Nevada separates archery-only hunts from Any Legal Weapon hunts, and crossbows are excluded from archery-only tags. Hunters with a permanent physical disability that prevents drawing and holding a bow may obtain an Archery Disability Permit to use a crossbow during archery hunts. Crossbows used in Any Legal Weapon hunts must meet strict design standards.
Terrain & Hunting Landscape
Nevada is the most mountainous state in the lower 48, featuring over 300 mountain ranges separated by arid sagebrush basins. Hunting here involves navigating steep, rocky terrain and high-desert environments where water sources are the primary draw for wildlife.
Nevada offers high-quality hunts for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and desert bighorn sheep. The state also has populations of mountain lions and Himalayan snowcocks in the high peaks.
Public Hunting Areas
Massive public access is available through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, and various Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands across the state.
Crossbow & Bowhunting Culture
Nevada’s hunting culture is highly technical and physically demanding. Because tags are limited and seasons are unit-specific, hunters spend significant time scouting and using high-end optics to glass for game across vast distances.
Season Overview
Nevada's big game seasons are set by tag draw, with archery-only and Any Legal Weapon hunts separated. Crossbows are limited to Any Legal Weapon hunts or archery hunts with an Archery Disability Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a crossbow during Nevada's archery hunts?
Generally no. Crossbows are prohibited in archery-only and muzzleloader-only hunts and may be used only during Any Legal Weapon hunts, unless you hold an Archery Disability Permit.
How do I get an Archery Disability Permit in Nevada?
Hunters with a permanent physical disability that prevents manually drawing and holding a legal bow at full draw may apply to NDOW. The permit allows a crossbow or mechanical bow-holding device during archery hunts.
What are Nevada's crossbow equipment standards?
A legal crossbow must have at least 125 pounds of draw weight, a power stroke of at least 14 inches, a stock of at least 18 inches, a mechanical safety, and bolts at least 16 inches long weighing at least 300 grains.
Are there archery-only zones in Nevada?
Nevada designates archery-only hunts rather than zones. Crossbows are not legal archery equipment and cannot be used in those hunts without a disability permit.
What license do I need to hunt with a crossbow in Nevada?
Hunters need a Nevada hunting license plus a tag drawn for an Any Legal Weapon hunt. Hunters born after January 1, 1960 must show hunter education.
Can I carry a cocked crossbow in a vehicle in Nevada?
No. It is unlawful to carry a cocked crossbow containing a bolt in or on a motorized vehicle on a public highway or right-of-way.
Is night hunting allowed for any species in Nevada?
Mountain lions are a notable exception and may be hunted at any time of day or night. For most other game species, hunting is restricted to the period between 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
Can I hunt on private land if I have a valid tag for that unit?
Having a tag does not grant you the right to hunt on private property; you must still obtain permission from the landowner. In many parts of Nevada, game animals congregate on irrigated private lands, making landowner relations essential for success.