By CHARLENE PAUL
Moapa Valley Progress
The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and their critters will once again thrill visitors at this year’s Clark County Fair and Rodeo. The wildlife exhibit will once again be held in the large tent at the far north end of the Fairgrounds.
“For us, this is the biggest public event we do all year,” explained Doug Nielsen, NDOW Education Supervisor. “This is the one we really plan for and gear up for all year long.”
The goal of the exhibit for NDOW is to entertain and have fun while educating people of all ages. “The desert is so different because most of our animals sleep during the day and come out at night,” said Nielsen. “People who are new to desert living are always surprised at the amount of wildlife we have. Desert bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and antelope are some of the big game animals that live in the desert Southwest.”
Always a favorite, Buck the rattlesnake will be back along with Button and Slinkie. The snakes always create quite a stir at the exhibit, according to Nielson.
“Love ‘em or hate ‘em; everybody wants to get a look at the snakes,” he said.
They will be joined by a Gila Monster, horned lizards, and Hedwig the owl, a rescue bird from Elko.
The NDOW exhibit will also include lots of hands-on activities for kids. A large tank will be there to provide a live fishing experience. Also the ever-popular archery range will be back. And NDOW will be offering Wildlife Passports for the kids.
Representatives from Nevada Off-Highway Vehicles Program will be there to talk about OHV safety. Game wardens from Operation Game Thief will answer questions about reporting wildlife crimes. Representatives from the Divisions of State Parks and the Division of Forestry will be on hand to talk about all things outdoors, including boating safety.
And there will even be assistance for people wanting to put in for hunting tags. “This year the deadline for the Main Draw is April 29,” said Nielsen. “We will be able to help people fill out their applications during the fair.”
“We really want people to come by and see us,” Nielsen said. “Whether you come for the snakes and lizards, the archery range, or just to visit, we look forward to meeting you at the fair.”
