If you're a fisherman, it's that time of the year to remind you about a very important event coming up in the outdoor world.
That event is the start of the new 2008-2009 Nevada fishing license year.
It begins Saturday, March 1 and it will run through the last day of February, 2009.
You would be well advised to purchase that license ASAP, because if you forget, go fishing and get checked by the "Friendly Old Game Warden," you are going to be in a whole heap of trouble. Don't say you were not warned!
So, if you are one of many folks who need to buy a new license, here is a wealth of information regarding all kinds of Nevada fishing licenses, stamps and permits:
Residents
• Annual fishing (persons 16 years of age or older) - $29.
• Junior fishing (persons ages 12-15 years of age) - $13.
• Senior fishing (persons 65 years of age or older - with five years of continuous Nevada residency) - $13.
• Combination hunting and fishing (persons 16 years of age or older. Parental signature required at time of purchase for 16-17 years of age) - $54.
• Junior combination hunting and fishing (persons 12 through 15 years of age. Parental signature required at time of purchase) - $21.
• Senior combination hunting and fishing (persons 65 years of age or older - five years of continuous Nevada residency) - $21.
• One-day fishing permit (This applies until midnight of the specified day) - $9.
• For each additional day added to a one-day permit - $3 (must be purchased when one-day permit is purchased).
• Serviceman fishing (Nevada resident servicemen on active duty, stationed out of Nevada) - $9.
• Disabled veteran combination hunting and fishing (veterans who reside in Nevada and have incurred a service connected disability which is considered 50 percent or more by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and who have received a specific discharge from service) - Free.
• Disabled person with a severe physical handicap - $13.
• Disabled person combination hunting and fishing - with a severe physical handicap - $21.
• Native American hunting and fishing (resident Native Americans with a certificate of eligibility) - Free.
Non-Residents
• Combination hunting and fishing license (persons 16 years of age or older): $199.
• Annual fishing (persons 16 years of age or older) - $69.
• Junior fishing (persons 12-15 years of age) - $21.
• One-day fishing permit (valid until midnight of the day specified) - $18.
• For each additional day added to a one-day permit - $7 (must be purchased at the same time one-day permit is purchased).
Lake Mead/Lake Mohave/Colorado River
The fee for the Nevada Colorado River Special Use Stamp/Privilege is $3.
Second Rod Stamp
A person, regardless of age, must first obtain a valid fishing license or short-term fishing permit before he can use a second rod stamp. The stamp must be signed and affixed to the license or permit and is valid for the period specified.
No person may use more than two combinations of hook, line and rod at any time.
Second Rod Stamp is $10.
Trout Stamp
When fishing in Nevada, any person who takes or possesses trout must carry on his person a State Trout Stamp affixed to his fishing license and validated by his signature in ink across the face of the stamp.
The Trout Stamp fee is $10.
Note: A Nevada fishing license and a Nevada Trout Stamp are not required on Free Fishing Day in Nevada.
Duplicate License
Issued by license agents or NDOW: $10.
For information
Call the Fisheries Bureau of the Nevada Department of Wildlife at 688-1500 during regular business hours.
Finally
You can purchase your Nevada hunting and/or fishing license on-line.
If you would like to do so, it's easy: All you have to do is get on your computer and go to the Internet to www.ndow.org. Click on "Licenses and Laws" at the top of the main page. Go to "Licenses" and click on "Online." Just follow their easy, step-by-step instructions.
I always buy the hunting and fishing combination, with a Trout Stamp and a Second Rod Stamp for both Nevada and California.
• Bet Your Favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon that he can't tell you what my Nevada and California fishing licenses cost me for 2008.
If he grins and says, "It cost Don $104.20 for his California Non-Resident fishing license and $12.10 for their Second Rod Stamp as compared to $21 for his Nevada senior combination license and $10 for the Nevada Second Rod Stamp," he wins the brass ring.
• Don Quilici is the Outdoors editor for the Nevada Appeal.