Hunters discussing Nevada's Unit 101-109 highlight the challenges of navigating private land, but they emphasize that accessible routes to the wilderness do exist with a bit of local knowledge or connecting with local guides. The area is known for its beautiful high country and offers a rewarding wilderness experience, although some express disappointment over the quality and size of the bucks, suggesting a focus on the journey rather than trophy hunting. Late season hunting is favored for patient hunters with good gear, as the deer tend to migrate down to the valleys. Overall, sharing experiences and recommendations is common, with hunters willing to exchange information through email or personal connections, reinforcing the importance of community within the hunting experience.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
High
Low
This unit lies south of Interstate 80 near Wells, Nevada. East Humboldt Range is a major landmark here. Ranging from 5,200-11,300 feet above sea level, most of the land is covered in sagebrush with mixed aspen, mountain mahoganies, pinyon, junipers and multiple others. This area is home to mule deer, elk, antelope, and mountain goats.
This unit has a large mule deer population. Small mountain goat numbers with good trophy potential. The late rifle and late archery seasons are best for locating trophy mule deer bucks. Good for quality mountain goats.
Steep terrain throughout the East Humboldt Range. The remainder of the unit has rolling hills, deep and shallow swales, benches and flats. Man on the Mountain Peak is the highest point of elevation in the unit at approximately 11,300 feet. The lowest elevations are in the far western part of the unit, just above 5,200 feet. Dense concentrations of water sources at elevations above 6,500 feet, with fewer sources in the lower elevations.
The majority of the unit is public land, but public vehicle access throughout the unit is very limited. Private land is found in most of the lower foothills of the East Humboldt Range and the low elevation flats. These parcels prohibit public access to major drainages in the Range. Additionally, because much of East Humboldt Range is comprised of Wilderness, hunters are forced to access most areas of the East Humboldt Range by hiking or by horse back.
Starr Valley Road and Dennis Flat Road serves as the best route to access the western side of the East Humboldt Range, while US Highway 93 serves as the best primary route to access the east side of the Range. State Route 229 and the North Ruby Valley Road serve as the best routes to access the southern regions of the unit. Hunters should acquire a quality land status map to identify public routes that best allow them to access the regions of the unit that they plan to hunt. Hunters should also work to identify trail heads that provide good access into regions of the East Humboldt Range.
Sagebrush takes up much of the unit, but dense patches of bitterbrush and serviceberry can also be found in some areas, particularly in the elevations ranging from 5,500-7,500. Stands of quaking aspens dominate some drainages above 6,500 feet. Mountain mahogany, high alpine pines and tobacco brush stands are found in elevations from 7,500 feet and above. The southeastern portion of the East Humboldt Range holds scattered and dense stands of pinyon and juniper trees. Some of the major drainages in the East Humboldt Range have creeks and wet meadows.
Hunters may get motel rooms and general supplies in Wells or Elko which are both located along Interstate 80. Better lodging accommodations are provided in Elko. Fuel, hot meals and general supplies are available in Spring Creek, located southwest of the unit.
Roughly 163 square miles
31.3% public land
Elevations from 5,200-11,300 feet