Fernley Wildlife Management Area: hunting rules and map
Fernley Wildlife Management Area is 13,019 acres in Lyon County, managed by NDOW in its Western Region and inside hunt units 203 and 181. NDOW lists hunting on the area, with this rule first: the use or possession of shells for a shotgun containing shot that is toxic or larger than standard-sized T is prohibited.
Data updated October 2026. Area rules: NDOW's public land page, read 2026-10-18. Boundary and acres: NDOW GIS. Land around it: BLM.
BLMState landBureau of ReclamationTribal landFernley WMAHunt unit lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 13,019 acres (NDOW legal acres) |
|---|---|
| County | Lyon County |
| NDOW region | Western Region |
| Hunt units | 203, 181 |
| Status in NDOW's map | Designated; Leased from BOR/State Owned |
| Camping | Permitted |
| Nearest towns | Fernley (2 mi), Wadsworth (6 mi) and Silver Springs (15 mi) |
What is Fernley WMA?
Located just east of Fernley, the Fernley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) provides wetlands that are important to migratory birds. NDOW has provided management of the Fernley WMA since 1952.
In NDOW's words, from NDOW's public land page.
What are the rules on Fernley WMA?
| Topic | NDOW's rule |
|---|---|
| Hunting | The use or possession of shells for a shotgun containing shot that is toxic or larger than standard-sized T is prohibited. |
| Camping | Permitted |
| Campfires | Permitted |
| Trespass and travel | No restrictions |
| Boats | No restrictions |
| Trapping | Permitted on a first come, first serve basis and may contain designation of specific trapping areas, dates or other restrictions to ensure compatibility with other public activities. |
| Bodies of water | Various seasonal ponds |
Source: NDOW, Your Public Land. Big game seasons on the area follow the hunt unit's regulations.
Which big game unit groups take in Fernley WMA?
NDOW draws big game tags by unit group. The groups that include units 203 and 181, with NDOW's 2025 figures for the whole group, not the WMA alone:
| Species and group | Tags issued, 2025 | Successful hunters, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Pronghorn antelope, 181 - 184 | 91 | 78 |
| Pronghorn antelope, 203, 291 | 19 | 15 |
| Black bear, 192, 194 - 196, 201 - 204, 206, 291 | 42 | 12 |
| Mule deer, 181 - 184 | 237 | 92 |
| Mule deer, 203 | 56 | 21 |
| Desert bighorn sheep, 181 (East, West) | 7 | 6 |
Source: NDOW Big Game Hunt Statistics (2022 to 2025; 2025 from NDOW's 2025 hunt data workbook).
What land surrounds Fernley WMA?
Inside the WMA boundary, BLM's surface management map shows Bureau of Reclamation 7,192 acres and state land 3,440 acres. NDOW's WMA map records its status as designated (Leased from BOR/State Owned). Highways within 8 miles: US 95 Alt, I-80, US 50 Alt, NV 828 and NV 427. Nearest towns: Fernley (2 miles), Wadsworth (6 miles), Silver Springs (15 miles) and Nixon (16 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Fernley WMA?
Yes. NDOW's rule for hunting on the area: The use or possession of shells for a shotgun containing shot that is toxic or larger than standard-sized T is prohibited.
Can you camp on Fernley WMA?
NDOW lists camping as: Permitted
Which hunt unit is Fernley WMA in?
By NDOW's boundaries: unit 203 (13,076 acres) and unit 181 (330 acres).
Where is Fernley WMA?
Located just east of Fernley, the Fernley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) provides wetlands that are important to migratory birds. The nearest town by the census map is Fernley, 2 miles away.
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Where these facts come from
- Description and rules: NDOW, Your Public Land.
- Boundary, acres and status: NDOW wildlife management areas. Surrounding land: BLM Surface Management Agency map (national, limited scale).
- Unit group figures: NDOW Big Game Hunt Statistics (2022 to 2025; 2025 from NDOW's 2025 hunt data workbook).
FilledTag is not part of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Nevada hunting Western Region Pronghorn antelope 181 - 184 Pronghorn antelope 203, 291 Black bear 192, 194 - 196, 201 - 204, 206, 291 Mule deer 181 - 184 Mule deer 203 Desert bighorn sheep 181 (East, West)