Quick Tips
- Limited cell phone service in most areas
- A lot of seasons for deer, elk and antelope overlap, resulting in high hunter traffic and competition for space
- Hunters can camp anywhere on public land, including the scenic area at Willow Creek Reservoir
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 290"-330" | 350"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
The Tuscarora Mountains, in the northern half of this area, is one of the notable things about this portion land. Residing north of the Midas Road, between State Route 226 and Midas, most of this land is covered in sagebrush, mixed aspen and serviceberry. Home to mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope.
Decent summering elk population, which also serves as a transitional migration and winter range for some elk out of Bull Run Mountains to the north. Deer found at all elevations, more found above 6,500 feet. Late rifle season is best for locating and tagging trophy bucks.
Terrain
Steep terrain in Sheep Creek Range and Tuscarora Mountains, but most of the land consists of mild terrain with rolling hills, shallow and deep swales, benches and flats. Beaver Peak, in the Tuscarora Mountains, is the highest point of elevation at 8,700 feet. Lowest elevations are in the flats near Battle Mountain and Boulder Valley. Multiple water sources can be found throughout the unit, but the majority can be found at elevations above 6,500 feet.
Roughly 632 square miles
61.7% public land
Elevations from 5,000-8,700 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush covers most of this area, with patches of bitterbrush, dense aspen and service berry in some areas throughout the Tuscarora Mountains. Much of the lower foothills and benches of the Tuscarora Mountains have been subject to fire over the past two decades. Burned regions, especially at elevations of 6,500 feet and lower are mainly covered in cheatgrass. Burned regions above 6,500 feet have nearly been reestablished with native grasses that are favorable for elk. Brush species like sage and bitterbrush continue to recover in these areas, but at a slow rate.
Access
Widely public land with vehicle access to most regions. Regions that are not road accessible can be reached by foot. Much of Independence Valley is privately owned by several ranching entities, each of which strictly prohibit public trespassing. Much of the area within and near the town of Tuscarora is also privately owned. Alternate routes allow the public to get around each of these private parcels.
State Route 226 provides the best access to the eastern side of the unit, while the Midas Road provides the best access to the southern reaches of the unit. The North and western parts are best accesses from the Scraper Spring/Deep Creek Road. The Rock Creek Road provides the best access into the central region of the unit. All primitive routes stemming from these major travel routes provide better access to specific areas of the unit.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may get motel rooms and general supplies in Battle Mountain to the southwest, Elko to the southeast, Carlin to the south, or Mountain City to the north east. More lodging accommodations are provided in Elko. Hot meals are offered in Midas, as well as at the Taylor Canyon Station, located east on State Route 226. RV parking, with utility hookups available is provided at the Taylor Canyon Station.
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