Quick Tips
- For some fun in the afternoon, be sure to buy a dove license and bring a shotgun
- Four-wheel ATVs and side by sides helpful
- Be prepared for camping and hiking in big country
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 160"-180" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 330"-360" | 380"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-65" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
A beautiful place to hunt, this largely public unit has no shortage of sagebrush valleys and mahogany canyons along with Mount Grafton, the state’s highest peak outside a state park or national forest. Mountain springs and other water sources contribute to healthy wildlife populations.
Antelope numbers are low.
Terrain
This unit is narrow, running mostly north and south with open, gentle foothills with some cliffs on the eastern and western sides of a higher range of steep mountains. The Mount Grafton Wilderness covers nearly 79,000 acres about 30 miles south of Ely and lies mostly between 7,000 and 11,000 feet above sea level. On the southern edge of the unit pinyon-juniper foothills that serve as classic winter range for deer.
Roughly 937 square miles
99.1% public land
Elevations mostly 6,000-11,000 feet
Vegetation
Mostly pinyon pines, junipers, mahogany and sagebrush at lower to middle elevations, grassy meadows, spruce, mahogany and aspen at higher elevations.
Access
Plenty of public roads and four-wheel-drive trails can take you to a starting point in any part of this unit. Private land does not impact access.
Motorized travel prohibited in some areas.
Cave Valley Road forms western boundary.
HIghway 93 forms eastern boundary
Great access from both bordering roads
Camping and Lodging
Ely is a good place to stay if you hunt the north part of the unit and Pioche is the best option in the south. Camping is allowed anywhere on public land.
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