Last year was another great year for big antelope in Nevada. There was a buck harvested in northeastern Nevada rumored to have been near 90”. There were also a couple of mid-80” bucks harvested throughout the rest of the state. The last couple of years have been really good for antelope hunters, but the big bucks are coming from more non-traditional trophy antelope areas in the central and northeastern portion of the state.
Nevada grows the biggest bucks on years when they have a mild winter. The 2025/2026 winter has been very mild, with warmer temperatures and plenty of feed for the antelope. With the increase of antelope age class and population, the 2026 season is shaping up to be something special. This year should be a good (or even great) year, as the antelope are already out feeding on all the spring greens. 2026 should be a great year to have a Nevada antelope tag in your pocket.
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The northwestern Nevada antelope herds, which were once world renowned, are doing poorly compared to what those herds were like in the past. Population numbers and trophy quality are way down. In most of those units, you are going to have to work extremely hard just to find a 75 to 78” buck. Due to genetics, there is always the possibility of a giant, but overall, they are not producing trophy antelope. If you are planning on hunting in those units, expect to see a feral horse for every antelope you find.
The northeastern and central antelope units have been doing really well in terms of population numbers and buck quality. There were a lot of 80”+ bucks taken throughout those areas last year. Hunters in these units are going to have to know what they are looking for in a trophy buck and be prepared to pass on a lot of average bucks due to such high antelope populations. In the central portion of the state, the population units 141, 143, and 151 through 156 has been doing really crazy and producing some quality bucks. In 2025, there were 330 rifle antelope tags issued. To help with hunter crowding, they split this hunt for 2026. There will be an early hunt from August 15 to 26 and a late hunt from August 27 to September 7.
If you are after a book buck and don’t have a lot of time to scout and hunt, we recommend sticking with our top units: 041, 067, 076, 131, and 132. If you have some time, almost all of the units in the table will produce 80”+ bucks in 2026. If you want better draw odds and a fun hunt, look at the draw odds table and pick an easier-to-draw unit. All units will produce nice bucks and have plenty of public land for a good hunt.
If you draw a tag and want to brainstorm a plan of attack, give us a call! Nevada is a must-apply-for state for trophy antelope hunters. Nevada is a must-apply state for trophy antelope hunters. Another option to pick up an antelope tag is the first-come, first-served list.
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Visit the regulations for dates for each unit.
Over the last 20+ years, we've collected hunting research and data, so join Huntin' Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting antelope in Nevada, including Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
Search our database for Nevada Antelope opportunities.
The Nevada application deadline is May 13, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. (PDT).
Our magazine, which is available in print and online, has everything in one location - application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning, and much more. If you would like access to all of our research, join today!
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Up-Front Fees |
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| Hunt/Fish Combo License (365-day license) | $156 |
| Youth Hunt/Fish Combo License (365-day license) | $16 |
| Application Fee (all species except elk) | $14 |
| Silver State Tag Application Fee (all species except elk) | $24 |
| PIW Application Fee | $11 |
| Bonus Point Only Fee | $11 |
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| Antelope | $301 |
NV Antelope Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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