Scripps Wildlife Management Area: hunting rules and map
Scripps Wildlife Management Area is 2,382 acres in Washoe County, managed by NDOW in its Western Region and inside hunt unit 195. NDOW lists hunting on the area, with this rule first: during the waterfowl season, hunting is permitted seven days a week.
Data updated October 2026. Area rules: NDOW's public land page, read 2026-10-18. Boundary and acres: NDOW GIS. Land around it: BLM.
BLMNational forestState landBureau of ReclamationScripps WMAHunt unit lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 2,382 acres (NDOW legal acres) |
|---|---|
| County | Washoe County |
| NDOW region | Western Region |
| Hunt units | 195 |
| Status in NDOW's map | Designated |
| Camping | Not permitted |
| Nearest towns | Washoe Valley (next to it), Incline Village (7 mi) and Virginia City (7 mi) |
What is Scripps WMA?
Scripps Wildlife Management Area (SWMA) is in the southernmost end of Washoe County between Big Washoe and Little Washoe Lakes. Seasonal closures are in place to protect nesting waterfowl and other wetland associated avian species.
In NDOW's words, from NDOW's public land page.
What are the rules on Scripps WMA?
| Topic | NDOW's rule |
|---|---|
| Hunting | During the waterfowl season, hunting is permitted seven days a week. The use or possession of shells for a shotgun containing shot that is toxic or larger than standard-sized T is prohibited. |
| Camping | Not permitted |
| Campfires | Not permitted |
| Trespass and travel | Trespass prohibited from Feb. 15 through Aug. 15 in that portion of the area that lies south of Little Washoe Lake |
| Boats | No restrictions except as noted above |
| Trapping | Permitted on a first come, first serve basis and may contain designation of specific trapping areas, dates or other restriction to ensure compatibility with other public activities. |
| Bodies of water | Washoe Lake |
Source: NDOW, Your Public Land. Big game seasons on the area follow the hunt unit's regulations.
Which big game unit groups take in Scripps WMA?
NDOW draws big game tags by unit group. The groups that include unit 195, with NDOW's 2025 figures for the whole group, not the WMA alone:
| Species and group | Tags issued, 2025 | Successful hunters, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Black bear, 192, 194 - 196, 201 - 204, 206, 291 | 42 | 12 |
| Mule deer, 195 | 25 | 9 |
Source: NDOW Big Game Hunt Statistics (2022 to 2025; 2025 from NDOW's 2025 hunt data workbook).
What land surrounds Scripps WMA?
Inside the WMA boundary, BLM's surface management map shows Bureau of Reclamation 20 acres, BLM 4 acres and state land 2 acres. NDOW's WMA map records its status as designated. Highways within 8 miles: I-580, US 395, NV 431, US 395 Alt and NV 341. Nearest towns: Washoe Valley (next to it), Incline Village (7 miles), Virginia City (7 miles) and Silver City (8 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Can you hunt on Scripps WMA?
Yes. NDOW's rule for hunting on the area: During the waterfowl season, hunting is permitted seven days a week. 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 Scripps WMA?
No. NDOW lists camping as: Not permitted
Which hunt unit is Scripps WMA in?
All of it is in NDOW hunt unit 195.
Where is Scripps WMA?
Scripps Wildlife Management Area (SWMA) is in the southernmost end of Washoe County between Big Washoe and Little Washoe Lakes. The nearest town by the census map is Washoe Valley, next to it.
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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 Black bear 192, 194 - 196, 201 - 204, 206, 291 Mule deer 195