Quick Tips
- Limited cell phone service, often none
- Deer, elk and antelope seasons often overlap, resulting in crowding
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 300"-340" | 350"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Mostly covered by sagebrush with trees on its upper slopes and in its high draws, this unit borders Idaho and has Mountain City and Duck Valley Indian Reservation on its western edge. Most of the land is in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and is home to mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope.
Deer are scattered accross all elevations. The best dates for tagging a trophy class buck are during the late rifle season. Archers and muzzleloader hunters often enjoy great elk rutting action.
Terrain
Near Idaho and the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, hunting grounds in the northeast feature steep canyons, while rolling hills, peaks and deep and shallow drainages sprawl across the rest of the unit. Centrally situated Merritt Mountain is the highest point at almost 8,789 feet above sea level.
Roughly 333 square miles
80% public land
Elevations from about 3,800-8,789 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush dominates much of the unit, dense patches of aspen and mountain mahogany grow above 6,000 feet. Stands of bitterbrush, limber pine, serviceberry, tobacco brush and chokecherry are intermittent. Wet willows and wet meadows provide game feed in drainage bottoms.
Access
The vast majority of this unit is in the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest, which has excellent vehicle access. Regions with no road access can be reached on foot. Some private parcels are near Mountain City and along the Meadow Creek Road near Wild Horse Reservoir. Hunting is prohibited on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation although public access is permitted. Mountain City Highway leads to hunting areas in the west, while Forest Road 037 accesses eastern parts of the unit. Both roads lead to southern hills and canyons. A lot of dirt roads lead to interior hunting areas. During the late seasons snow on the ground might keep vehicles from using Forest Road 037 to reach the northern reaches of the unit, but some areas can be reached through Idaho. The best route from the north is Rowland Route Road, which branches south from Idaho Route 51/Nevada Route 227 at Grasmere, Idaho.
Camping and Lodging
Carry plenty of supplies, food, water and spare tires. Hunters can get motel rooms and supplies in Mountain City and Elko and can buy supplies and fuel in Jarbidge and Owyhee, which is on the reservation. Campsites are at Wild Horse Reservoir and Big Bend public campgrounds. Many hunters camp along dirt roads.
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