Quick Tips
- Conditions during the elk hunting season can be quite warm, even with mild temperatures an improperly handled carcass can lead to spoilage
- This is the largest of the small regional zones in this part of the state, but still small enough to allow a hunter to cover most of it effectively in one summer of scouting
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Tule Elk | 230"-240" | 250"+ |
On The Ground
The Lone Pine zone is located in in the Owens Valley east of highway 395 in the southeast portion of the state, south of the Independence zone, near the town of Lone Pine. The high desert valley has elevations in the 3,000s, leading up into BLM land with elevations up the 11,000s. There is a very small portion of Inyo National Forest at the north end of the zone and a small portion of Death Valley National Park on the east side of the zone.
This is the largest of the small regional zones in this part of the state, but still small enough to allow a hunter to cover most of it effectively in one summer of scouting.
Terrain
The terrain in this zone has a huge variation from the lowlands up to the high mountain peaks. Most of the terrain that the elk will be located in is the rolling river bottom country and the nearby foot hills.
Roughly 696 square miles
99% public land
Elevations range from 3,500 – 11,100 feet
Vegetation
Some of the more conspicuous habitat types include Great Basin sagebrush, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Jeffrey Pine Forest, Montane Chaparral, and Montane Riparian Forest. Great Basin sagebrush scrub is an upland habitat type associated with the drier valley bottoms and alluvial fans. This habitat type supports numerous shrub species that provide quality forage and cover. Elk are typically found in the lower river bottom county where there is abundant water and wetlands.
Access
The main access roads around the hunting zone will be Highway 395 on the west side, Highway 190 to the south, and the Saline Valley Road to the east. There are several other maintained and unmaintained roads that intersect the zone.
Camping and Lodging
There is a wide variety of camping opportunities on USFS, BLM, and county lands. For areas where dispersed camping is allowed, you need to obtain a California Campfire Permit for the use of any open flame (including gas stoves, lanterns, wood fires, charcoal fires, or smoking). These permits can be obtained at no cost from any Inyo National Forest Ranger Station and BLM office. Open flame of any kind may be restricted during times of high fire danger.
Some elk hunters frequent the campgrounds around Lake Diaz.
Most services are located within the various towns scattered along the base of the Sierra Nevada escarpment, including Olancha, Lone Pine, Independence, Bishop, and Benton.
Hunters are advised to have full gasoline tanks when entering the field and to carry a shovel, serviceable spare tire, and extra food and water.
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