Quick Tips
- Bring a four-wheel-drive ATV or side-by-side
- Be prepared for dry, open country
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Mule deer and antelope unit is about 30 miles southwest of Elko and includes the Cortez Mountains, Dry Hills, Crescent Valley and Pine Valley. Land is mostly public, but some property on valley floors is private. This area allows hunters to get away from other hunters in sister units.
Terrain
Valleys with agriculture fields lie at about 5,000 feet above sea level. The Cortez Mountains reach as high as 9,153 feet above sea level, while the smaller Dry Hills are mostly 5,500-6,200 feet in elevation. Both sides of both ranges rise gradually from lowlands mostly moderately steep slopes and a few steep peaks.
Roughly 841 square miles
68% public land
Elevations from about 5,000-9,153 feet
Vegetation
Large sagebrush valleys lead into 6,000-7,500-foot hills, where pinyon pines and junipers are scattered, mainly in the south. From about 7,500-9,000 feet the country is mainly open sagebrush basins with some aspen pockets along water sources. Ridges are lined with rock outcroppings.
Access
Mostly public land that can be reached from different public roads, ranging from maintained gravel roads to four-wheel-drive and ATV trails.
North half is private or private and BLM land in a checkerboard pattern
Northern quarter of Cortez Mountains is on private land
South half of the unit is mostly BLM land
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are important
Access in the east is from Highway 278 and in the west is from Highway 306
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can find lodging, restaurants and fuel in Carlin, Battle Mountain and Eureka. There are a lot of camping spots for RVs as well as tents are along both sides of the Cortez Range.
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