Nevada Wild Podcast

Latest Episodes:

2026-2027 Nevada Chukar Forecast and Upland Bird Hunting Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

It’s time for upland bird hunters to lace up your boots! Our annual Chukar Forecast is out, the statewide youth chukar hunt opens Saturday, September 26, and the statewide general chukar season opener is right around the corner on Saturday, October 17.

In this week's Nevada Wild, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with NDOW's Upland Game Staff Specialist Justin Small to prepare upland game hunters for the approaching seasons. The guys dig into the chukar forecast and pull out some interesting details and give some advice for hunters looking to chase chukar this fall. Justin explains the factors that go into chick production and shares some recently published findings about chukar movement. They also discuss the grouse and quail hunting opportunities found in Nevada.

Buy your license at ndowlicensing.com so you can join in on the fun. Make it a combination license so you can do some fall fishing while you're on your hunt!

View the 2026-2027 Chukar Forecast here: 2026-2027 Chukar Forecast

View our Small Game Hunting Regulations and Seasons Book here: ERegulations

Nevada Youth License Fund: 20,000 Kids and Counting Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

Significant milestone achieved. Since June of 2023, the Department has issued over 20,000 free kids licenses (hunting/fishing) via the Nevada Youth License Fund!

In this week's episode of the Nevada Wild Podcast hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones talk about how this program came to be, why it continues to be a success, and thank the supporters of the program. From hunting and fishing non-profits to literally thousands of individuals across the country it’s been a true group effort. Most hunters and anglers are invested in seeing future generations experience the outdoors and this is a living, breathing example of that.

Learn more about the fund here: Nevada Youth License Fund

What We Learned at the 2026 Nevada Mule Deer Summit Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

What’s driving mule deer populations in Nevada and across the West?

In this episode of Nevada Wild, hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with NDOW Mule Deer Staff Specialist Cody Schroeder to break down some of the biggest takeaways from the 2026 Nevada Mule Deer Summit.

They discuss the role habitat, weather, nutrition, migration, predators, development, and competition with other animals can play in mule deer populations, along with some of the latest research being conducted across the West. Cody also shares what Nevada can learn from long-term mule deer monitoring efforts in other states and why quality summer habitat may be even more important than many people realize.

The full presentations and panel discussions from the Nevada Mule Deer Summit are available on NDOW’s YouTube channel, giving anyone the opportunity to dig deeper into the science and topics discussed during the event.

Have a question after watching the presentations? Send us your questions or comments at bsjones@ndow.org or akeller@ndow.org. We’ll be answering questions and diving deeper into some of these topics in a future episode of Nevada Wild.

One More Story: A Farewell to NDOW’s Game Division Administrator Shawn Espinosa Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

In the final installment of our “One More Story” retirement series, Shawn Espinosa reflects on a career that began as a seasonal conservation aide in 1993 and ultimately led him to serve as administrator of NDOW’s Game Division.

Along the way, Shawn worked as a game warden, moved into wildlife management and took on leadership roles that helped shape wildlife conservation across Nevada.

Hear Shawn look back on the experiences, people and stories that defined more than three decades with NDOW.

Congratulations on an incredible career, Shawn — and thank you for sharing one more story with us. 🎉

One More Story: A Farewell to NDOW's Bighorn Sheep Specialist Mike Cox Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

After decades dedicated to Nevada’s wildlife, longtime Nevada Department of Wildlife biologist Mike Cox is closing out an incredible career.

In this episode of Nevada Wild, hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with Mike to look back on his years with NDOW, the changes he’s witnessed in wildlife management and some of the people, places and experiences that made his career memorable.

From a lifetime spent working for Nevada’s wildlife to the stories collected along the way, Mike reflects on the career he’s built and what comes next as he heads into retirement.

Listen now and help us celebrate Mike Cox and his many years of service to Nevada’s wildlife and wild places.

One More Story: A Farewell to NDOW’s Mike Scott Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Nearly 40 years at NDOW comes with a lot of stories.

Before Mike Scott officially retired, Nevada Wild hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sat down with him to look back on a career that began in 1986 as a seasonal conservation aide and eventually led him to serve as NDOW’s Deputy Director.

From the people he worked alongside to the changes he witnessed over nearly four decades, Mike shares some of the moments, memories and lessons that defined his career.

🎙️ One More Story: A Farewell to Mike Scott

Listen to the full conversation on the Nevada Wild Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

One More Story: A Farewell to Longtime NDOW Biologist Carl Lackey Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

After 33 years of service to Nevada's wildlife, Carl Lackey has officially retired from the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

In the weeks leading up to his retirement, Nevada Wild hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sat down with Carl to look back on an incredible career that began in 1993. Carl shares stories from more than three decades in wildlife conservation, including his work with Nevada's black bears and the creation of NDOW's Karelian Bear Dog program in 2001.

Join us as we celebrate Carl's career, hear some of the stories behind his 33 years with NDOW, and wish him well in retirement.

One More Story: A Farewell to Carl Lackey

Nevada Big Game Applications: Strategy, Bonus Points and Hunt Choices May 10, 2026

Show notes

Still working on your Nevada big game applications? This week on Nevada Wild, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with Data and Technology Services Administrator Matt Maples to talk all things big game draw strategy ahead of the May 13 application deadline.

The crew breaks down how Nevada’s draw system works, common mistakes hunters make when selecting hunt choices, why bonus points matter and how hunters can improve their odds by taking advantage of opportunity hunts and all five hunt choices.

Matt also shares insight into how the application process works behind the scenes, what hunters should be paying attention to before the deadline, and why getting your application submitted early can save a lot of stress later on.

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned hunter looking to fine tune your strategy, this episode is packed with useful tips before Wednesday’s 11 p.m. PST deadline.

Apply for tags at ndowlicensing.com or call 855-542-6369 for assistance.

Junior Hunter Tips for Nevada’s Big Game Draw May 08, 2026

Show notes

This week on Nevada Wild, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with NDOW Conservation Educator Logan Klonicke to talk all things junior big game hunting in Nevada. From Nevada’s strong junior hunter opportunities to application strategies and changes coming to the 2026 season, this episode is packed with helpful information for young hunters and their families.

The crew also covers open hunter education classes, tips for navigating the draw process, and what junior hunters should know before applying.

If you know a junior hunter, or you’re a parent looking to get your kid into the outdoors, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The Nevada Big Game Draw application deadline is May 13 at 11 p.m.

Apply today at ndowlicensing.com.

Nevada Mule Deer and Antelope Hot Spots - Cody Schroeder May 01, 2026

Show notes

Nevada big game hunters, this one’s for you.

This week on the Nevada Wild podcast, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with NDOW Big Game Staff Specialist Cody Schroeder to talk all things Mule Deer and Pronghorn across the Silver State. From strong overwinter survival and rebounding deer herds in the Rubies to antelope numbers nearing all-time highs, there’s a lot to be excited about heading into this season.

Plus, Cody breaks down key updates to junior tags and even shares a few areas to keep in mind when you’re putting in your application.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected