Please be aware that boundary changes were made in this zone beginning in 2017. The zone was split with the portion west of highway 395 now being the Goodale hunt zone. The Independence zone is the portion of the zone east of highway 395. Independence tags are only valid in the Independence zone.

Expect saltbush, salt grass, and sage brush. Elk are likely to be found in the river valley floor in dense brush or willow patches, or in the foothills.

The terrain in this zone has a huge variation from the lowlands up to the high mountain peaks. Most of the terrain that the elk will be located in is the rolling river bottom country and the nearby foot hills.

Some of the more conspicuous habitat types include Great Basin sagebrush, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Jeffrey Pine Forest, Montane Chaparral, and Montane Riparian Forest. Great Basin sagebrush scrub is an upland habitat type associated with the drier valley bottoms and alluvial fans. This habitat type supports numerous shrub species that provide quality forage and cover. Elk are typically found in the lower river bottom county where there is abundant water and wetlands.

The main access roads around the hunting zone will be Highway 395 on the west side, Mazourka Canyon Road to the south and east. There are several other maintained and unmaintained roads that intersect the zone.

There is a wide variety of camping opportunities on USFS, BLM, and county lands. For areas where dispersed camping is allowed, you need to obtain a California Campfire Permit for the use of any open flame (including gas stoves, lanterns, wood fires, charcoal fires, or smoking). These permits can be obtained at no cost from any Inyo National Forest Ranger Station and BLM office. Open flame of any kind may be restricted during times of high fire danger.

Most services are located within the various towns scattered along the base of the Sierra Nevada escarpment, including Olancha, Lone Pine, Independence, Bishop, and Benton.

Hunters are advised to have full gasoline tanks when entering the field and to carry a shovel, serviceable spare tire, and extra food and water.