Nevada Mule Deer

Unit 014 (Granite Range)

Nevada Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

Unit 014 covers the Granite Range in Washoe County — a rugged, isolated mountain range rising north of Gerlach in northwest Nevada's high desert. Per NDOW's Mule Deer 014 hunt information sheet, the unit is roughly 400 square miles and deer populations are substantially lower than historic highs (NDOW reports a 60-80% decline from 1980s peaks). The 2020 Poodle Fire burned 1,971 acres along the 014/015 border, reshaping parts of the deer habitat.

View Draw Odds Nevada Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 014

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 014

Mule deer in the Granite Range concentrate around the mountain brush zones and rocky terrain of this compact, rugged range in northwest Nevada.

Mountain Brush and Rocky Slopes (6,500–8,500 ft)

The mountain brush zones on the Granite Range slopes hold the core deer population. Bitterbrush, mountain mahogany, and scattered aspen provide browse, cover, and bedding areas. Focus on the transition zones between rock outcrops and brush patches for the highest deer density.

Water Sources

Springs, seeps, and seasonal water in this arid range are critical. Find active water and you'll find deer concentrations. The Granite Range has limited water sources, making each one a high-value hunting location. The best bucks are often found near the most reliable and remote springs.

Sage-Mountain Transition

The transition zone where the Granite Range foothills meet the surrounding sagebrush-steppe holds deer at lower elevations. During warm early-season hunts, deer use these lower areas near water. As temperatures cool, they shift uphill into the mountain brush.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 014

Water-focused hunting combined with glassing the Granite Range's rocky terrain is the primary strategy.

Water Source Scouting

Invest your first day or scouting trip in locating active water sources on the Granite Range. Check springs and seeps for fresh deer sign. Set up trail cameras to confirm usage patterns. In this arid landscape, the water source with the most mature buck sign is your priority location.

Glassing from Elevation

The Granite Range's rocky ridgelines and peaks provide excellent glassing positions. Set up on high points and glass the brush-covered slopes, canyon systems, and water sources below. The compact nature of the range means a few well-chosen glassing positions can cover most of the prime deer habitat.

Stalk Discipline

Once you've located a target buck, use the Granite Range's rocky terrain and drainages for concealment during your stalk. The broken, rocky landscape provides better stalking cover than open sage country. Close distance slowly using washes and rock outcrops.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle30%

Archery18%

Muzzleloader22%

Use the Draw Odds chart on this page for the latest NDOW harvest and success data for Unit 014 mule deer. NDOW notes that deer numbers in Unit 014 are substantially below 1980s peaks, so manage expectations for herd density relative to the range's size.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Mid Season	8	156	5.1%	1
Rifle— Limited Entry	3	11	27.3%	0
Rifle— Limited Entry	2	20	10.0%	0
Rifle— Mid Season	2	8	25.0%	0
Archery— Early Season	6	9	66.7%	1
Muzzleloader— Early Season	5	9	55.6%	1
Muzzleloader— Early Season	2	0	0.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 014 mule-deer tags are drawn as a stand-alone 014 group in NDOW's annual draw. Refer to the Draw Odds chart on this page for current odds and bonus-point trendlines.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed BLM camping only. No developed facilities anywhere near the unit.

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Water

Very limited. Pack all water for yourself. 2+ gallons per day.

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Road Conditions

Remote BLM and county roads. High-clearance 4WD recommended. Some rough two-track to reach the best hunting areas. Roads can be impassable when wet.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Rocky mountain terrain at 5,500-8,800 feet. Remote and isolated.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low. The remote location naturally limits hunter numbers.

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Weather

Hot early season, cold at elevation from October. Extreme temperature swings day to night. Wind is constant in the high desert.

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Cell Service

None. The Granite Range area has no cell coverage. Satellite communicator recommended.

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Nearest Town

Gerlach (45-60 minutes) for minimal services. Winnemucca (90+ minutes) for full services. Stock up before heading to the unit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the state of the Unit 014 deer herd?

NDOW's Mule Deer 014 hunt information sheet notes the unit's deer population is down 60-80% from 1980s peaks. Hunters should expect lower herd density than the range's geography might suggest.

How did the 2020 Poodle Fire affect hunting in Unit 014?

The 2020 Poodle Fire burned 1,971 acres along the 014/015 unit border per NDOW's hunt sheet. The burn scar may influence short-term browse availability and deer distribution on portions of the range.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-16.

Mule Deer Hunt Information Sheet — Unit 014 — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Unit 014 is the Granite Range in Washoe County, roughly 400 sq mi, Deer population is 60-80% below 1980s peaks, 2020 Poodle Fire burned 1,971 acres along the 014/015 border, Gerlach is the nearest town (south of the unit) · accessed 2026-04-16