Quick Tips
- Get in tiptop shape
- Be prepared for hiking in big country
- Spend a great deal of time glassing
- Don't pick up fossils in Stewart Valley
- Be prepared for cold/wet weather
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
This almost entirely public unit is composed of desert valleys and steep, rocky mountains such as the Gabbs Valley Range and the Pilot Mountains with good access and many natural and artificial water sources. Mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and antelope are hunted here.
Deer numbers are low, and the antelope herd is marginal. The sheep herd is very healthy.
Terrain
Flat desert valleys, some moderately steep foothills and a great deal of steep, rocky terrain in the Pilot Mountains, the Gabbs Valley Range and the northern part of the Cedar Mountains.
Roughly 537 square miles
99% public land
Elevations mostly 5,000-9,100 feet
Vegetation
Quite open Great Basin habitat that consists of sagebrush and high desert brushland to pinyon-juniper woodlands, but otherwise fairly open. Some pinyon/juniper woodlands are at higher elevations. Natural springs and guzzlers provide water to wild game. For $50 you can buy a book that shows the location of guzzlers from Nevada Department of Wildlife. It was updated in 2012.
Access
Plenty of public access along with four-wheel-drive roads. Hunting areas are northeast of Mina.
ATVs can help
Four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended
Off-road vehicles must be registered.
Camping and Lodging
Hawthorne has accommodations. El Capitan Lodge is hunter-friendly and has a restaurant across the street. America’s Best Inns and Suites is much nicer but has no restaurant. An RV park with hook-ups is in Mina. Public camping is allowed on BLM land.
No camping within 100 yards of water hole
Some roads may be impassable after storms
America’s Best Inns and Suites
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