Nevada Administrative Code
Chapter 503 - Hunting, Fishing and Trapping; Miscellaneous Protective Measures
HUNTING AND TRAPPING: GENERALLY
Section 503.144 - Hunting with bow and arrow

Universal Citation: NV Admin Code 503.144

Current through December 12, 2024

1. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (c) of subsection 4, the bowstring of a bow used in hunting any game mammal or game bird must be moved or held entirely by the muscle power of the shooter through all points of the draw cycle until release and may only be released by direct and conscious action of the shooter, either by relaxing the tension of the fingers or by triggering the release action of a handheld release aid.

2. A bow used in hunting a big game mammal must, have a peak draw weight of at least 40 pounds and, if the bow is a compound bow, a let-off of not more than 80 percent. Arrows used in hunting big game mammals must be at least 24 inches long, weigh at least 300 grains and have:

(a) Fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8-inch wide at the widest point; or

(b) Expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8-inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position.

3. An arrow that is used in hunting any game mammal or game bird may be equipped with a nock that is illuminated electronically or chemically.

4. It is unlawful for any person to:

(a) Carry any rifle or musket or handgun equipped with a telescopic sight or with a barrel length of 8 inches or more in the field while hunting under archery regulations.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, carry a bow with an arrow nocked on the bowstring while in or on any motorized vehicle while the vehicle is on a public highway or other public right-of-way. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to a person who is a paraplegic, has had one or both legs amputated or has suffered a paralysis of one or both legs which severely impedes his or her walking, if the motorized vehicle is not in motion.

(c) Hunt any game mammal or game bird with a bow that uses any mechanical device that is capable of anchoring a nocked arrow at full draw or partial draw unless the person:
(1) Is the holder of an archery disability permit issued pursuant to NAC 503.1465; and

(2) Ensures that the permit is in his or her possession during any period in which he or she uses the bow to hunt any game mammal or game bird.

(d) Hunt any wildlife with an arrow that has any explosive, electronic tracking device or poison attached. As used in this paragraph, "poison" means any substance that, upon contact with the species of wildlife that is hunted, is capable of causing injury, illness or death.

5. As used in this section, "let-off" means the amount of decrease in the draw weight of a compound bow from the peak draw weight to the holding draw weight after the bow has reached full draw.

Bd. of Fish & Game Comm'rs, No. 25 § 7 + No. 26 § 7, eff. 12-4-79-NAC A by Bd. of Wildlife Comm'rs, 5-9-88; R168-99, 1-19-2000; R176-03, 4-8-2004; R114-09, 4-20-2010; R107-14, eff. 12/22/2014; A by R007-15, eff. 10/27/2015

NRS 501.105, 501.181 and 503.150, as amended by section 3 of Assembly Bill No. 136, chapter 206, Statutes of Nevada 2015, at page 973

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