Nevada's big game tags have a new look for 2013 and there are two important changes hunters need to be aware of before heading afield. Attached to each tag is a two-part transportation permit that no longer requires hunters to seek out a game warden or other state wildlife official in order to make the necessary legal arrangements to transport harvested big game. Another addition is a signature line that must be completed before hunting. Without the tag holder's signature, the tag is invalid.

A transportation permit is required when someone other than the legal tag holder is going to transport a big game animal harvested by the tag holder. For instance, if the tag holder chooses to stay behind to hunt birds, he can have a friend or family member transport his animal to a meat processor. "While not everyone will need a transportation permit, it will definitely make it much easier for a tag holder to follow state laws when having another person transport their legally harvested big game animal," said Doug Nielsen, Conservation Education supervisor for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). "In past years the process was more complicated and could be time consuming."

To be legal, three people need be present to properly complete and witness the signing of the transportation permit, including the hunter, the transporter and a witness. The witness must sign, date and document the time he or she witnessed the transfer of the animal. The tag holder's copy of the transportation permit must remain attached to the tag in order to be valid.

NDOW would like to remind hunters that transportation by a person other than the hunter for all other game harvest limits, such as upland game, fish and migratory birds has not changed. Those hunters will still need to seek out a warden, license agent or other state wildlife official that have transportation permits in order to have another legally transport their harvested game. Locations of transportation permit vendors are listed in the back of the 2013 Nevada Hunting Guide.

Hunters will note that tags still come with a mandatory questionnaire and a taxidermy stub that is used when an animal is taken to a taxidermist. More information about the transportation permit and the proper use of big game tags can be found in the 2013 Nevada Hunting Guide or online at www.ndow.org.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. Find us on Facebook, Twitter or visit us at www.ndow.org.