Quick Tips
- Limited cell phone service, often none
- This unit is fairly isolated, so hunters should come well prepared with supplies, water and fuel
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 300"-330" | 350"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Hunters recognize the Cherry Creek and Egan Ranges as the major landmarks for this unit. Elevations range from 6,000-10,400 feet above sea level, most of the land is covered by sagebrush with areas of dense pinyon and juniper trees and small pockets of mountain mahogany and quaking aspens. Home to mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope.
Good mule deer population and is considered a decent unit by many hunters. The late rifle and late archery seasons are best for locating trophy mule deer bucks.
Terrain
Steep terrain in many regions of the Cherry Creek and Egan Ranges. The remainder of the unit exhibits rolling hills, deep and shallow swales, benches, and flats. An unnamed peak of the Cherry Creek Range, located directly north of the town of Cherry Creek approximately 4.5 miles, is the highest point at approximately 10,400 feet. The lowest elevations reside at just above 6,000 feet above sea level. Water sources are scattered with higher concentrations above 6,500 feet elevation.
Roughly 1,261 square miles
91.9% public land
Elevations from 6,000-10,400 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush dominates much of the unit. Dense patches of pinyon and juniper trees dominate much of each of the mountain ranges. Small stands of quaking aspens and mountain mahoganies are also in each of the unit’s mountain ranges. Bitterbrush and service berry can be found intermittently throughout 6,000 feet in elevation. The unit’s flats and low lying valleys are primarily inhabited by winter fat, greasewood, fourwing saltbrush and other desert shrubs.
Access
The majority of the unit is public land, and public vehicle access is good throughout most of the unit. Hunters may find that certain regions of the unit lack public roads; however all public land is otherwise accessible by hikers. Private land intermittently throughout Steptoe Valley on the east side of the unit and within and near MCGill and Ely. Alternate routes are available that enable hunters to drive around or through these private areas.
The Butte Valley Road and the White Pine County Road 19 and 17 serve as the best means to access the western reaches of the unit, while US Highway 50 serves as the best means to access the southern portion of the unit. The eastern part of the unit is best accessed from US Highway 93. State Route 489 splits the northern and southern halves of the unit, and allows hunters to quickly access the eastern side of the unit from the west and vice versa. Primitive routes that stem from each of these primary routes provide better direct access specific areas of the unit.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may get motel rooms and general supplies in Ely at the south end of the unit. Hunters may also find lodging in Wells located to the north, if they plan to hunt the northern reaches of the unit. Fuel and hot meals can be found in McGill near Ely.
Hunters can camp anywhere on public land.
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