Quick Tips
- 4-wheel ATVs and side-by-sides helpful
- The ability to gain access to private ground will be helpful
- A detailed map of the Unit Area that contains highlighted Private and Restricted use areas will be very helpful
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
This unit includes Smith Valley, Mason Valley, Lahontan State Recreation Area, Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area, and Lahontan State Recreation Area. The West Walker River the East Walker River join together in this unit. Terrain is diverse with agricultural ground that has irrigated crops and hay fields as well as meadows and river corridors. There are also low lying foothills that surround the valleys.
This unit has mule deer and antelope hunting opportunities. Hunters can have a good experience hunting mule deer in this unit with the proper planning. Gaining access to private ground will also help and hunters also have the opportunity to hunt the Mason Valley Wildlife Refuge with certain restrictions (NAC 503.170).
Terrain
The terrain is very diverse from low lying agriculture fields to river corridors and smaller dry foothills that surround the valleys. Low lying agriculture valleys are surrounded by dry desert foothill hills with brush and small brush.
Roughly 942 square miles
62.3% public land
Elevations from 4,000 to 7,300 feet
Vegetation
There are irrigated crop fields and meadows in the low lying valley floors along with typical river and stream corridor vegetation including willows, cottonwood trees and brush. Leading from the valley into the moderate hills there is smaller brush with native grass as well as cheatgrass.
Access
The valley floors are mainly private so access to the wildlife can somewhat be difficult without permission. The foothills that surround the valley are mostly public so a land use map or GPS will be very helpful. Hunters also have the ability to hunt the Mason Valley Wildlife Refuge, Lahontan State Recreation Area, and Fort Churchill Historic State Park. These areas hold deer and can be a good option for those without private access, however there are special restrictions. Hunters should refer to the Special Regulations NAC 503.170 gain knowledge of these restrictions. Private property does an have impact, however there are plenty of roads and access points that lead into hunting areas that are on the edges of the private
Four-wheel-drive vehicles and ATVs can be helpful
Main roads; Churchill/Lyon County Line is the Eastern boundary, Interstate 80 is the Northern Boundary
Check Unit Hunting map for more precise Western and Southern Boundaries
Camping and Lodging
The cities of Yerington and Fernley are within Unit 203 and offer nearly all facilities and services. The communities of Silver Springs, Smith and Wellington also offer some services. Public campgrounds are available at Fort ChurchillState Historic Park near Weeks. The Mason Valley WMA has a primitive campground
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