Quick Tips
- Four-wheel-drive ATVs and side by sides are helpful
- Be prepared for camping and hiking in big, steep country
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 330"-370" | 370"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 80"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
This large unit includes the Toquima Range in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Diverse terrain is home to elk, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and antelope. Some private property is in desert valleys, such as the Monitor Valley, but most land is public, including some wilderness around Mount Jefferson.
Hunters who scout before the season hunt hard and exercise patience to have a good chance of killing bigger bucks. A good number of elk live here and in the bordering sister Unit 162 to the west. More elk live in the Monitor Mountains in Unit 162, where elk tag holders also may hunt. Healthy numbers of desert bighorns live in high terrain.
Terrain
The terrain varies from low-lying valleys with some agricultural fields to mountains that reach about 9,000-10,500 feet above sea level. The high point is Mount Jefferson at 11,824 feet in the Alta Toquima Wilderness. Both sides of the range rise gradually from the valley floors to moderate and steep peaks. The southern tip of the unit is about 16 miles northeast of Tonopah.
Roughly 1,448 square miles
97.4% public land
Elevations range from about 5,500-11,824 feet
Vegetation
Large sagebrush-filled valleys lead into the foothills covered with pinyon and juniper trees. From about 7,500-8,500 feet of open sagebrush basins with some aspen pockets along water sources lie below ridges lined with mahogany trees and rock outcroppings. Above 8,500 feet are large sagebrush basins, vertical ridges and mountains.
Access
Public roads, ranging from maintained gravel roads to four-wheel-drive and ATV trails which lead to good places to start hunting.
Mostly public land
Private property has little impact on access to hunting areas
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are important
Horses can be helpful to get away from the crowds
Hikers must hike or ride horses in wilderness
Main roads:
Highway 376 in the west
Highway 50 in the north
Belmont Road in the east
Highway 376 and Belmont Rd tie together to form the southern boundary
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can find lodging, restaurants and fuel in Austin to the north and Tonopah to the south. Carvers and Hadley on Highway 376 in Smoky Valley have limited services. Camping spots for RVs as well as tents are along both sides of the range. Backpack hunters can set up spike camps in the high country.
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