Nevada Nonresident Mule Deer Guided Draw 2024

Overview of the Nevada Nonresident mule deer guide draw

Each year Nevada sets aside a portion of available mule deer tags for the Nevada nonresident mule deer guide draw. As the name implies, the draw is only open to nonresidents of Nevada and requires the applicant to apply with a registered outfitter that has agreed to guide the applicant if successful in the draw.

Tag types and allocations

The tags available in the nonresident guide draw are a subset of the tag allocations available for mule deer in the standard Nevada Big Game Draw. All tags in the guide draw are “Any Legal Weapon” tags, and hunting seasons associated with the tags tends to be later, primarily October and November.

The benefits of applying in the nonresident guide draw is two fold: improved draw odds and the addition of a guide for the hunt. The downside is the additional cost of a guide for the duration of your hunt. The system is similar to the outfitter tag allocations made in the New Mexico Big Game Draw, but with a separate draw date rather than consolidated as in New Mexico.

Key Dates – When is the Nevada Nonresident Mule Deer Guide Draw?

The 2024 Nevada Nonresident Mule Deer Guide draw opens February 12th and closes March 11th, at 11PM PST. Results are to be posted on of before March 22nd. Below is a summary of the key dates for 2024.

Draw requirements

Applicants in the guide draw must follow a similar set of requirements to applicants in the standard big game draw. This includes holding a valid hunting license and paying the predator control fee and application fee. In addition to these requirements, applicants must secure a position with an available and licensed guide or outfitter prior to applying in the draw. In order to enter the draw, applicants must possess guide information, including a Master Guide License Number and associated PIN. This information is validated in the application process, and only after submitting this information can the applicant choose their hunt choices.

Points and Draw System

The guide draw is based on a point system. The system uses the same antlered mule deer points as the standard draw. Technically applicants may apply for points only, but an outfitter is still required so it is not a recommended approach if you are trying to build points. These can be secured in the standard big game draw.

The draw system is a bonus squared system. Each applicant has their bonus points squared, then one additional entry for their current application.

What does the Nevada nonresident mule deer application and tag cost?

Compared to some other opportunities, the fees to apply in the draw and purchase and tag are rather modest, and are in the table below. However, the cost of a guide will usually be multiple thousands.

Recommended strategy

For applicants who have the money, applying in the guide draw is a great way to secure a high end tag. Given it is a hybrid bonus system, all applicants have a chance in the draw, even if it is very slim. The outfitter expense is only required in the case of a successful application. Hunters may only apply for antlered mule deer in one draw a year, meaning they have to choose between the guide draw and the standard draw. In either case, unsuccessful applicants will build a single antlered mule deer point in a season.