Discover Your Public Land

Alkali Lake Wildlife Management Area (ALWMA) is in Lyon County, Nevada approximately 10 miles southwest of Yerington and approximately 85 miles from Reno. ALWMA consists of approximately 3,561 acres of wetlands and desert rangeland habitat. 

Waterfowl species are the most common and abundant wildlife species found on the ALWMA. Management objectives of this property are to maintain waterfowl habitat and provide public recreation. Water availability and changes in return flows has created an intermittent wetland during years of above average snowpack in the Sierras.

The Argenta Wildlife Management Area (AWMA) encompasses a total of 1,568 acres and is located approximately one mile northeast of Battle Mountain, Nevada along the Humboldt River.  

Along with the Humboldt River, both Rock Creek and the Reese River also converge on the property providing beautiful, productive habitat for many different wildlife species. From riverine and meadow habitats to salt desert shrub, the AWMA supports an abundance of fish and wildlife species that contribute significantly to the biological diversity of northeastern Nevada. NDOW has documented over 100 different bird species including willow flycatchers, snowy egrets, Rio Grande turkeys, pheasants, and quail. Other wildlife values for the AWMA include elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and a variety of small mammals.  

Within walking distance of the community of Battle Mountain, the AWMA is a sanctuary for members of the public to enjoy the beautiful landscape, hike, bird watch, or sit in our community park for an afternoon picnic. 

Located at Nevada’s northeastern border, the Bruneau River Wildlife Management Area (BRWMA) encompasses some of the state’s most wild and remote landscapes. The BRWMA contains 3,568 acres along the main stem of the Bruneau River and encompasses many important tributaries.

The BRWMA preserves habitat for a wide array of wildlife species and the perennial streams support populations of redband trout and mountain whitefish. Terrestrial wildlife species often found within the BRWMA include Greater sage-grouse, chukar, ruffed grouse, quail, deer, elk, pronghorn, and many small mammals. The formation of the BRWMA facilitated the reintroduction of the thriving elk population into the Bruneau River Watershed in the mid-90’s.

The BRWMA offers many opportunities for recreationists including hiking, camping, hunting, and abundant fishing opportunities throughout the 250 miles of perennial streams in the Bruneau River drainage.

Due to the remote nature of the landscape, always make sure you’re properly prepared before recreating.

Carson Lake WMA is comprised of 30,040 acres in Churchill County, Nevada and is centered on Carson Lake, which is the natural terminus of the Carson River. Located approximately 8 miles southeast of Fallon, Nevada and 70 miles east of Reno, Nevada. CLWMA and the surrounding basin are remnants of prehistoric Lake Lahontan, which occupied both the Carson Lake and Carson Sink to the north, where Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is now located. The history of human existence in the Carson Sink dates back more than 7,000 years and includes some of the earliest and most significant archaeological investigations in the Great Basin.

CLWMA currently presents a variety of uses such as hunting, bird watching, and hiking around the vast landscape. Salt flats, upland shrub communities, irrigated pastures, and wetland meadows provide various wildlife species with a wide array of critical habitat. A single road for public access leads into the property, splitting into three dirt roads that are atop levees or adjacent to irrigation canals, circling the pasture and marsh areas. Many of the roads have been graveled to provide all-weather access. Three observation decks for bird watching are available to the public year-round.

Located just east of Fernley, the Fernley Wildlife Management Area  (WMA) provides wetlands that are important to migratory birds. NDOW has provided management of the Fernley WMA since 1952. The area has hiking trails and can be a great place to spot upland game, along with a plethora of nongame species.

When water is available, several seasonal ponds on the area provide waterfowl hunting opportunities. The water is supplied by drain flows from surrounding farmlands. As Fernley expanded, the farmlands turned into residential properties cutting the supply of water to the FWMA. Effluent water from the City of Fernley provides reliable water resources for Pond #1 and provides vegetative growth that is beneficial for waterfowl and shorebirds.  

The Cooling Ponds are located on the north central portion of the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area in Lyon County. The Cooling Pond water is used by NV Energy to cool water after it has been used as steam to generate power. Hot water from the power plant is released in the northeast quadrant of the ponds, which then flows in a clockwise direction through three other quadrants until it cools for re-entering the power plant. However, since 2009 the power plant has been operated sporadically resulting in unpredictable water conditions.  Hunting is not allowed on the Cooling Ponds and offers a roosting site for migrating and wintering waterfowl. NV Energy owns the pond and anglers should respect the property to ensure continued access to the fishery.

