Quick Tips
- ATVs and side-by-sides are helpful
- Be prepared for camping and hiking in big and steep country
- High-quality optics can save miles of walking
- If cold weather arrives early, deer simply drop in elevation until temperatures moderate
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 330"-370" | 370"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 80"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
This large unit features the Monitor Range in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, which also includes Table Mountain Wilderness. Elk and mule deer thrive in the mountains, while antelope live in low country. A small number of desert bighorn sheep also inhabit some of the rough terrain.
This unit also has a large elk herd with some bulls scoring high in B&C records. There is a small population of desert bighorn sheep.
Terrain
The Monitor Range dominates the landscape. The mountains are high above the Monitor Valley to the west and the Antelope and Little Fish Lake valleys to the east. Gradually rising above the valley floors are ridges and foothills. Parts of the Monitor Range are steep, while others feature high, flattened ridges, flats and high basins. Valleys range from about 5,500-7,000 feet in elevation while many peaks are between 8,500 and 10,888 feet.
Roughly 1,949 square miles
98.9% public land
Elevations range from about 5,500-10,888 feet
Vegetation
Valleys are dominated by sagebrush, while foothills are mainly covered with pinyons and junipers. From about 7,500-8,500 feet in elevation are open sagebrush basins with some aspen pockets along water sources. Ridges are lined with mahoganies and feature rock outcroppings. Above 8,500 feet are large sagebrush basins, vertical ridges and mountains, steep cliffs and rock formations. On a big plateau formation are sagebrush ridges, meadows, quaking aspens and some conifers. Some of the high aspens are stunted and grow close together in jungle-like groves that deer and elk favor for cover and feed.
Access
Most of this unit is public land, and it is reached by public roads, ranging from maintained gravel roads to four-wheel-drive and ATV trails. Barley Creek Trail is the most heavily used access to the wilderness.
Private property has little impact on access to hunting areas
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are important
Horses can be helpful to get away from the crowds and access wilderness
No vehicles, not even mountain bikes, are allowed in Table Mountain Wilderness
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can find lodging, restaurants and fuel in Austin, Tonopah and Eureka. Some camping spots for RVs as well as tents are along both sides of the range. Backpack hunters may camp in the high country.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
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