Two important pro-gun, pro-hunting measures are currently awaiting action in the Nevada legislature, according to the National Rifle Association.


Assembly Bill 288, Nevada’s “Castle Doctrine” self-defense bill, is awaiting action by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. It is being held up at the request of Chairman Bernie Anderson (D-31) who has made it clear he does not support key provisions of the bill.


Speaker Barbara Buckley (D-8) and Majority Leader John Oceguera (D-16),  have the authority to override the Chair’s objections to move the bill for a hearing.  The deadline for committee hearings is Friday, April 10.


Introduced by Assemblyman Harry Mortenson (D-42), AB288 would permit a person who is behaving lawfully to use deadly force in self-defense against someone who is attempting to commit a felony and who is unlawfully, forcefully, and without provocation intruding onto property where the defender has a right to be. The defender would not have to retreat and would be protected from civil liability.


Assembly Bill 246, sponsored by Assemblyman David Bobzien (D-24), is slated to be considered by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, April 8.


AB246 would establish an apprentice hunting license that allows prospective hunters 12 years old and older to try their hand at hunting before completing a hunter education course. Apprentice hunters would be required to be directly supervised in the field by a mentor who is at least 18 years old and who holds a valid Nevada hunting license. Experience in more than two dozen other states shows that this apprentice hunting program is exceptionally safe and will bring many new hunters into the field.

Hunter recruitment is critical to the long-term preservation of our Nevada currently ranks 49th among the states in hunter recruitment. For every 100 Nevada hunters who permanently quit hunting, only 30 new hunters replace them.


Research shows that overly burdensome regulations deter citizens from trying hunting for the first time. This includes the current requirement that virtually all prospective hunters complete hunter education. An apprentice hunting program allows people a “try it before they buy it” opportunity.