Quick Tips
- Cell phone service is limited
- No cell phone service in the eastern side
- Visit Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge just north of the unit
- Enjoy fishing and waterfowl hunting at Ruby Lake NWR
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 260"-310" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
Mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope live in this unit, which is just south of the Ruby Valley and includes Big Baldy Mountain, Small Baldy Mountain, Alligator Ridge, part of Long Valley, Buck Mountain and part of the Butte Mountains.
The best seasons for hunting trophy size deer are late rifle and late archery.
Terrain
Some parts of the Ruby Mountains are steep, particularly slopes on Big Bald, Little Bald and Buck mountains. Rolling hills, deep and shallow swales, benches and flats comprise most of the area. Big Bald Mountain is about 9,300 feet above sea level. The lowest part of the unit is in the northwest, where land is just above 5,800 feet in elevation. Water sources are scattered with a number of them on Buck and Big Bald mountains.
Roughly 679 square miles
99.1% public land
Elevations from 5,800-9,300 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush takes up a lot this area, especially at elevations below 6,500 feet. Dense patches of pinyon and juniper trees cover much of the Ruby Mountains and Antelope Mountain. Small stands of quaking aspens and mountain mahoganies grow on Buck Mountain.
Access
Virtually all land is public with good vehicle access. Public access through Bald Mountain Mine property is restricted, but alternative routes exist. Hikers can get virtually anywhere vehicles cannot reach. White Pine County Road 1 and Warm Springs Road access in the western part of the unit, US Highway 50 in the south, Overton Pass Road in the north, and White Pine County Road 3 in the east. White Pine County Road 4 reaches the center of the unit. Many primitive routes branch from each of these roads.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can get motel rooms and supplies in Eureka to the west or Ely to the east. Motels also are in Elko to the north on Interstate 80. Fuel, hot meals and supplies are available in Spring Creek to the north. Hunters may camp almost anywhere on public land.
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