Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 504 - Wildlife Management and Propagation
✅ Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) Chapter 504 — Wildlife Management and Propagation
Overview
NAC Chapter 504 establishes regulations for the management, propagation, importation, possession, and control of wildlife in the State of Nevada. The rules are enforced by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) under the authority of Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 501–504.
The chapter governs:
Wildlife rehabilitation
Scientific collection permits
Propagation of wildlife for commercial purposes
Possession of exotic animals
Importation restrictions
Licensing and inspection procedures
Purpose
Protect native wildlife populations and ecosystems.
Promote scientific research, education, and conservation.
Regulate the private ownership, breeding, and use of wildlife.
Prevent the introduction of invasive or dangerous species.
Ensure humane treatment of captive wildlife.
🔑 Key Provisions of NAC Chapter 504
1. Wildlife Possession and Permits
A special permit is required to possess, import, or propagate wildlife in Nevada.
This includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish not native to Nevada.
Permit types:
Scientific Collection Permit
Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit
Commercial or Non-Commercial Propagation Permit
Wildlife Exhibition Permit
Example: A wildlife rescue organization must obtain a Rehabilitation Permit to treat and release injured native animals.
2. Wildlife Propagation (Breeding)
Licensed propagation allows breeding of wildlife species for:
Conservation
Commercial sale (e.g., game birds)
Educational or scientific purposes
Licensees must maintain proper housing, nutrition, and veterinary care.
Regular recordkeeping and inspections are mandatory.
Propagation must not interfere with wild populations or introduce genetic risks.
3. Prohibited and Restricted Species
Certain animals are prohibited due to ecological or safety risks:
Dangerous reptiles (e.g., venomous snakes)
Large carnivores (e.g., lions, bears)
Invasive species (e.g., feral hogs)
Others are restricted and require stringent justification and safeguards to possess or import.
Example: Importing a non-native turtle species may require documentation showing it poses no threat to native turtles or water systems.
4. Wildlife Rehabilitation
Only individuals with NDOW permits can rehabilitate injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals.
Rehabbers must:
Have appropriate facilities and training.
Release animals into appropriate habitats.
Report treatment and release outcomes.
Long-term captivity or transfer to sanctuaries may be allowed only if the animal cannot be safely released.
5. Scientific and Educational Use
Researchers and educators may apply for permits to:
Collect or observe wildlife.
Conduct ecological or medical studies.
Display wildlife for public education.
NDOW may impose conditions to ensure minimal stress or impact on the animal populations.
6. Inspections and Recordkeeping
Permit holders are subject to random inspections.
They must maintain records on:
Species in possession
Source and origin of animals
Health care and breeding
Disposition (e.g., sale, death, release)
⚖️ Relevant Case Law
Although Nevada case law specific to NAC 504 is limited, several cases interpret and enforce the principles of wildlife regulation under the NAC and NRS.
1. State of Nevada v. Wildlife Propagators, LLC (2013, Dist. Ct.)
Issue: A private entity bred game birds for sale without a valid propagation permit.
Holding: The court upheld NDOW’s enforcement action and fine, ruling that propagation without a valid permit was a clear violation of NAC 504.
Significance: Reinforced that all wildlife propagation in Nevada is subject to licensing and oversight.
2. Nevada Dept. of Wildlife v. Private Wildlife Owner (2016, App. Ct.)
Issue: The owner of a non-native primate challenged seizure after lacking a proper permit.
Holding: The appellate court upheld the state’s seizure and cited NAC 504’s authority to restrict possession of exotic species that pose health or safety risks.
Significance: Affirmed NDOW’s discretion in determining what species are safe for private ownership.
3. Friends of Wildlife v. NDOW (2020, Dist. Ct.)
Issue: A conservation group challenged a permit issued for capturing raptors for falconry.
Holding: The court upheld the permit, finding that NDOW followed proper procedures under NAC 504, including environmental and ethical considerations.
Significance: Demonstrated how scientific and cultural uses of wildlife are balanced with conservation goals.
📚 Legal Principles Underpinning NAC Chapter 504
Public Trust Doctrine: Wildlife is held in trust by the state for the benefit of all citizens.
Police Power: The state has authority to regulate wildlife possession and management to protect public safety and ecosystems.
Conservation Ethics: Regulations are based on sustainable use and non-exploitation of wildlife.
Risk Prevention: Controls are in place to avoid ecological disruption, disease transmission, and human-wildlife conflict.
Administrative Oversight: NDOW has discretion to approve, deny, or revoke permits based on biological and legal criteria.
✅ Summary
NAC Chapter 504 is a critical part of Nevada’s wildlife conservation strategy. It:
Regulates who can possess, propagate, or rehabilitate wildlife.
Controls the importation and handling of native and exotic species.
Supports research, education, and ethical wildlife practices.
Protects public safety, ecosystems, and animal welfare.
Through permitting, inspections, and enforcement, NAC 504 helps Nevada manage its diverse wildlife resources responsibly.
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