Elko CAB backs Commission proposals for fisheries motor/bait rules and for coyote-hunting contest licensing

The Elko County Advisory Board voted to support multiple Commission general regulations under consideration. Members endorsed Commission General Regulation 528, which would establish motor restrictions at Battle Born Pond (Spanish Springs Valley), add a mandatory catch-and-kill regulation for Northern Pike at Cummins Lake, revise statewide bait restrictions to allow certain processed baits, and amend ice-hole-size rules (12" x 24") to permit larger holes for spear/bow fishing at selected locations.

CAB members described the package as commonsense housekeeping that aligns rules across shared waters (for example, the Colorado River) and cleans up inconsistent language. A motion to support Regulation 528 was moved and seconded and recorded as supported by the CAB.

The CAB also discussed Commission General Regulation 525 on coyote hunting contests, which would provide season and licensing requirements for contest participants and address equipment use (such as thermal optics during contests). Members recalled workshop input showing predator-hunting groups had helped craft a compromise; several members said licensing and a season represented an acceptable balance. The CAB moved to support Regulation 525 and the motion carried.

Both items will be taken up by the Commission with more detailed support materials; the CAB record reflects votes of support but does not include a full numerical roll call in the transcript provided.