At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Trout in some creeks, including rainbows, cutthroats and browns
- Four-wheel ATVs and side by sides helpful
- Be prepared for camping and hiking in big country




Unit 173 in Nevada offers diverse hunting opportunities, and hunter sentiment reflects a generally positive experience with its terrain and game behavior. The unit is noted for its challenging yet rewarding terrain, requiring good physical preparation and a strategic approach to navigating through vast landscapes. Many hunters emphasize the importance of understanding draw odds and timing the hunt within the season to increase the chance of success. Lessons from seasoned hunters suggest prioritizing scouting trips and sharing insights on game movement patterns to enhance the overall hunting experience in this unit.
This unit includes the long Toiyabe Range between Austin and Tonopah in the Toyaibe National Forest. Terrain is diverse and includes some private property in valley floors but is mostly public. Hunters can get away from other hunters by hiking into the 115,000-acre Arc Dome Wilderness in the south.
A growing number of elk live in the south side of this unit. The desert bighorn sheep population is very healthy. Backpack hunting is usefull when looking for deer. Most animals are away from roads and crowds.