[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6461133,"mediaKeyId","5825772-b5c763f8b5bc2aadfb9734cf927a6fdb","parentId",5825772,"title","Commissioners oppose reclassifying thermal-imaging and other violations as 12-demerit offenses","audioSeconds",546,"startMs",1036000,"endMs",1582000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825772-b5c763f8b5bc2aadfb9734cf927a6fdb&start=1036&end=1582","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825772-b5c763f8b5bc2aadfb9734cf927a6fdb/thumbnail_1036000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461133/Churchill-County/Nevada/Commissioners-oppose-reclassifying-thermal-imaging-and-other-violations-as-12-demerit-offenses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461133-a98aba915db1f2b0377c4c027dc4c885/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403360&Signature=PgAygeG-U2TK0TO~mdIp3Wt1BpKsNJmkYA~gzpcY~MNGDkTSuGTDHSYbqP23epyeWA1q-ZNo7LmOyHf-FVWe5JWm5A4cXGq-FO9hnPwvdm77plVvD~kVKN4CMJKBL6KUJsdvvtWYcV6EzoBdRBmEHTZ6qOTnqpN3ALz3hvCNa1wMvpLuNdUpaIEBsIS6fKGiVe8-a1hytHbFQ4s2gyZJWUbwqFa9gI4PXtuMvh2-A6g6FFbdxuADRR~c-EscQHzsQncj89qAtdvy0MWdDdJmJejyTL7eGy7MsRUoY1UeoYFOdc4bBLmhTuBJq3KmxFc-qxCsOQIGSld0jt5u6bOr1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Churchill County, NV","date","2025-09-25T03:02:54.577Z","article","The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners voted Sept. 19 to oppose proposed changes that would raise selected violations — notably possession or use of thermal-imaging devices and some trespass items — to 12 demerit points, saying the increase risks disproportionate loss of hunting privileges.

Commission member Jason led the criticism of the package, calling the proposed demerit structure \"absolutely ridiculous\" and arguing the department was treating possession of thermal devices the same as much more serious offenses. \"When you see possession of thermal right below killing a bald eagle, and they're the same demerit points,\" Jason said, \"at some point, we've got to differentiate these.\"

The motion to oppose the hunting, fishing and trapping trespass regulation (agenda item 7e) was made and seconded during the meeting and carried on a voice vote; the panel then separately moved to oppose Commission General Regulation 5-15, which would assign demerit points for possession or use of pro cameras and thermal-imaging devices, and that motion also passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: Commissioners who opposed the changes said raising routine or possession-based matters to 12 demerits would allow a single citation to remove licenses for extended periods. Several speakers emphasized that unlawful use of thermal imaging while harvesting big game is already illegal, and they said enforcement problems should not lead to broad penalties affecting all lawful hunters.

Supporters’ rationale and unanswered details: Meeting discussion referred to enforcement challenges and an earlier recommendation from the Board of Emerging Technologies (mentioned by a commissioner), but no proponent of the 12-demerit proposals presented at the meeting to explain the policy choice or provide a record of anticipated enforcement thresholds. Commissioners also noted the definition of \"trespass\" will be clarified in NAC (Nevada Administrative Code) language outside of the commission regulations, and they objected to assigning demerits before that clarification.

Discussion highlights and agency staff remarks: Jake Ward, Fallon Fisheries Biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, participated in later fisheries discussion but did not present the demerit proposal. Commissioners repeatedly contrasted the proposed demerit assignments — including the proposed 12 demerits for thermal devices and trail cameras — with other offenses in the demerit table and questioned proportionality.

Outcome and next steps: Both motions to formally oppose the two items (the trespass regulation change on demerit points and General Regulation 5-15 on pro cameras and thermal devices) passed by voice vote; the public record of vote tallies was not specified during the meeting. Commissioners said they expect the matters to return for further consideration if proponents supply clarified language or additional justification. Several commissioners indicated they will monitor related items on the Board of Commissioners agenda.

