OUTDOOR BRIEFS

AWARD PRESENTED

Department recognized for efforts

The Nevada Department of Wildlife has been recognized for its efforts to take the fishing message to Nevada's growing Hispanic population and encouraging its members to participate in this traditional outdoor sport. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation presented NDOW with the Take Me Fishing Outreach and Education Award during the annual conference of the Association for Conservation Information in Lenox, Mass., in July.

"This is the type of award that everyone at NDOW can be proud of, and we are very honored. The campaign has helped us gain a better understanding of all of our customers, and to learn new and better ways to encourage fishing in Nevada," said Kelly Clark, NDOW conservation education chief.

The RBFF is the organization responsible for the Take Me Fishing advertisements.

"The judges felt that Nevada demonstrated a unique and thorough outreach strategy toward engaging the Hispanic audience," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson.

NDOW developed its Hispanic outreach program after research showed that although the Silver State has a large number of Hispanic anglers, both license agents and the fishing public were confused about licensing requirements for nonresidents and for those who are not citizens. NDOW sought to address this issue through a comprehensive communications program that included Spanish radio advertisements and collateral materials that were printed in both English and Spanish. The agency's objective was to motivate Hispanic anglers to purchase a fishing license and to help them understand just how easy that process really is.

"Our goal is to continue to reach out to both new and old customers with the message that 'fishing is fun.' Not only is it a great way to spend the day, fishing with a child can build a life-long love and respect for the outdoors and our state's fishery resources," said Clark. "Next year, we will kick off our 'Take Me Fishing' campaign with a one-day group-fishing permit. That will offer the opportunity for a group of people to enjoy a day of fishing at a reasonable cost."

WEST NILE VIRUS

Hunters urged to help conserve sage-grouse

Archery pronghorn and mule deer hunters can assist in monitoring for West Nile virus disease in sage-grouse.

NDOW asks hunters to report any sick or dying sage grouse they encounter in the field to (775) 688-1529. West Nile virus has been found in sage-grouse in Nevada in the past and most likely occurs during the late summer months when archery hunters are in the field.