The Franklin Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of 3,188 acres in Ruby Valley approximately 60 miles southeast of Elko, Nevada which are associated with the Franklin Lake wetland ecosystem. An additional 2,665 acres of private land are connected to the WMA through a Conservation Easement. 

Franklin Lake WMA is a seasonal, unaltered wetland fed by numerous small streams flowing from the east side of the Ruby Mountains.  The most permanent part of the lake is in the southwest where deep channels supporting sago pondweed encompass natural islands vegetated on the peripheral by hardstem bullrush. Franklin Lake WMA is the last major unaltered seasonal wetland in northeast Nevada and supports highly significant migratory and breeding habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, sandhill cranes, and Trumpeter swans.  Concentrations of ducks in the tens of thousands have been recorded in years during migration periods.  Nearly 25 species of waterfowl can be found on Franklin Lake WMA in years when water is available.  Some of the most common species include Canada goose, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, and Ruddy Duck.  The greater Franklin Lake WMA wetland supports an important population of relict dace. 

The productivity and value of Franklin Lake WMA wetlands to fish and wildlife are due primarily to its unaltered natural state. Hunting, wildlife viewing, and other forms of wildlife-associated recreation are the primary public uses of this area.  

The Humboldt Wildlife Management Area (HWMA), also known as Humboldt-Toulon, is located in Pershing and Churchill counties, Nevada, approximately 10 miles southwest of Lovelock and 80 miles east of Reno/Sparks. The area that comprises the HWMA has a rich history of human activity starting as early as 2,000 B.C. with Native American tribes that occupied cave dwellings in the West Humboldt Range and hunted for wetland associated wildlife within the Humboldt Sink (Sink). In the early 1910s, numerous artifacts were discovered in the cave sites surrounding the Sink including the world’s oldest (at over 2,000 years) known waterfowl decoy made from tules. 

During the mid-1850s, emigrants traveling West used the Emigrant Trail which travels along the west side of the Sink. The settlers would stop at what is now the Toy Railroad Siding to stock up on fresh water before beginning their trek across the Forty Mile Desert. In 1953, the Nevada Fish and Game Commission began efforts to create a state managed wildlife area within the Sink. Through a series of leases, purchases, land trades and donations, the HWMA was created and today comprises a total of 36,060 acres of land.

HWMA serves as a migratory stopover point for waterfowl, shorebirds, and waterbirds. Recreational opportunities at HWMA are primarily waterfowl hunting and bird watching. Additionally, there is a designated campground, some upland game hunting opportunity, and a vast landscape to hike and explore. There is one observation tower located to the south of the Army Drain campground. As mentioned above, just to the east of HWMA, the Lovelock Caves have designated hiking trails and historic information about the use of the basin.

Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area (KPWMA) is located in the north end of the Pahranagat Valley between the Pahranagat Range to the west and the Hiko Range to the east. The WMA is approximately 135 miles south of Ely and 110 miles north of Las Vegas on Highway 318.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) currently manages 1,337 acres including Nesbitt and Frenchy Lakes and appropriated water rights totaling approximately 632 acre-feet annually from Hiko Springs managed by the Hiko Ditch Company.

• During the waterfowl season, hunting is permitted on the opening weekend of the duck season, odd-numbered days throughout the season, opening day of the goose season, and the closing two days of the waterfowl season.
• The maximum hunter capacity during the opening day of duck season and the opening day of goose season will be 55 at any time.
• All hunters will check-in and out at the main entrance and will park in designated parking areas only. No vehicles are allowed on the area during the hunting season.
• The area is closed to fishing during the waterfowl season. The use or possession of shells for a shotgun containing shot that is toxic or larger than standard-sized T is prohibited.

The Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area (MVWMA) is located in Mason Valley in Lyon County, about 75 miles southeast of Reno via Interstate 80 and U. S. Alternate 95. The WMA area totals 17,742 acres.

From desert shrub lands to wet meadows, the habitats of MVWMA support an abundance of fish and wildlife that contribute significantly to the biological diversity of western Nevada. The Walker River floodplain meanders through MVWMA, providing food, cover and water for a vast array of wildlife. Numerous wet meadows and ponds dot the landscape, attracting ducks, geese, swan, songbirds and wading birds. The deep-water habitat of the newly constructed North Pond reservoir is home to fish, osprey and pelicans. Alkali desert scrub, an upland plant community, covers an extensive area on MVWMA and gives shelter to many mammals including raccoon and mule deer.

