Quick Tips
- Trout in some creeks, including rainbows, cutthroats and browns
- Four-wheel ATVs and side by sides helpful
- Be prepared for camping and hiking in big country
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 320"-350" | 350"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 155"+ |
On The Ground
This unit includes the long Toiyabe Range between Austin and Tonopah in the Toyaibe National Forest. Terrain is diverse and includes some private property in valley floors but is mostly public. Hunters can get away from other hunters by hiking into the 115,000-acre Arc Dome Wilderness in the south.
A growing number of elk live in the south side of this unit. The desert bighorn sheep population is very healthy. Backpack hunting is usefull when looking for deer. Most animals are away from roads and crowds.
Terrain
The terrain is varied with low-lying valleys with crop fields to peaks more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The western side of the range has gradual slopes, while the eastern side rises steeply from the valley floor.
Roughly 1561 square miles
96.7% public land
Elevations mostly 6,000-10,000 feet
Vegetation
Large sagebrush valleys lead into 6,000-7,500 foot hills covered with pinyon and juniper trees. From about 7,500 to 8,500 feet open sagebrush basins with aspen pockets along water sources lie below ridges lined with mahogany and rock outcroppings. Above 8,500 feet are vertical ridges and mountains, large pines, steep cliffs and rock formations.
Access
Lots of public roads, ranging from maintained gravel roads to four-wheel-drive and ATV trails, lead to good places to start hunting. Much of the south is closed to motor vehicles, but roads lead to takeoff points.
Private property does not impact access to public land.
Horses can be a huge asset to hunters in the Arc Dome Wilderness.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs are important.
Main roads:
Highway 376, the eastern boundary
Highway 50 on the northern end
Highway 21 on the eastern side
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can find lodging, restaurants and fuel in Austin in the north and Tonopah in the south. Carvers and Hadley on Highway 376 in Smoky Valley sometimes have services. Camping spots for RVs as well as tents are along both sides of the Toiyabe Range. Backpack hunters often set up spike camps in the high country.
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
March 2025
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5