NDOW Mule Deer 015

http://www.ndow.org/hunt/resources/infosheets/deer/west/015deer.pdf

Provided by the Nevada Division of Wildlife

MULE DEER HUNTER INFORMATION SHEET See unit description Unit 015

LOCATION: Unit 015 is located north of the city of Reno and west of the town of Gerlach. It is bounded on the west by the California - Nevada state line, on the south by Union Pacific Railroad track, and on the east and north by Highway 447.

ELEVATION: Elevations vary from 4,000' at the valley floors to 6,958' at Poodle Mountain.

TERRAIN: This unit is typical of terrain found in the Great Basin. The area is composed of rugged rims and large plateaus broken by canyons and draws. Much of the area is volcanic in origin, thus vehicle travel is slow and rough.

VEGETATION: Mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, big sagebrush and western juniper characterize Upper elevation deer habitat. The wetter sites, near perennial water sources, and northeast slope pockets, typically have small aspen stands associated with them. When compared to areas in eastern Nevada, this hunt area is considered to be fairly open, and lends itself well to the glassing and observation of deer. Hunters participating in the late December mule deer hunt can expect to find deer in areas big sagebrush, Mormon tea, bitterbrush, black sagebrush, fourwing salt brush and cheatgrass.

LAND STATUS: This unit encompasses approximately 750 square miles, of which less than 5 percent is private. Hunter access in this area is considered to be good.

HUNTER ACCESS: From Alturas and Cedarville, California, go south on Highway 447. From Reno and Gerlach, Nevada, go north on Highway 447. Many of the hunting areas, particularly during inclement weather, are accessible only by four-wheel drive. Carry extra gas and spare tires along with tire chains.

MAP REFERENCES: U.S. Geological Survey 1:100,000 scale metric topographic maps which give a broad overview are as follows: Gerlach and Kumiva Peak. Several 7.5 minute topo maps which provide the best detail are as follows: Duck Lake, Burnt Lake, Rye Patch Canyon, Hillside Spring, Hole In The Ground, Eddies Garden, Poodle Mountain, Mixie Flat, Buffalo Creek, Horse Canyon, Smoke Creek Ranch, Red Rock Canyon, Sheepshead Spring and Parker Canyon. Topo maps are sold in Reno at the Nevada Bureau of Mines & Geology at 784-6691 and Mark, Fore & Strike at 322-9559. The DeLorme Nevada Atlas and Gazetteer is available at most book or sporting goods stores, or by calling them direct at 1-800-452-5931. Link to Map Resources.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: Hospitals are located in Cedarville and Susanville, California and Reno. Gas, food, vehicle repair facilities, and motels are located in Cedarville and Gerlach. There are no developed campgrounds. Hunters typically take advantage of tree cover and or perennial water sources adjacent to the area that they are hunting. Tent-type camps are recommended.

RECOMMENDED HUNTING AREAS FOR MULE DEER: Rifle hunters should concentrate their efforts around Mixie Flat to Painter Flat, Wilcox Canyon and Willow, Buffalo and Parsnip Creeks. Red Mountain and Twin Peaks can also be good, depending on the extent of the migration.

SPECIAL COMMENTS: Access in this unit can be difficult, particularly during the late season deer hunt. Hunters should be prepared to get off established roads in order to find game. Deer population levels are down 60 to 70 percent from highs experienced during the late 1980s. Although mature bucks are available in this unit, hunters should expect a certain degree of difficulty in locating these animals.