Nevada chukar hunters can assist NDOW (Nevada Department of Wildlife) and sustain Nevada wildlife by watching out for open, hollow plastic mine claim markers while out in the field.
These types of markers, historically used to mark the boundaries of Nevada mining claims, pose a significant hazard to birds and other wildlife species according to NDOW.
The open, hollow plastic pipe markers attract birds as suitable nesting areas, unfortunately trapping them within the walls of the pipes, where they are unable to extend their wings and fly out. This creates a situation of dehydration and starvation for the various bird species (NDOW reports identifying 43 species from the markers), including Nevada’s state bird, the Mountain Bluebird.
Nevada hunters could spot the white, vertical hollow pipes pinyon-juniper areas and other woodland habitat throughout state.
And what should you do when finding the markers? According to NDOW and recent legislation NRS 517.030 https://www.leg.state.nv.us, the general public has the authority to knock down this type of hollow mine markers in Nevada federal land.
NDOW further reports that while the markers situated out in open space are easy to find, markers located in the densely wooded areas are more hidden, and may only be discovered by Nevada hunters.
To keep Nevada wildlife from unnecessarily dying and sustaining Nevada ecosystems, be aware of the mining markers while in the field, and remove per NDOW and NRS 517.030 guidelines. For additional information, see the NDOW 2013 Nevada Hunting at NDOW.org