![]() Set Your Sights on the DesertLake Mead National Recreation Area was established, in part, to preserve the recreational potential of the area, which includes the traditions of hunting, fishing and trapping. The harvesting of wildlife in the park is carefully regulated with state partnerships to ensure equilibrium between wildlife and their habitats.Hunting InformationThe desert is very hot in the summer. Temperatures in the backcountry can surpass 110 F degrees. Bring plenty of water and food for everyone in your party, including dogs. Cellphone service is limited. Let people know where you are going and when you will return.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond. Make sure your equipment is in proper working condition to decrease risk of injury to yourself or others. The Nevada Department of Wildlife and Arizona Game and Fish Department offer hunter education classes. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is located in both Nevada and Arizona. All hunters on public lands must carry a state hunting license for the state where they are hunting. For more information about hunting licenses in Nevada, visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife. In Arizona, learn more at Arizona Game and Fish.
Weapons, traps or nets may only be used when hunting within the recreation area in accordance with federal and state laws. Target practice is prohibited throughout the park. Park visitors who can legally possess and carry firearms under federal, state and local law are allowed to carry them in the park. The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state and local laws. 18 U.S.C. § 930 prohibits the possession of firearms in “federal facilities,” which are defined as “buildings or parts thereof owned or leased by the federal government, where federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.” These places are marked with signs at public entrances. Transporting of lawfully taken and properly tagged wildlife through the park is permitted. Motorized vehicles may operate on designated public roadways only. Visit the park's backcountry page for more details. The following areas are closed to all shooting, public hunting, and trapping for reasons of public safety:
During bighorn sheep season, the closures are:
Hunting Area Maps |
Last updated: August 21, 2020