Hunters find mule deer on the Carson Range, part of the Eldorado and Toiyabe National Forest, along with some private land.

Excellent hunting for resident deer as well as for bucks that migrate here from high mountains in California. Late archery season is popular. No antelope hunting takes place here.

Steep, rugged mountains in the Carson Range rise above the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. Most mountain land is federal land and is part of the Toiyabe and El Dorado national forests. At high elevations alpine meadows with rock cliffs and outcroppings can be found. East of the range are private agricultural lowlands that are drained by such sloughs as Williams, Park and Bull, Johnson, Rocky and Brockliss, which feed the Carson River northwest of Dresslerville. Above the agricultural valleys are moderately steep hills. At high elevations are alpine meadows with rock cliffs and outcroppings. South and southeast of Dresslerville are several thousand acres of Toiyabe National Forest hills and flats around Mud Lake. Private flats and hills stretch to Topaz Lake in the southeastern corner.

Irrigated crop fields on valley floors along with willows, cottonwood trees and brush along rivers and streams. Leading from the valley into the moderately steep hills are stands of tall sagebrush with buckbrush, mahoganies, pinyons and scattered conifers. At upper elevations grow thick brush and tall pines with some upper alpine meadows and rock fields.

Private land comprises a large percentage of valley floors and low hills. The northern third of the unit is mostly Forest Service land with good road access. Around, but not bordering Mud Lake south of Dresslerville are several thousand acres of the Toiyabe National Forest. Jacks Valley Wildlife Management Area, administered by the Forest Service, is reached through gates on Highway 206 about 12 miles west of US 395. To reach benches above the Carson River in the south, drive from the east through Bodie Flat off US 395.

Main roads

Lodging and other services are available at Carson City to the north, Gardnerville and South Lake Tahoe.