Quick Tips
- Four-wheel ATVs, side-by-sides and horses are helpful
- Be prepared for camping and hiking in big country
- Carry extra fuel and spare tires
- Chukar season opens in October
- Bring a shotgun and buy an upland bird stamp
- Some creeks hold trout
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 280"-320" | 330"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
| California Bighorn Sheep | 150"-165" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
This unit includes the Santa Rosa Range and the Owyhee Desert in Humboldt County. Diverse terrain is mostly public but includes private property in the valleys.
Deer live in the lower valleys and foothills of the unit as well as around private agricultural fields. There is a small population of california bighorn's here and trophy class rams are hard to find. Low numbers of elk are found within the unit. Rifle hunt with rut dates opened in 2015 for residents only.
Terrain
Irrigated crop fields and large desert valleys to moderately steep hills and steep mountains and peaks in the Santa Rosa Range of the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest.
Roughly 2,697 square miles
71.6% public land
Elevations from 5,000-10,000 feet
Vegetation
Large sagebrush valleys with agricultural fields lead into 6,500-7500-foot hills covered with brush, pinyon pines and juniper trees. Above 7,500 feet are open sagebrush basins with aspens around water sources. These are connected to steep ridges with some mahogany, limber pines, cliffs and rock formations.
Access
Lots of public roads, ranging from paved highways and maintained gravel roads to four-wheel-drive and ATV trails, lead to good places to start hunting. Part of the southern Santa Rosa Range is designated wilderness with restricted access. Private property in the valleys impede access to some public land, but public roads lead to many good starting points.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are important.
Horses are helpful
No motor vehicles in Santa Rosa-Paradise Peak Wilderness
Main roads:
Highway 95, the western boundary
Oregon line, the northern boundary
Interstate 80, the southern boundary
Multiple roads access the east
Camping and Lodging
Winnemucca, Paradise Valley, McDerrmit and Orovada have services such as fuel, food and lodging. Hunters may pitch tents or park RVs at lots of spots within the unit.
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