Closing note: Commissioners who opposed the demerit increases repeatedly framed their stance as protecting lawful hunters from losing privileges for possession-related citations and called for clearer statutory or regulatory definitions before assigning high demerit penalties.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife | September 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners voted Sept. 19 to oppose proposed changes that would raise selected violations — notably possession or use of thermal-imaging devices and some trespass items — to 12 demerit points, saying the increase risks disproportionate loss of hunting privileges.","taxTitle","Churchill County, Nevada","taxId",55557,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461124,"Commission asks staff to research blood-trailing dogs and thermal drones for wounded-game recovery",206,2190000,2396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825772-b5c763f8b5bc2aadfb9734cf927a6fdb&start=2190&end=2396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825772-b5c763f8b5bc2aadfb9734cf927a6fdb/thumbnail_2190000.jpg","/articles/6461124/Churchill-County/Nevada/Commission-asks-staff-to-research-blood-trailing-dogs-and-thermal-drones-for-wounded-game-recovery","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461124-025c5fdf9f7208354f2eda8be9347f37/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403361&Signature=hJPJGNE9mutOu8X7a-wxEM7nbBjdDFiaTqIpxSytRLaFZs6aMqq6HoM4CRzLyP7yUmcw5ybr9ZnayE1~y64XBcqUxUFoxTSmFlbC0xRRUn7M6vNu~6foDGR5MGxVM9~q1a8svo9u8eHCj00vR-wYbQ0xcEG~CkZv89mdu3MxD4WDXwoudj~DJ6n9Z49meRY5UJAcABZrh40DfD1ylKIVbJEqjfX61cLuXRP579HMW8B~XPha8zM2z4UAgUYeUq78jQPTzZtQiJYEPQ740fIes8mzw54y~IruyE~MYVqRD5fNZF0JwPnrGP97FcHnSW7VZKEcan220k4UPCWMY26gkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners discussed options to reduce waste when animals are shot and not recovered and directed staff to research whether blood-trailing dogs or thermal-imaging drones could be authorized for recovering wounded or dead wildlife.

A commission member said social media posts from other states show numerous reports of archery animals that were shot and not recovered; the member proposed allowing blood-trailing dogs and, under controlled conditions, thermal-imaging drones to assist recovery. \"I think that if we, as a state, focus on making sure that the animals that are shot are not suffering, and we are recovering and not wasting wildlife, I think that would be a good thing for the department to look at,\" the member said.

Staff and commissioners discussed legal constraints. Commissioners noted some states impose a 24-hour wait period after using a drone or helicopter in a hunting area so that the scouting advantage does not convert to a hunting advantage; one commissioner proposed a similar 24-hour limit if drones are used for recovery. Commissioners also discussed ambiguity in existing language that prohibits using dogs in pursuit of big game; that language may not explicitly exempt post-shot blood trailing. Staff said they would compile statutes and regulations from other states and look for model language to present at a future meeting.

Outcome: No formal motion was taken. The commission asked staff to research other states’ practices and statutory/regulatory language, and to return with options for controlled use and safeguards (for example, a requirement to present a blood trail to a warden or a 24-hour waiting period if a drone is used). The requesting commissioner said they will bring findings to the next meeting.

Why it matters: Allowing targeted recovery tools could reduce waste of harvested animals and reduce animal suffering, but regulators must balance that goal against prohibitions on scouting with aircraft or other equipment during hunting and the potential for misuse of drones or dogs for illegal pursuit.

