Quick Tips
- ATVs and side-by-sides helpful
- Plan ahead to gain access to private ground
- Be prepared to hike in steep country
- Carry maps or a GPS with private land ownership outlined
- Buy a Forest Service map showing trailheads
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 180"+ |
On The Ground
Hunters find mule deer on the Carson Range, part of the Eldorado and Toiyabe National Forest, along with some private land.
Excellent hunting for resident deer as well as for bucks that migrate here from high mountains in California. Late archery season is popular. No antelope hunting takes place here.
Terrain
Steep, rugged mountains in the Carson Range rise above the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. Most mountain land is federal land and is part of the Toiyabe and El Dorado national forests. At high elevations alpine meadows with rock cliffs and outcroppings can be found. East of the range are private agricultural lowlands that are drained by such sloughs as Williams, Park and Bull, Johnson, Rocky and Brockliss, which feed the Carson River northwest of Dresslerville. Above the agricultural valleys are moderately steep hills. At high elevations are alpine meadows with rock cliffs and outcroppings. South and southeast of Dresslerville are several thousand acres of Toiyabe National Forest hills and flats around Mud Lake. Private flats and hills stretch to Topaz Lake in the southeastern corner.
Roughly 202 square miles
36.8% public land
Elevations from 4,500-9,591 feet East Peak
Vegetation
Irrigated crop fields on valley floors along with willows, cottonwood trees and brush along rivers and streams. Leading from the valley into the moderately steep hills are stands of tall sagebrush with buckbrush, mahoganies, pinyons and scattered conifers. At upper elevations grow thick brush and tall pines with some upper alpine meadows and rock fields.
Access
Private land comprises a large percentage of valley floors and low hills. The northern third of the unit is mostly Forest Service land with good road access. Around, but not bordering Mud Lake south of Dresslerville are several thousand acres of the Toiyabe National Forest. Jacks Valley Wildlife Management Area, administered by the Forest Service, is reached through gates on Highway 206 about 12 miles west of US 395. To reach benches above the Carson River in the south, drive from the east through Bodie Flat off US 395.
Private property delays access to some public land
Numerous trailheads lead into public hunting grounds
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs can be helpful in some areas
Motorized vehicles are restricted in some places
Main roads
US 395 is the eastern boundary
US 50 is the northern boundary
US 50 is part of the western boundary
Camping and Lodging
Lodging and other services are available at Carson City to the north, Gardnerville and South Lake Tahoe.
No public campgrounds
Hunters may camp on the Toiyabe National Forest
Do not start a campfire without a Forest Service permit
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