Quick Tips
- ATVs and side by sides helpful
- Little to no service for cellphones
- Prepare for desert conditions
- Hunting can be physically demanding
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 140"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-155" | 155"+ |
On The Ground
Holding most of the Eldorado Mountains bordering the Colorado River and Lake Mohave, Unit 266 offers hunting for desert bighorn sheep and a few mule deer. Hunters can use roads to access sheep hunting areas, or they enjoy the unusual opportunity of using a boat on Lake Mohave.
Hunters report seeing a few different rams, making for enjoyable hunting. Most rams are in the Boy Scout Canyon and Burro Wash areas. Spot-and-stalk hunting is physically demanding. Resident deer numbers are low.
Terrain
Mostly desert terrain with rugged, steep mountains and rocky ledges, particularly in Black Canyon and Eldorado wilderness areas. Almost all hunting is inside Lake Mead Recreation Area. A small part is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Softly rolling desert hills are at the base of the mountain ranges. Broken granite can make for unstable footing during hiking.
Roughly 205 square miles
95.1% public land
Elevations from 700 feet at Lake Mojave to 3,800 feet at Oak Creek Canyon
Vegetation
Cactus and creosote brush and white bursage at lower elevations with mahogany woodlands at higher elevations.
Access
Roads lead to good starting points to hunt almost all areas. In the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which is open to hunting, access is good on a network of NPS roads. Boats may be used to reach starting points to hunt along Lake Mohave.
Some parts have restrictions on motors
Use maps to see restricted areas
Well-groomed county and powerline roads
Camping and Lodging
Boulder City is in the unit and offers lodging. Some hunters might choose to travel farther to Henderson or Las Vegas, which is about 30 minutes away.
Most hunters camp in the unit
Camping allowed on public land
Motorized equipment such as chainsaws are restricted in places
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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