Deer may be hunted only with a shotgun no larger than 10 gauge and no smaller than 20 gauge using rifled slugs; or shotgun rounds with sabots that contain rifled slugs, or a single expanding projectile, or a bow and arrow. A shotgun that is used to hunt deer may be equipped with a smoothbore barrel or a barrel that is partially or fully rifled. Deer may be hunted only with bow and arrow during the season set for the archery hunt for deer.  During the waterfowl season, deer may be hunted only on the following days during the season set for the hunting of deer:

1. Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays
2. Nevada Day as observed
3. November 11, Veteran’s Day
4. Thanksgiving Day
5. Family Day (day after Thanksgiving).

Overton Wildlife Management Area (OWMA) lies in the lower extremes of the Moapa and Virgin river valleys where they flow into the north end of the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. This is about 65 miles northeast of Las Vegas using Interstate 15 and State Route 169.

Following the construction of the Hoover Dam and subsequent filling of Lake Mead, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created the Boulder Canyon National Wildlife Refuge in 1940, which included the southernmost portion of Moapa Valley now known as OWMA. In 1953, the Nevada Fish and Game Commission entered into an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service to establish OWMA which now totals approximately 17,250 acres.

Located in the Mojave Desert, OWMA supports an abundance of fish and wildlife that contributes significantly to the biological diversity of southern Nevada. Desert riparian habitat, associated with the floodplain of the Muddy and Virgin rivers, is extremely important to wildlife populations. The dense shrubbery of desert wash habitat provides food and shelter for small mammals and many species of birds. Numerous wet meadows and ponds dot the landscape, providing food, cover, and water for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The deep water of Lake Mead provides habitat for fish, cormorants, and diving ducks, while shallow littoral zones provide feeding areas for puddle ducks and shorebirds.

Waterfowl

Over 22 species of ducks have been recorded on OWMA.  The most common species include American widgeon, green-winged teal, mallards and ruddy ducks.  Duck populations generally begin to build during late-September and peak in January.  Cinnamon teal and redheads are generally early migrants. Canada geese are the most commonly found goose species at OWMA while white-fronted, snow and Ross geese are occasional visitors.  Tundra swans visit Overton but are relatively uncommon. 

Upland Game Birds and Mammals

Mourning doves begin arriving in the vicinity during July and early August.  By late August, the fall migration has begun and normally by mid- to late-September all but a few stragglers have left southern Nevada.  White-winged doves also occur infrequently on the area.  NDOW began releasing pheasants on OWMA in the 1960’s and the present population is at a low level.  Gambel’s quail are common on OWMA.  Rio Grande turkeys were introduced to OWMA in 1991 and the current estimated population in all of Moapa Valley is between 350 and 500 birds. Mammals regularly observed on OWMA include desert cottontail, bobcat, kit fox, beaver, coyote, striped skunk, spotted skunk and long-tailed weasel.

Trapping is allowed with valid permit. Permits will be issued on a first come, first serve basis and may contain designation of specific trapping areas, dates or other restrictions to ensure compatibility with other public activities.

The discharging of a rifle or pistol is prohibited.

The use or possession of shells for a shotgun containing shot that is toxic or larger than standard-sized T is prohibited.

Wildlife-Related Recreation

Wildlife observation, horseback riding, photography, hiking, and educational activities are some of the wildlife related recreation available on OWMA.  Roads throughout the area provide excellent viewing of wetland-dependent and upland wildlife.

1. During the waterfowl season, hunting is permitted on the Moapa Valley portion of the area only on the opening day of the duck season, even numbered days thereafter throughout the season, opening day of the goose season, and the closing two days of the duck and goose seasons. Before or after the waterfowl season, hunting is allowed every day for wildlife species upon which there is an established open season.
2. During the opening day and the first weekend of the dove season the maximum capacity for the Moapa Valley portion of the area is 60 hunters by reservation only.
3. During the waterfowl season on the Moapa Valley portion of the area, hunters must hunt from assigned hunt locations (blinds) constructed by the Department of Wildlife. A maximum of up to four hunters are permitted at each hunt location. Assigned hunt locations are marked by numbered stakes. Hunters shall hunt only within their assigned hunt location and moving to vacant locations is prohibited. The only exception involves reasonable accommodation of the disabled.
4. The hunting of upland game species is prohibited during the waterfowl season.
5. On Overton Hunt days, only persons authorized to hunt waterfowl may use vessels on the portion of the area inundated by Lake Mead.

The Pole Canyon Cooperative Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a privately owned ranch with a Conservation and Access Easement on approximately 4,700 acres which protects these pristine habitats for conservation in perpetuity. It is a mountainous property approximately 30 miles east of Elko, Nevada within the East Humboldt Range. The 12,000+ acre ranch is surrounded by USFS lands and Wilderness area and contains the headwaters of four perennial streams which provides excellent habitat for many different fish and wildlife species. 

