Sportsmen often rely on the generosity of private landowners to use their lands to hunt and fish, or to cross it to access public lands.

Landowners can now request free signs, through the Nevada Department of Wildlife, informing outdoor recreationists about access and displaying the name of the landowner providing the courtesy.

The signs were funded by the Nevada Wildlife Record Book Foundation. This organization maintains the official records program for Nevada's big game animals.

More than 1,000 of these durable plastic signs, ready for fence post mounting, are available by contacting a regional NDOW office.

Hunters and anglers are avid conservationists who contribute more money to wildlife conservation in the United States than any other group.

In Nevada, federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear combined with license sales dollars constitutes the major source of funding for the department, which continues to recommend individuals request access from landowners.

A comprehensive internet mapping service is available at www.ndow.org. Users can create maps and overlay ownership, which can be a useful tool for hikers and sportsmen.