Quick Tips
- Prepare to glass long distances
- Bring a spotting scope
- Glass from high ground
- Sheep can be anywhere
- Be prepared for cold weather
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 140"-150" | 150"+ |
On The Ground
Desert bighorn sheep and antelope are the chief big game animals that are hunted in this well-roaded unit, which is west of Tonopah. About 25 miles west of town is the main landmark, the semicircular Monte Cristo Range. Terrain is mainly mild.
A lot of desert bighorn rams live here. This unit has a healthy sheep herd. Lots of wild horses. Water sources are limited. Rams that lack genetics to grow big horns
Terrain
Jagged Castle Peak is on the south end of the unit. The mountains consist of rolling hills with some steep and rocky slopes. Few trees grow here. Surrounding the range is a vast desert.
Roughly 600 square miles
99.8% public land
Elevations vary from 4,500-7,000 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations consist of flat or rolling desert that supports little vegetation other than cactus. Middle elevations also have rolling hills with low sagebrush, some grasses and an occasional juniper. A few more junipers grow at high elevations.
Access
Public roads reach most of the BLM land in the unit. The area is littered with old mining roads. The Gilbert Road from Blair Junction is a good access point.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Be careful around mining ruins
Most of the upper terrain can be reached by vehicle
Devil’s Gate is a decent access point
Camping and Lodging
No campgrounds are in the area. Most hunters camp along dirt roads close to where they hunt. Some flat camping spots are along Gilbert Road. Hunters can stay in Tonopah’s Best Western, Mizpah or Clown Hotel. Northwest of the unit are Hawthorne’s El Capitan Lodge and Casino, America’s Best Inns and the Sand N Sage Lodge.
Some roads might be washed out after big rainstorms
Gilbert Road is close to good sheep country
Historical Temperatures
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