Quick Tips
- Limited cell phone service, often none on the eastern side of the unit
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
The boundaries for this unit encompass the central portion of the Ruby Mountains, ranging from 5,600-10,800 feet above sea level. Most of the land is covered by sagebrush with mixed aspen, mountain mahoganies, high alpine pine tree and more. This unit is home to mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and Rocky Mountain goats.
Good mule deer population and considered a good unit by hunters looking for mature mule deer. Late rifle and late archery seasons are best for locating trophy mule deer bucks.
Terrain
Steep terrain throughout the Ruby Mountains. The remainder of the unit exhibits rolling hills, deep and shallow swales, benches and flats. Pearl Peak is the highest point of elevation at approximately 10,800 feet above mean sea level. The lowest elevations reside in the far western part of the unit, at just above 5,600 feet above mean sea level. Dense concentrations of water sources at elevations above 6,500 feet with fewer scattered sources in the lower elevations.
Roughly 253 square miles
95.6% public land
Elevations from 5,200-11,300 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush takes up much of the unit, but dense patches of bitterbrush and serviceberry can also be found in some areas, particularly in the elevations ranging from 5,500-7,500. Stands of quaking aspens cover portions of most drainages above 6,500 feet. Mountain mahogany, high alpine pines and tobacco brush stands are in elevations from 7,500 feet and above. Most of the slopes and foothills from 6,000-8,000 feet above sea level harbor. This area also has dense thickets of pinyon and juniper trees. The western and northeastern foothills of the Ruby Mountains have been subject to range fire in the past couple decades. These areas have been reestablished with native bunch grasses, as well as invasive cheatgrass. Native brush, forbes and trees are slowly reestablishing themselves in these burned areas. Major drainages in the Ruby Mountains harbor perennial creeks and wet meadows.
Access
The majority of the unit is public land and public vehicle access is good in the lowest elevations, and fair in mid to high elevations. Little private land on eastern and western fringes. These parcels prohibit public access, but alternative routes around these parcels are available. Despite the available vehicle access, hunters should plan to access most of the Ruby Mountains by foot.
State Route 228 and the Ruby Valley Road borders the unit to the west and east. Each give good access to the eastern and western faces of the Ruby Mountains. Harrison Pass Road serves as the best primary route to access the north reaches, while the Overton Pass Road provides the best access to the southern reaches of the unit. The National Forest Road 362 provides good direct vehicle access to the high elevations of the central region of the Ruby Mountains.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may get motel rooms and general supplies in Elko, located along US Highway Interstate 80. Fuel, hot meals and general supplies are available in Spring Creek, located north of the unit. Hunters can camp anywhere on public land.
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