Welcome!

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is honored to host the 25th Biennial Symposium of the Northern Wild Sheep and Goat Council (NWSGC) in Elko, Nevada, June 15–18, 2026. What better place to unite wildlife managers, researchers, students, sportsmen, and mountain ungulate enthusiasts than near the breathtaking backdrop of the Ruby Mountains? This landmark event marks the first time NDOW and the state of Nevada, have had the privilege of hosting this premier west-wide gathering. We are excited to see the exchange of ideas and sharing of the latest advancements in the management and conservation of wild sheep and mountain goats across the United States, Canada, and First Nation lands.


Beginning the evening of June 15th we welcome you to our Mixer/Social to reunite with old friends and colleagues and meet new ones. The next morning is the opening day of keynote messages,  presentations, and special  sessions on wild sheep and mountain goats. The Elko convention center is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Wednesday we will take a break and get some sunshine and fresh air by exploring the beautiful Ruby Mountains and the East Humboldt Range, home to iconic Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, and breathtaking alpine scenery. That evening we’ll celebrate at our Banquet/BBQ at the base of the Ruby Mountains. We’ll finish our 25th Anniversary Symposium June 18th with final presentations and closing remarks.

Many would be surprised to discover that Nevada is not all sagebrush and desert. Located in Northeastern Nevada, Elko and the Ruby Mountains are a prime example of the diverse and beautiful landscapes that are found hidden throughout the Silver State. This symposium will give an amazing opportunity for participants to see this region's exciting "Battle Born" western heritage and vibrant art scene, where colorful murals adorn historical brick buildings. Elko is also famous for its Basque culture so be sure to visit some of the famous Basque restaurants that reflect the local Basque culinary traditions. Just a short drive south, the Ruby Mountains rise majestically from the Great Basin Desert floor, providing access to lush alpine lakes, and high-elevation peaks over 10,000 feet. These rugged mountain ranges offer exceptional opportunities to observe the mountain ungulates that are the focus of our symposium.  

Keynote Speaker - Randy Newburg

Randy Newberg is a conservationist/hunter and voice of the public land hunter in the United States. Decades of chasing all species across public lands has provided both experience and perspective that has allowed Randy to become a leading advocate for maintaining public land hunting and wildlife conservation.  Randy grew up in northern Minnesota hunting and fishing, went to college in Reno, Nevada and spent most of his life in Montana, where he currently lives.

What started by accident, has grown into two popular TV shows, Fresh Tracks and On Your Own Adventures, accompanied by the long-standing Hunt Talk web forum. Now added to those platforms is the Hunt Talk Podcast where you get Randy Newberg, unfiltered.

Randy uses his platforms to advocate for hunters and public access. In addition to representing hunters in U.S. Congress and state legislatures, he serves as a volunteer and board member for many hunting and conservation groups.

Randy is excited and humbled to share his unique perspectives on how critically important our work is in conserving and managing mountain ungulate populations and their habitat across North America for our publics and future generations to enjoy.

Schedule

Monday 6/15 5:00pm-8:30 pmWelcome Mixer/Social, Registration, and Poster Session

Western Folk Life Center, 501 Railroad St, Elko, NV
Transportation/Shuttle from Hotel starting @ 4:45 pm

Tuesday 6/16 6:30am-8:00amBreakfast

Elko Convention Center 700 Moren Way, Elko, NV
15 - minute (7 blocks) walk from Hotel)

Tuesday 6/16 Breakfast/BreaksRegistration

Elko Convention Center
700 Moren Way, Elko, NV

Tuesday 6/16 8:00am-5:00pmKeynote Address and Symposium presentations

Elko Convention Center
700 Moren Way, Elko, NV

Tuesday 6/16 12:00pm-1:30pmBusiness Meeting/Lunch

Elko Convention Center
700 Moren Way, Elko, NV

Wednesday 6/17 5:00am-4:00pmChoice of Field Trip to Ruby Mountains or East Humboldt Range

Breakfast burrito, coffee/drink, and sack lunch provided; Transportation/Shuttle included from Hotel and back