The property has highly productive mid-elevation shrub communities mixed with aspen and mahogany stands, transitioning into productive alpine zones with scattered whitebark and limber pine stands. Lower elevations include sagebrush steppe vegetation, pinyon/juniper, and pastureland. Multiple year-round streams flow through the property and with that comes valuable riparian areas and meadow complexes. The ranch is also home to a federally listed sensitive plant species, the Lamoille Canyon milkvetch. 

The terrain and accompanying habitat attributes of the Pole Canyon Cooperative WMA provide a unique wildlife species composition, which are not found anywhere else in Nevada. The property is in Hunt Unit 101 and is considered some of the most productive mule deer habitat in the State of Nevada. The expansive ranch serves as summer, winter, and transition range for a large proportion of the Unit 101 mule deer herd. Furthermore, the ranch contains year-round Rocky Mountain Bighorn habitat and crucial winter habitat for Mountain Goats. Other species that inhabit the property include, Greater sage-grouse, Dusky Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Himalayan Snowcock, Sandhill Crane, Raptors, Mountain Lion, White-Tailed Jack Rabbit, and many other small mammals. 

The Pole Canyon Cooperative WMA allows NDOW and its partners to conserve wildlife habitat in perpetuity and is a significant attribute to Nevada’s wildlife. 

Scripps Wildlife Management Area (SWMA) is in the southernmost end of Washoe County between Big Washoe and Little Washoe Lakes. Seasonal closures are in place to protect nesting waterfowl and other wetland associated avian species. SWMA was purchased in 1957 to develop and maintain goose nesting habitat and to provide yearlong habitat for waterfowl and other wetlands associated nongame birds.  Wet meadow’s, fresh emergent wetlands, and alkali desert scrub are the most prominent habitats found on the 2,351 acre property. 

Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada mountains supplies water to Davis, Franktown, Browns, and Ophir creeks and provide the primary water sources for SWMA. In high water years pastures can be flooded and in drought years SWMA is likely to remain dry. Given the close proximity to urban surroundings, SWMA is a popular waterfowl and dove hunting location for the Carson City and Reno communities.  The discharging of a rifle or pistol is prohibited on SWMA. Other public recreation opportunities on the area include wildlife viewing and hiking.

The Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Area (SVWMA) is located  in White Pine County near Ely.

The property consists of two management units (Mountain Unit and Meadow Unit) and comprises nearly 20,000 acres.  The Meadow Unit is located along Highway 93/50 and includes Comins Lake as well as 15 wetland ponds.  The Mountain unit is comprised of properties on both the Egan and Schell Creek Mountain Ranges.  Fifteen campsites are located on the Mountain Unit along the Success Summit road.

The habitats of SVWMA support an abundance of fish and wildlife that contribute significantly to the biological diversity of eastern Nevada. Sagebrush is important habitat for mule deer, pronghorn, sage grouse and a multitude of nongame species. Pinyon-juniper is found on the uplands surrounding the Steptoe Creek drainage. Both pinyon nuts and juniper berries are important food sources for many species of wildlife. A mountain tree and shrub community provide important browse and cover for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and many other species. The riparian habitats of SVWMA including cottonwood, willow, and aspen have exceptionally high value for many species of wildlife. The Ponds and wet meadows  on SVWMA, provide  food, cover, and water for numerous species of waterfowl, wading birds, and mammals. The deep-water of Comins Lake provides habitat for fish and diving ducks.

The Wayne E. Kirch WMA is located in the White River Valley in northeastern Nye County. State Route 318 is the major access route to the area. Today, KWMA is composed of a total of 14,888 acres and contains five major reservoirs.

From sagebrush to wet meadows and grasslands, the various habitats of KWMA support an abundance of fish and wildlife that contribute significantly to the biological diversity of central Nevada. Wetlands are among the most productive wildlife habitats in Nevada. They provide food, cover, and water for numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Tule, Adams-McGill, Cold Springs, Dacey and Haymeadow reservoirs provide deep water habitat for fish and diving ducks. The edges of the reservoirs provide feeding areas for puddle ducks and shorebirds.  The primary water sources for the reservoirs are Sunnyside Creek and Hot Creek.  Creek channels provide important springfish and wetland habitat.

Uplands on KWMA include sagebrush, alkali desert scrub, annual grassland and desert wash. Sagebrush provides important habitat for mule deer, pronghorn, and nongame species.