Follow-up: Staff committed to compiling research and drafting possible regulatory language for commission review at a subsequent meeting; a workshop or formal agenda item was suggested by commissioners.","Commissioners discussed allowing blood-trailing dogs and thermal-imaging drones to locate wounded or dead big game and asked staff to research other states' laws and practical safeguards; no formal vote was taken.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461129,"Commission approves petitions, release plans and multiple regulation updates; minutes accepted",1513,535000,2048000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825772-b5c763f8b5bc2aadfb9734cf927a6fdb&start=535&end=2048","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825772-b5c763f8b5bc2aadfb9734cf927a6fdb/thumbnail_535000.jpg","/articles/6461129/Churchill-County/Nevada/Commission-approves-petitions-release-plans-and-multiple-regulation-updates-minutes-accepted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461129-6ac3b522763c0c2e80a4472f0e5eb1e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775403361&Signature=QX9~N-Pn8PSOvmyYdPdv0zBRJaX9Zg6Ovk4dETJPm9d3Dq9AsNWA-6c5zR-EKQQfllba2LLVpjqVFc~COkQJnkVpD6MEPapwAtq-SF8S4ch4Sid-snCTh2kijByvKC3OrJmuGDmUJGR~EHbQ~k4aBzIFAtfQ0dpDixLHIYulEr6OBn1~-IIHKAi8Mo35OdusKH954r92TF33YCHByqxj93YDjx0hYX7NEl8SYJk3PQY--nq1B5TQJofKc58HM--UOh76jM3BmHH5UMWiy~Df0VV64V0gjFS7ML6r9buzCDW1A2sajn0fGH6ySb0s-eQMDqlWl21kI17gXsMbsmAwvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners handled a slate of administrative and regulatory items Sept. 19, approving a petition to amend archery disability permit rules, adopting biennial game-release and fishing-season regulations, accepting an elk management addendum and approving several commission general regulations. The board also took no action on a proposed master-guide accountability modification.

Key actions at a glance (motions carried or recorded at the meeting):

- Petition to amend Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 503.1465 regarding archery disability permits: The commission voted to accept a petition filed by Gregory Dicker, Kimberly Decker, Tracy Lee Pinter and James Thomas Pinter to distinguish temporary and permanent disabilities and to recommend establishing expiration dates for temporary permits. The motion to accept the petition carried on voice vote. The petition notes that currently permanent disability permits are treated like temporary permits and may require annual reapplication; the petition seeks to separate permanent versus temporary status and set expiration for temporary permits.

- Master guide and sub-guide accountability (agenda item 7b): Commissioners voted to take no action on the proposed regulatory modifications; a motion to take no action carried on voice vote. Meeting discussion noted the department would present potential modifications but that no supporting language was attached to the agenda item.

- Pronghorn/prong hoe translocation and biennial big game release plans: The commission approved sending 100 pronghorn to a tribal recipient (translocation request referenced in the packet) and approved the fiscal-year 2026–2027 biennial big game release plan, including several translocations described in the staff materials. One referenced request was for a tribe seeking 100 antelope from Nevada; another item described receiving 75 animals as part of the release plan.

- Commission General Regulation 5-28 (motor restrictions and fisheries revisions): Approved. Staff said the Western Region proposal includes a no-motor restriction (including electric motors) for Battle Born Pond in Washoe County because it is in a residential area and there are safety and noise concerns.

- Commission General Regulation 5-24 (bonus points associated with junior hunt applications): Approved. The change removes junior points as a separate bonus-point category and allows unused junior bonus points to transfer when an applicant turns 18.

- Commission Regulation 25-16 (fishing seasons and regulations, Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2027): Approved. Discussion included questions about possession limits (staff confirmed possession limits are two times the daily limit for the body of water where fish were caught) and changes to a striped bass minimum-length rationale at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, which staff said was supported by long-term angler creel surveys.

- Adaptive population objectives addendum No. 2 to the elk species management plan: Approved. The commission created an adaptive-objectives committee and accepted the addendum as described in staff materials.

Also: the commission approved minutes of the June 11 and Aug. 13 meetings.

Notes and follow-ups: Several approvals were voice votes and the transcript does not supply numerical tallies. Where staff or packet materials were referenced, commissioners sometimes noted supporting documents were not attached to the agenda item; staff indicated they would present potential modifications or follow-up research on items that returned.

Formal actions recorded in the meeting minutes will provide the official record of motion text and final vote tallies.","At the Sept. 19 meeting the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners approved a petition to alter archery disability permits, accepted several management plans and regulation updates and took no action on a proposed master guide accountability modification.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners oppose reclassifying thermal-imaging and other violations as 12-demerit offenses

Commission asks staff to research blood-trailing dogs and thermal drones for wounded-game recovery

Commission approves petitions, release plans and multiple regulation updates; minutes accepted