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

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.