Wednesday 6/17 6:00pm-9:00pmBanquet/BBQ

7th Canyon Ranch 2550 Clubine Rd, Lamoille, NV
Transportation/Shuttle included from Hotel and back

Thursday 6/18 8:00am-5:00pmSymposium presentations

Elko Convention Center
700 Moren Way, Elko, NV

Thursday 6/18 12:00am-1:00pmNo host Food Truck Lunch

Local Food Trucks will gather in front of Convention Center

Special hotel rates for attendees :

Our council has set up a room block with a negotiated rate for conferences attendees. The block consists of Deluxe queen and king rooms for $89 per night. 

Maverick Hotel and Casino :  https://book.rguest.com/onecart/wbe/offers/1832/Maverick-Elko?offerCode=NWSGC-2026

 To access the room block please follow the  links or use the Group Code NWSGC-2026

Gold Country Inn and Casino :  https://book.rguest.com/onecart/wbe/offers/1832/Gold-Country-Inn?offerCode=NWSGC2026

To access the room block please follow the  links or use the Group Code NWSGC2026


Registration

Full Registration**

**Includes Monday night Mixer/Social, all symposium sessions; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday breakfasts; Tuesday, Wednesday lunches; Wednesday Banquet/BBQ dinner.

The Virtual meeting registration options include online attendance to the stream of the symposium presentations. Questions and comments can be made through the stream chat and live voice. 

Participants will be emailed at a later date with a link and instructions on how to log in and participate (ask questions, provide comments, etc.) virtually in  the symposium.

 

Events

To add an event to your experience simply click the "ADD" button. Please note that the banquet is included in the full registration. You are welcome to register additional guests to the field trips and/or banquet. To do so click the "ADD" button again to add more guests.


  • Banquet

    Enjoy a delicious banquet dinner featuring a hearty BBQ-style menu. Guests will have their choice of smoked tri-tip, grilled chicken, or a vegetarian option. It’s the perfect setting to relax, connect, and celebrate over great food and even better company.

    $40.00 ea.

  • Island Lake - Himalayan Snowcock Experience

    An early start on June 17 sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure into the Ruby Mountains, hiking to beautiful Island Lake. This trek offers a rare chance to see or at least hear the elusive Himalayan snowcock. Beginning before dawn, the approximately two-mile hike leads to the lake in time to listen for the bird’s distinctive, far-carrying call echoing across the granite slopes. Crisp alpine air, breathtaking scenery, and the pursuit of one of North America’s most sought-after birds make this a truly unique experience. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

    $60.00 ea. [Sold Out]

  • Moderate Hike in Lamoille Canyon

    Explore the dramatic landscape of Lamoille Canyon on June 17 with a moderate hike that may cover up to 10 miles through some of Nevada’s most striking alpine terrain. Portions of the route may venture off trail into rugged granite slopes and glacial cirques. Along the way, hikers can take in sweeping mountain views, crystalline streams, and wildflower-filled meadows, while watching for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and the rare Himalayan snowcock. With its blend of challenge and scenery, this field trip offers a memorable day in the heart of the Ruby Mountains. Appropriate footwear and a daypack are recommended. Best suited for experienced hikers comfortable traveling off trail.

    $60.00 ea. [Sold Out]

  • Day Trip to Angel Lake

    Escape to breathtaking Angel Lake in the rugged East Humboldt Range on June 17th, for a more relaxed alpine adventure surrounded by the dramatic beauty akin to the nearby Ruby Mountains. NDOW will provide fishing gear and optics to registrants to fish for rainbow, tiger, and brook trout, and to glass for mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Registrants may also search around for alpine wildflowers or take a short 2.5-mile round trip hike to Smith Lake all while enjoying a laid-back day in one of Nevada’s most stunning high-mountain settings. Single day fishing permits are available online at ndowlicensing.com for those who may be interested.

    $60.00 ea.
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Thank you from the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Northern Wild Sheep & Goat Council.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s symposium.


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