Quick Tips
- Buy a guzzler atlas
- Bring a shotgun for hunting quail and rabbits
- Sit over water in dry, hot weather
- Avoid dehydration and heat-related medical problems
- Put sturdy tires on your truck
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 145"-160" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
On the fringe of the arid Mojave Desert northwest of Mesquite, this unit contains the Mormon Mountains and a few small mountain ranges that have enough water and habitat to support mule deer and desert bighorn sheep.
Small herds of mule deer live on higher mountains and hills. A good population of desert bighorn sheep also live here, mostly near jagged cliffs and sandstone ridges. Deer numbers are low, and high quality bucks are rare. Finding a water source is a key to success.
Terrain
The big game animals are forced to seek refuge in the higher elevations provided by the few mountain ranges within the unit due to the extreme conditions of the desert floor. Due to the small size of the unit, animals are concentrated in areas providing adequate habitat. Deer are found at the higher elevations in the unit. Sheep hunters are limited to the sheer cliffs of the Mormon Mountain range.
Roughly 887 square miles
95.8% public land
Elevations: 2,000 feet on the desert floor to 7,000 feet in the Mormon Range
Vegetation
Stark desert lowlands are not conducive to big game animals. Dominant plants are creosote bush and various cacti. Sagebrush and pinyon-juniper grow on the higher parts of mountain ranges along with other browse plants.
Access
All of the mountain ranges are public ground that are reached from desert roads that end at the bases of the ranges. No trail systems exist. Sheep are found mainly where canyon walls are steep and rocky.
Roads are rough on full-size vehicles
Flash floods can wash out roads
Hike from roads for good success
Camping and Lodging
Full services are available in Mesquite and Logandale. Camping on the desert floor is possible, but the vegetation does not provide shade, and temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit during the early season.
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