So much more than a desert, Nevada offers a variety of farming, ranching, and recreational opportunities from corner to corner of this vast and varied land.
Nevada History
Nevada's history begins with indigenous peoples who inhabited the region, including the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe tribes, who adapted to the arid environment. Steeped in mining and its role in the development of the American West, Nevada has grown leaps and bounds from its early settlement days in the early 19th century. The California Gold Rush in 1848 sparked a population boom and westward migration. The discovery of a silver deposit in Nevada in 1859 led to thousands of prospectors flocking to the region and establishing the Nevada Territory in 1861; Nevada became the 36th state of the United States in 1864. Industries, including mining, railroad expansion, legalized gambling, nuclear testing, and military presence, have molded the state into both a popular tourist destination and a thriving economy.
Hunting Land for Sale in Nevada
With a wide variety of small and large game, hunting land for sale in Nevada includes both small and large parcels with opportunities to hunt in mountain, desert, and forest regions. Since the US Bureau of Land Management manages a significant portion of Nevada’s public lands – forty-eight million acres to be exact – efforts are made to continue the long-standing tradition of hunting, as game includes pronghorn antelope, rocky mountain elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lions. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats provide exciting hunts and can be obtained through a lottery of limited-entry tags. Small game includes upland birds, wild turkey, grouse, and various waterfowl.
Nevada Ranch Land for Sale
When searching for ranch land for sale in Nevada, consider location, water rights, access to utilities, zoning regulations, and your specific ranching goals. Livestock ranches are found in nearly every county, as cattle and sheep raising is especially important in the northeastern region of the state. Nevada also boasts a large amount of public rangelands that are open to grazing through permits issued by federal agencies, including the BLM.
Nevada Farm Land for Sale
Despite the arid and semi-arid climate of Nevada posing a very real risks of drought, as water scarcity, wildfires, and predators can also impact ranch and farm operations, agriculture is a top contributor to the Nevada economy. Crops include alfalfa, barley, wheat, oats, corn, potatoes, onion, garlic, melons, and hay and thrive in Elko County farmlands. Specialty crops like lavender, wine grapes, and organic produce require specific irrigation methods. Farmers working Nevada’s 2,500 farms increasingly use sustainable and organic strategies to support these crops. Farm land for sale in Nevada can be found in rural and suburban areas around the state, thriving within the growing network of farmers’ markets, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), and direct-to-consumer sales. The “silver state’s” poultry and dairy farms are mainly near the nightlife hub of Las Vegas at the southern tip of the state and the second-largest Nevada town, Reno, in the northwest.
Nevada Water Rights and Nevada Waterways
Water sources such as streams, rivers, ponds, and wells provide drinking water for cattle and irrigate pastures. Nevada follows the Prior Appropriation Doctrine, which dictates that the first person or entity to use water from a source has the priority right to that water. Groundwater, surface water, and trans-basin water transfers as well as the state’s abundance of creeks, lakes, and reservoirs, are monitored and regulated by the Nevada Division of Water Resources. Large waterways include the Colorado, Truckee, and Humboldt Rivers and several smaller rivers and creeks, which serve as crucial surface water sources for agriculture, municipal supply, and recreation. The state is also part of several interstate water agreements to support the conservation and management of water rights and usage across state boundaries.
Nevada Mineral Rights
Known for its rich mineral resources as a leading producer of gold, silver, copper, and other valuable materials and minerals, Nevada has a long history of mining. Federal and state laws govern mining claims and mineral rights, as the Nevada Division of Minerals regulates mining activities and oversees compliance with environmental regulations and mineral resource development.
Nevada Industry & Recreation
Nevada hosts a diverse and growing economy with various industries and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Tourism and hospitality are two of the state’s top industries: Las Vegas is renowned for its entertainment, casino gaming, and world-class resorts that attract millions of visitors annually, while Highway 50, “The Loneliest Road in America,” is known as the gateway to ghost towns and historic mining communities. Mining and mineral extraction, agriculture, renewable energy, aerospace and defense, and manufacturing all have their place in the state’s economic output and employment.
Outdoor recreation abounds in Nevada. Anglers can visit creeks, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes to fish for trout, bluegill, perch, bass, catfish, and crappie. Hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, and campers can all find fun in areas like Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Great Basin National Park, and other state parks throughout the state. Renowned Death Valley National Park - the hottest, dryest, and lowest place in North America - lies just northwest of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. In the state's center, the highways traverse a slide of the American West’s stunning scenery, intriguing geology, and natural wonders.
Land for Sale in Nevada
From sandstone canyons, red rock, and rocky mountain peaks to the sweeping desert, Nevada is ready for those seeking rural land for sale in Nevada to create the investment opportunity, home, or lifestyle you seek. Connect with your local Whitetail Properties Land Specialist to find your ideal Nevada property for sale today.
