At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Limited cell phone service, often none
- During late seasons plan to have tire chains
- ATV or snowmobile is helpful in deep snow
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
| Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |


Hunters discussing Unit 081 in Nevada shared experiences emphasizing the challenging terrain that requires good physical preparation due to its rugged and steep nature. Many noted the lower densities of game like mule deer and elk but highlighted that successful hunts often involve exploring less accessible areas that can offer rewarding encounters. Due to these conditions, they recommend careful planning around the season to best match the species pursued and maximize opportunities. Notably, understanding the draw odds and having a well-thought-out scouting plan were underscored as vital to improving the likelihood of a successful hunt in this unit.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
| Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
Located in the very northeast corner of Nevada, this unit has rolling hill country with many burns and open sage-covered terrain. Deer seasons are later in the year than most other units to accommodate the migration into the unit from Utah and Idaho and the neighboring Nevada units. Later deer seasons can require snow chains or snow machines to get around. Big bull elk can also be found within the unit.
On years with good snowfall in November and hunting pressure from other areas, the deer migration can move a high population of bucks in this unit. Resident deer are also found within the unit, but the migration will make the hunt better. The November archery season is a great time to chase bucks in the rut. Some of the migrating deer will not spend multiple days in the same area so hunters should not count on returning to harvest a buck later in the season.
Most of the unit is gentle, rolling terrain and is not physically challenging to hike. Long draws, ridges and hillsides are found throughout the unit across the low mountain ranges. Delano Peak represents the highest point within the unit at nearly 7,850 feet. Montello in the southern end of the unit is the lowest point at 4,900 feet. Several high points found within the unit provide good glassing vantage points. Some of the unit has long slopes with good feed that are easy to glass.
Hunter access is good across nearly all of the unit. The Winecup Ranch owns property within the unit and limits access, but most of the unit is easily accessed by vehicle or ATV/UTV on the many roads found. The majority of the unit is public land. Various primitive roads may be difficult to access, especially in the late seasons during snowy conditions. Tire chains are often necessary in snow. In some cases, snowmobiles are helpful to access parts of the unit during the late seasons.
Some of the unit has been burned in recent year and now provides good feed for game. Pinyon and juniper stands are found in many parts of the unit and can be thick in some locations making glassing challenging. Sagebrush covers most of the unit. Some areas have small stands of mountain mahoganies and aspen trees in the highest elevations. Desert shrub can be found in the lower valley bottoms.
Montello provides the only services close to the unit. A very limited number of rooms are available and a small store has limited supplies and fuel. Jackpot also has services, but is found further from the unit. Hunters can camp anywhere on public land.
Roughly 663 square miles
75.8% public land
Elevations from about 4,900-7,850 feet