the eligible hunts in that species category.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, HuntingOne tag per species
You can draw only one tag per species. Once you’re awarded a tag for a species, your other applications for that species, of any type or sex, become ineligible. Species in the same draw group don’t affect each other, except for the bighorn sheep subspecies.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, HuntingSecond draw and leftovers
A second draw in mid-June offers tags left over from the main draw or returned without an eligible alternate, open to residents and non-residents. After that, remaining tags can go on sale first-come, first-served, generally from early to mid July. Buying a first-come tag costs you your bonus points for that species.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, HuntingReturning a tag
NDOW allows big game tags to be returned in certain situations, and depending on eligibility you may get your bonus points back, defer the tag, or transfer it. There’s also a seven-day window after the main draw to return a tag before it’s printed and mailed.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, Hunting; NDOW Commission Regulation 26-01: 2026 application deadlines and draw result dates (PDF)Non-Residents
The Guided Mule Deer Draw
What it is
Nevada runs a separate restricted draw for non-resident guided mule deer hunts. It’s open to non-residents only, and its application period comes before the main draw. In 2026 it ran from February 9 to March 9, with results by March 20.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, Hunting; NDOW Commission Regulation 26-01: 2026 application deadlines and draw result dates (PDF)How you apply
NDOW’s regulation says the PINs used to apply for this draw are provided to participating guide businesses up until the application period opens. NDOW lists the non-resident guided deer tag at $300. If this hunt interests you, call or text Justin well before February to talk it through.
Source: NDOW Commission Regulation 26-01: 2026 application deadlines and draw result dates (PDF); NDOW: Apply & Buy, HuntingFees
Application Fees
Non-refundable application fees, as listed by NDOW. You also need a hunting license, and the tag fee is charged if you draw. See tag and license prices.
Source: NDOW: Apply & Buy, HuntingNDOW Fees
Paid to the state| Elk application (includes $5 elk damage fee) | $15 |
|---|---|
| Application for any other big game species, or bonus point only | $10 |
| Game application fee | $3 |
| Processing fee | $1 |
| Non-resident guided deer tag | $300 |
Where Justin Helps
The Unit Is the Hard Part
The forms are the easy part. Deciding which species, weapon, and unit to put in for is where most hunters want a second opinion. Justin will talk through:
Species & Weapon
Elk, mule deer, antelope, or sheep, and whether archery, muzzleloader, or rifle fits the way you hunt. Lion tags skip the draw entirely.
Units
The country we hunt, from Unit 231 outside Pioche to the White Pine County units. See all units.
Seasons
How each season window hunts, from early archery to the late rifle hunts. See season dates.
Draw Questions
When is the Nevada big game application deadline?
NDOW sets it each year. In 2026, the main big game draw ran from March 23 to May 13, with results by May 29. The non-resident guided mule deer draw closed earlier, on March 9. NDOW says the main application period generally runs from mid-March to mid-May.
Where do I apply for a Nevada tag?
Online at ndowlicensing.com, during each application period. Nevada’s draw is run by computer through a contractor, Kalkomey Enterprises.
How do Nevada bonus points work?
Your bonus points for a species are squared, and one is added, to give your number of entries. Each entry gets a random number, and your lowest number becomes your draw number. More points means a better chance at a low number, but NDOW is clear that points don’t guarantee a tag. You can earn one point per species per year, either by applying and not drawing or by buying a point.
Can I draw more than one tag for the same species?
No. NDOW says an applicant can draw only one tag per species. Once you draw a tag for a species, your other applications for that species become ineligible.
What happens to my points if I buy a leftover tag?
Tags left after the second draw can go on sale first-come, first-served, generally starting in early to mid July. NDOW says hunters who buy a tag that way lose their bonus points for that species.
What is the non-resident guided mule deer draw?
A separate draw for non-residents only, with an earlier application period (February 9 to March 9 in 2026). NDOW’s regulation says the PINs used to apply are provided to participating guide businesses before the application period opens. NDOW lists the non-resident guided deer tag at $300.
Can Justin help me pick a unit?
Yes. Call or text Justin before the deadline to talk through species, units, and seasons. See the units we hunt for a head start.
Moore Hounds & Outfitters
Talk Units Before the Deadline
Call or text Justin to talk through species, units, and seasons before you apply.