Even though most of the public land in Nevada is owned by the federal government, you might be surprised to learn that the federal government doesn’t manage our state’s wild creatures, whether we’re talking about the American badger or the zebra-tailed lizard. That’s the job of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The department is made up of wildlife biologists, game wardens, habitat experts and other professionals who work with stakeholders to protect wildlife and habitat on federal, state and private land.

You also might be surprised to learn that the agency receives virtually no funding from state taxpayers. More than half of the department’s budget (52 percent) comes from state fees, the majority of which are hunting and fishing license fees as well as hunting tag fees. Another 46 percent comes from federal funds, primarily excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear. Only about 2 percent of NDOW’s budget comes from Nevada tax dollars. All of that feeds into a fiscal year 2026-2027 budget of $158 million.

Unfortunately, NDOW’s funding hasn’t kept pace with the challenges confronting our state. 

A lot has changed in 20 years, but the price of a hunting license hasn’t. Hunting and fishing license fees are set in statute, but the Legislature has not increased them since 2003. An annual hunting license for an adult Nevada resident costs $38, and a deer tag costs an additional $30 if you are successful in the hunting lottery. That means the department’s budget simply hasn’t kept up with inflation.

The time has come to increase fees to provide more funding for NDOW. This could be as simple as using the consumer price index to determine when to increase hunting and fishing licenses or sharing the authority to increase fees between the Legislature and the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners.

We also need to find more ways to fund conservation besides just license fees. Fewer than 3 percent of Nevadans purchase hunting licenses each year. Of course, many more Nevadans — not just hunters and fishers — benefit from the work of NDOW.

Across the nation, states have found innovative ways to fund conservation beyond hunting licenses. Some states set aside a portion of existing sales taxes or lodgings taxes for their wildlife departments. Missouri uses one-eighth of its state sales tax for funding conservation. Montana did some thinking outside the box and became the first state to use funds from recreational marijuana sales to help conserve its wildlife. Colorado created new revenue from fees on energy development.

This isn’t about bankrolling more bureaucracy. Our state wildlife department works to protect vital sagebrush habitat against degradation and ensures that animals from pronghorn to pygmy rabbits have the wide-ranging habitats they need amid an increasingly populous and developed state. Moreover, the department’s Wildlife Action Plan aims to keep species such as the Dixie Valley toad and big free-tailed bat from becoming endangered. Funding these plans will protect our wildlife and outdoors in a proactive way, ultimately saving taxpayers money down the road.

Of course, there are stakes for us humans as well. In January, the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation released a study that found that outdoor recreation fuels $24 billion a year in economic activity in Nevada, supporting more than 75,000 jobs. Gear purchases, lodging, food: It all ripples through our state’s economy. This sustainable economic activity also means tax revenue for local governments across the state.

The report also recommended investing in recreational infrastructure to support Nevada’s outdoor economy. While we definitely need more funding for trails, campgrounds and other amenities, we shouldn’t overlook the pressing need to invest in Nevada’s natural infrastructure: the abundant wildlife and healthy public lands that make our outdoors great.

The need to protect our natural resources has never been more urgent. About 3.3 million people call Nevada home, and we are adding more every day. As more people move here, we’re increasing pressure on wildlife and habitat, endangering our outdoor economy and quality of life. 

The Nevada Department of Wildlife plays a crucial role in tackling these challenges. The department has a record of success in sustainably managing the wildlife and habitat that supports our outdoor economy. Now it just needs proper funding.

Russell Kuhlman is executive director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation.

This story was updated at 9:11 a.m. on 2/3/26 to clarify information about NDOW funding.