Quick Tips
- Be prepared to hike in big country
- Be prepared for mild to cold weather
- Much steep, rocky terrain
- Carry plenty of water
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Almost entirely public land, this unit includes two steep rocky mountain ranges — the Excelsior Mountains and Garfield Hills — which hold a healthy sheep herd and some mule deer. Antelope are scattered throughout the unit. Game animals have many sources of water, natural and artificial.
The sheep herd is healthy, and improving. Nevada Department of Wildlife and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited have been transplanting sheep into the unit for the past few years. There are very few mule deer. Antelope are spread out in this unit.
Terrain
Several modest-sized sagebrush valleys border steep and rocky mountains, chiefly the Excelsior Mountains and the Garfield Hills. The Hawthorne Ammunition Depot in the northwestern corner is closed to hunting. Part of the unit is in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, while the BLM controls most land.
Roughly 983 square miles
97% public land
Elevations range from 5,000-8,800 feet
Vegetation
This is a fairly open unit with desert shrubs and low sagebrush on the lower valley floors and scattered pinyon/juniper woodlands at higher elevations.
Access
Roads and four-wheel-drive trails access much of the area, which is a short drive from Hawthorne or Mina.
Hunting is south of Mina
ATVs can help
Off-road vehicles must be registered
Hiking is recommended
Some roads might be impassable after storms
Camping and Lodging
Some hunters camp on public land south and southeast of Mina, which has a nice RV park. Hawthorne is a 30- minute drive from Mina and has accommodations.
El Capitan Lodge
Valley Sunrise RV Park
No camping within 100 yards of water holes
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