ABOUT
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“To protect, conserve, manage and restore wildlife and its habitat for the aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational, and economic benefits to citizens of Nevada and the United States, and to promote the safety of persons using vessels on the waters of Nevada.”
In 1877, the Nevada Legislature established the State Office of Fish Commissioner, which changed in 1917 to the State Fish and Game Commission. Now called the Nevada Department of Wildlife, NDOW has statutory authority to manage and conserve Nevada’s almost 900 wildlife species. Made up of seven divisions – Law Enforcement, Game, Fisheries, Conservation Education, Habitat, Biodiversity and Data & Technology Services – NDOW works tirelessly to protect the animals and habitats of Nevada.
Commission
Committees
County Advisory Boards
The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners is a nine-member, governor-appointed body responsible
for setting regulations, establishing policy, approving project funding and taking public comment on
wildlife and boating matters. Find notices, agendas, minutes, support material, approved regulations and more.
Become a Volunteer
Are you interested in helping NDOW fulfill its mission? If so, we work with volunteers across the state on a variety of projects. Find out how to start volunteering today.
Contracts, Grants and Requests for Proposals & Bids
Ruby Habitat Enhancement Fund Project Proposals
The Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management entered into an agreement with Ruby Pipeline LLC and received $8.8 million for habitat protection, enhancement and other conservation efforts for the benefit of sage grouse and pygmy rabbits.
Notice of Intent to Award- Winnemucca Seasonal Housing Tenant Improvements
NDOW intends to award the construction contract for the referenced project to the Michael Clay Corporation.
Grant Opportunity – Fallon Range and Training Complex (FRTC) Sage Grouse Analysis
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has received Federal Grant funding for assisting with the completion of an adaptive study to collect greater sage-grouse population and movement data; conduct population and movement analyses; and collect, process, and analyze acoustic data. Proposals are due no later than February 11, 2026.
Awards & Scholarships
One of our most rewarding tasks is supporting the passion of younger generations for conservation and highlighting the exceptional conservation efforts of our citizens and partners. We offer several types of awards and scholarships, each one awarded to an individual or group who has shown a true dedication to conserving Nevada’s wildlife.
James Lathrop and Wayne Capurro Memorial Internship
This internship program is designed to provide those graduating high school seniors or current college or university students that have a sincere interest in pursuing a career in wildlife management an opportunity to earn funds to help support his/her college education. Selected interns will become paid seasonal employees of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). They will receive ‘on-the-job’ training to provide them with practical knowledge and experience to enhance their college studies and future career.
Wayne E. Kirch Nevada Wildlife Conservation Award
The Wayne E. Kirch Nevada Wildlife Conservation Award is given annually to recipients who have demonstrated significant results towards conservation, management or enhancement of wildlife. An individual, non-profit organization, outdoor sports club, or business can be nominated for the award.
