Hunters generally agree that Nevada Unit 194 offers good opportunities for deer, especially for those familiar with the area or willing to invest time in scouting. Access to public land is decent, though it’s advised to prepare for an urban environment with possible encounters with non-hunting recreationalists. While some suggest the late season provides better opportunities, especially with snow, early season hunters can benefit from focusing efforts at higher elevations around 10,000 feet. Many local hunters, including those familiar with surrounding units like 196, emphasize the advantage of pre-scouting to truly maximize success, with personal insights and recommendations often found through direct connections via email exchanges.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 170"-190" | 190"+ |
High
Low
Mix of public and private lands, including the Carson Range. Good road access and elevations under 10,500 feet.
Multiple deer seasons, including late rifle and archery. One of the better units in Nevada for bear density.
Steep hills and mountains, rolling slopes, benches, sheer drainages and shallow swales. Year-round natural water sources are scattered but are more common at higher elevations.
Public road access is limited in some areas, particularly in cities and towns, but there are other routes to reach places blocked by development. Much of the east has been urbanized. Hunting is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin, so much of the western part of the unit is closed. Hunters must hike to reach some public places. Interstate Highway 80 and its off ramps provide access into the northern part of the unit near Belli Ranch and Verdi. Routes branching from the west side of Reno also provide good access into the north. Mount Rose Highway accesses the Mount Rose and Slide Mountain regions. Several roads from western Washoe Valley access the Little Valley/Franktown Creek regions. Routes that start in western Carson City provide access into the Ash Canyon, Kings Canyon and Timberline regions. Roads from Highway 50 provide good access into the south, including the upper reaches of Kings Canyon. U.S. 395 is the best route between the north to the south ends of the unit.
Much of the upper elevations are covered with pines and firs with an understory of perennial forbs, brush and grasses. Mid-elevation regions are dominated by desert brush, primarily sagebrush and bitterbrush, with some forbs and grasses. Much of the lower elevation regions have been urbanized or burned by range fires with some intermittent stands of native brush and grass.
Lodging is available in Reno, Sparks and Carson City along with supplies and fuel. Verdi and Washoe Valley also have fuel and supplies. Campsites are along Mount Rose Highway, at Galena Creek Park and at Davis Creek Park in northern Washoe Valley. You may camp almost anywhere on public land. RV/travel trailer parks provide power and water in Reno, Sparks and Carson City.
Roughly 367 square miles
51.7% public land
Elevations from 4,600 to a little more than 10,400 feet