Quick Tips
- Limited cell phone service, often none
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 80"+ |
| California Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Hunters may recognize this unit from its two major features, the Black Rock Range and the Black Rock Desert, named for a prominent dark rock formation. Most of the land is covered by desert brush and is home to mule deer, California bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope.
Big muleys are easier to find during bow and late rifle seasons. Most deer are seen at high elevations or near water.
Terrain
The Black Rock Range has steep elevation changes, while the rest of the terrain is mostly mild to flat. Scattered natural and artificial water sources.
Roughly 1,416 square miles
96.8% public land
Elevations from 3,800-8,700 feet
Vegetation
Desert brush dominates the Black Rock Range and its foothills. Bitterbrush, aspens and mountain mahoganies grow in upper elevations. An ancient dry lake bed dominates the Black Rock Desert.
Access
Mostly public land with some private land at Soldier Meadows, Paiute Meadows, Battle Creek drainage, Bartlett Creek drainage and the Summit LakeIndian Reservation. Hunters may drive in most parts of the Back Rock Range. The northern half of the range has more roads open to motor vehicles. Route 217/Solider Meadows Road serves as the western boundary and the best primary route for reaching the western Black Rock Range. Lenard Creek Ranch Road accesses the eastern side of the range. Primitive roads branch from both routes and reach into most drainages. Some roads in the Black Rock Desert are busy during the yearly Burning Man event in late August and early September.
Camping and Lodging
Carry plenty of supplies, food, water and spare tires. Hunters may get motel rooms and supplies, have tires repaired, and take showers at Gerlach in the southwest, Winnemucca in the east, Denio Junction in the northeast and Lovelock in the south. Hunters may camp almost anywhere on public land, including scenic sites at Summit Lake.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
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