February 2021

Author: Stanton Upson

If you are a Nevada non-resident, you may participate in the non- resident restricted, guided deer draw. This program allots a number of tags specifically for guided deer hunts. These deer tags are for the antlered, any legal weapon (rifle) hunts. There will not be any archery or muzzleloader deer tags available in this drawing. If drawn, you must be accompanied at all times during the hunt by the licensed master guide who co-signed your application or by one of his licensed subguides.

For 2021, the Nevada Mule Deer Guide Draw application period is expected to open early February and close on March 15th, pending approval at the commission meeting at the end of January. The drawing is expected to take place March 22nd, with the results being available two days later. Make sure to give us a call or check with your outfitter for the final approved deadline. This drawing takes place before the main Nevada big game drawing. Anyone who applies for a mule deer tag in this drawing is not eligible to apply later in the regular Nevada deer draw, which will take place in May. You still use and gain deer bonus points in the guide draw.

The guide draw is a great way for hunters who want to go guided to better their odds by applying through a separate draw with their outfitter. In 2020, Nevada issued 297 tags for 54 hunts. Many of these hunts offer better odds than the main draw. At the time of print, the number of applicants for 2020 was not released. This is not a conclusive list of all available units; rather, it is a list of Nevada’s top rifle mule deer hunts. The amount of tags issued is established off of the previous year’s regular draw, so more tags issued in the regular draw results in more tags issued in the guide draw. About half of the units only issue one or two tags, which can make the draw odds fluctuate year to year for these units.

A registered outfitter in Nevada must co-sign your application, and they will help you submit it. We work with some of the best outfitters in Nevada. If you are already planning to go guided or you are looking to increase your odds of drawing a tag, the Nevada guided deer draw is the ticket. Give us a call for a recommendation on one of our Endorsed Outfitters. Good luck in the draw!