After decades dedicated to Nevada’s wildlife, longtime Nevada Department of Wildlife biologist Mike Cox is closing out an incredible career.

In this episode of Nevada Wild, hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with Mike to look back on his years with NDOW, the changes he’s witnessed in wildlife management and some of the people, places and experiences that made his career memorable.

From a lifetime spent working for Nevada’s wildlife to the stories collected along the way, Mike reflects on the career he’s built and what comes next as he heads into retirement.

Listen now and help us celebrate Mike Cox and his many years of service to Nevada’s wildlife and wild places.

Nearly 40 years at NDOW comes with a lot of stories.

Before Mike Scott officially retired, Nevada Wild hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sat down with him to look back on a career that began in 1986 as a seasonal conservation aide and eventually led him to serve as NDOW’s Deputy Director.

From the people he worked alongside to the changes he witnessed over nearly four decades, Mike shares some of the moments, memories and lessons that defined his career.

🎙️ One More Story: A Farewell to Mike Scott

Listen to the full conversation on the Nevada Wild Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

After 33 years of service to Nevada's wildlife, Carl Lackey has officially retired from the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

In the weeks leading up to his retirement, Nevada Wild hosts Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sat down with Carl to look back on an incredible career that began in 1993. Carl shares stories from more than three decades in wildlife conservation, including his work with Nevada's black bears and the creation of NDOW's Karelian Bear Dog program in 2001.

Join us as we celebrate Carl's career, hear some of the stories behind his 33 years with NDOW, and wish him well in retirement.

One More Story: A Farewell to Carl Lackey

Still working on your Nevada big game applications? This week on Nevada Wild, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with Data and Technology Services Administrator Matt Maples to talk all things big game draw strategy ahead of the May 13 application deadline.

The crew breaks down how Nevada’s draw system works, common mistakes hunters make when selecting hunt choices, why bonus points matter and how hunters can improve their odds by taking advantage of opportunity hunts and all five hunt choices.

Matt also shares insight into how the application process works behind the scenes, what hunters should be paying attention to before the deadline, and why getting your application submitted early can save a lot of stress later on.

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a seasoned hunter looking to fine tune your strategy, this episode is packed with useful tips before Wednesday’s 11 p.m. PST deadline.

Apply for tags at ndowlicensing.com or call 855-542-6369 for assistance.

This week on Nevada Wild, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with NDOW Conservation Educator Logan Klonicke to talk all things junior big game hunting in Nevada. From Nevada’s strong junior hunter opportunities to application strategies and changes coming to the 2026 season, this episode is packed with helpful information for young hunters and their families.

The crew also covers open hunter education classes, tips for navigating the draw process, and what junior hunters should know before applying.

If you know a junior hunter, or you’re a parent looking to get your kid into the outdoors, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The Nevada Big Game Draw application deadline is May 13 at 11 p.m.

Apply today at ndowlicensing.com.

Nevada big game hunters, this one’s for you.

This week on the Nevada Wild podcast, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with NDOW Big Game Staff Specialist Cody Schroeder to talk all things Mule Deer and Pronghorn across the Silver State. From strong overwinter survival and rebounding deer herds in the Rubies to antelope numbers nearing all-time highs, there’s a lot to be excited about heading into this season.

Plus, Cody breaks down key updates to junior tags and even shares a few areas to keep in mind when you’re putting in your application.

This week Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with NDOW's Big Game Staff Specialist Cody McKee to hear how Elk and Moose are doing in the Silver State.

Cody shares how NDOW’s new adaptive elk management plan may affect tag quotas and gives some great insight into how these herds are managed. Spoiler alert, thanks to teeth collected from hunter harvested bulls in 2025 we can say that Nevada’s average bull elk age is the highest on record. He also talks about how well moose are doing across the state.

In this week’s Nevada Wild, Aaron Keller and Bobby Jones sit down with outgoing fisheries biologist extraordinaire Kim Tisdale to reflect on her 31-year career with NDOW. Kim shares the different roles she’s held over the years, highlights some of her favorite projects, and gives us a peek behind the curtain at the exciting changes coming to the Nevada Native Fish Slam Program.

Kim is revered at NDOW not only as an exceptional biologist, but also as a friend and a mentor to many, and she will be sincerely missed. Be sure to give this week’s podcast a listen, and check out the link to the video below to learn more about Kim Tisdale and her incredible career.
Kim talks about the different jobs she’s had here, highlights some of her favorite projects, and gives us a peek behind the curtain at the exciting changes coming to the Nevada Native Fish Slam Program.

Kim is revered here at the Department as a biologist, a friend, and a mentor to many, she will be sincerely missed. Make sure to give this week’s podcast a listen and checkout the link to the video below to learn all about Kim Tisdale!