Quick Tips
- Limited cell phone service, often none
- Carry plenty of supplies, water and fuel
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 300"-340" | 350"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Featuring the Schell Creek Range, this unit has an elevation change of more than 6,000 feet from desert valleys to alpine peaks and has produced trophy-size mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope. Vegetation ranges from sagebrush to dense forests and aspens and from pinyon-juniper woodlands to subalpine firs and pines and alpine tundra.
Late rifle season is best for finding trophy class mule deer.
Terrain
Much of the Schell Creek Range is steep, especially in the southern half. Elsewhere the range features gentle slopes, rolling hills, swales and benches. North Schell Peak, located near the center of the unit, is the highest point at 11,883 feet above sea level.
Roughly 1,156 square miles
93.3% public land
Elevations from about 5,600-11,883 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush takes up much of the landscape, but some areas are dense pinyon/juniper woods. Quaking aspens grow in many drainages. Mountain mahogany stands are on many ridges above 7,000 feet. Bitterbrush and serviceberry bushes are scattered above 6,000 feet. Greasewood, fourwing saltbush and other desert shrubs cover much of the low benches and flats.
Access
Most land is public and road access is good. No vehicles are allowed in High Schell Wilderness. Private land exists in Steptoe Valley in the west, especially near McGill and Ely. Some private parcels are also in Spring Valley. Roads and trails go around most private land.
The western part of the unit is best reached from US Highway 93. White Pine County Road 31 is the best way to reach the eastern part of the unit. Each of these routes also provide access to the north. US Highway 50 access the far southern area. State Route 893 and Kalamazoo Road allow hunters to travel between the west and east. State Route 483 accesses Duck Creek Valley. Primitive routes that stem from each of these primary roads.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may get motel rooms and general supplies in Ely and Wells, and may buy fuel and get hot meals in McGill. Hunters may camp anywhere on public land.
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