NV Indy: OPINION: The federal government manages most Nevada land, but who’s watching the animals?

Nevada Independent

Even though most of the public land in Nevada is owned by the federal government, you might be surprised to learn that the federal government doesn’t manage our state’s wild creatures, whether we’re talking about the American badger or the zebra-tailed lizard. That’s the job of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). The department is made up of wildlife biologists, game wardens, habitat experts and other professionals who work with stakeholders to protect wildlife and habitat on federal, state and private land.

You also might be surprised to learn that the agency receives virtually no funding from state taxpayers. More than half of the department’s budget (52 percent) comes from state fees, the majority of which are hunting and fishing license fees as well as hunting tag fees. Another 46 percent comes from federal funds, primarily excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear. Only about 2 percent of NDOW’s budget comes from Nevada tax dollars. All of that feeds into a fiscal year 2026-2027 budget of $158 million.