Unit 075 (Independence / Bull Run Mountains)

Nevada Hunting Guide — Elk

Unit 075 spans the Independence Mountains, Bull Run Mountains, and Owyhee-drainage country in northwest Elko County along the Idaho border. This is an expanding-herd elk unit with NDOW three-year data showing 65 tags issued against 764 applicants (~22/yr). The country features aspen-conifer stringers, mountain-brush benches, and riparian corridors feeding the Owyhee River system — classic Great Basin elk habitat with a growing population.

View Draw Odds Nevada Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 075

Where to Find Elk in Unit 075

Unit 075 elk use the full gradient from sage/PJ foothills at 5,500 ft to aspen-conifer pockets above 9,000 ft. Expanding herd means new pockets are colonized frequently — scout recently.

Independence Mountains Crest (8,000–9,000 ft)

The Independence Mountains' aspen-conifer stringers along the crest hold summer bulls. Glass the meadow-aspen edges at first and last light, then check saddles and ridge benches during midday.

Bull Run Mountains Canyons

The Bull Run Mountains are smaller but support a resident elk herd in the canyon bottoms and aspen draws. The South Fork Owyhee and Bull Run Creek drainages are consistent elk zones.

Owyhee Perimeter Riparian

Mountain-brush benches and riparian corridors along the Owyhee system draw elk down from the highlands in late season. The country east of Mountain City into the Owyhee Reservation boundary is rarely hunted and holds dispersed elk.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 075

075 is a scout-heavy unit because the herd is expanding and pockets shift year to year.

Pre-Season Range Inventory

Spend 3-5 days before the hunt driving the FS roads on the Independence and Bull Run ranges, looking for current-year elk sign. Don't assume last year's hot drainage is still productive — expanding herds colonize new country quickly.

Ridge-Top Bugling

These elk see limited pressure and respond well to bugling during the rut. Work from ridge positions where your calls can reach across canyons and you can move quickly toward responses.

Meadow-Edge Ambush

Locate aspen-ringed meadows at 7,500-8,500 ft on both ranges. Bulls feed on these meadows at dawn and dusk. Set up on the downwind edge and wait during the feeding windows.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle35%

Archery22%

Muzzleloader28%

NDOW three-year data: 65 tags issued against 764 applicants — roughly 22/yr. The herd is expanding and NDOW has steadily increased tag numbers. See the draw-odds chart on this page for the current trend.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Mid Season	10	132	7.6%	1
Rifle— Late Season	10	64	15.6%	0
Rifle— Early Season	6	187	3.2%	0
Rifle— Mid Season	14	81	17.3%	0
Rifle— Early Season	20	147	13.6%	0
Archery— Early Season	2	13	15.4%	0
Archery— Early Season	1	4	25.0%	0
Archery— Early Season	5	22	22.7%	1
Archery— Early Season	2	6	33.3%	0
Muzzleloader— Early Season	2	35	5.7%	1
Muzzleloader— Early Season	3	15	20.0%	0
Muzzleloader— Early Season	1	31	3.2%	0
Muzzleloader— Early Season	2	22	9.1%	0
Muzzleloader— Mid Season	3	28	10.7%	1
Muzzleloader— Early Season	3	8	37.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 075 is drawn individually and occasionally as part of the 072-079 hunt group depending on season and weapon. Nevada uses a weighted bonus-point system — applicants with more accumulated bonus points have more entries in the random draw, with each point earning one additional entry.

Three-year totals: 764 applicants / 65 tags ~ 8.5% raw-odds success. Residents draw at a higher rate than nonresidents because of the nonresident quota cap.

The live chart on this page reflects the current NDOW dataset.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Wildhorse Reservoir SRA accepts RVs. Elko has full-hookup parks. Mountain City has basic RV parking.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed USFS and BLM camping throughout. Jack Creek USFS campground and Wildhorse Reservoir State Recreation Area have developed sites.

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Water

Excellent — Owyhee drainage system provides permanent water across most of the unit. Filter or treat.

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Road Conditions

SR-225 is paved from Elko north to Mountain City and the Idaho border. From SR-225, USFS and BLM roads grid the Independence and Bull Run mountains — generally high-clearance gravel. 4WD required on wet spring roads.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous. Independence Mountains rise to over 9,600 ft. Ridge hunts involve 1,500-2,500 ft of gain. Canyon hunts are less steep but involve thick brush.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. 22 tags spread across a large unit. Most pressure is near the SR-225 access road — backcountry is lightly hunted.

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Weather

September archery: 60-80 °F days, 35-50 °F nights. October rifle: 40-60 °F days, 20-35 °F nights. Snow above 8,000 ft routine by late October.

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Cell Service

Verizon covers SR-225 corridor. Limited in the range interiors. Satellite messenger recommended.

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Nearest Town

Mountain City (SR-225, tiny town with fuel and cafe). Owyhee (Shoshone-Paiute community on reservation boundary). Elko (full services, 90 mi south on SR-225).

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Permit Notes

Duck Valley Indian Reservation borders the unit on the north — respect tribal boundaries. No tribal access for state-licensed hunters.

Note: 075 is an underrated Nevada elk unit. Its northern position and expanding herd combine with lower celebrity status to produce quality hunts without the draw-point burden of the 111-115 group.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Unit 075 elk herd still expanding?

NDOW manages the Independence and Bull Run Mountains herd under its established herd-expansion plan for northeast Nevada. Tag numbers have trended upward over the last decade — consult the current NDOW Big Game regulations and hunt information sheets for the most recent management direction.

Where should I base out of for a Unit 075 elk hunt?

Mountain City on SR-225 is closest (fuel, cafe, basic motel) but limited. Most hunters basecamp dispersed on USFS land near Jack Creek or Wildhorse Reservoir and make supply runs to Mountain City or Elko (90 mi south).

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

NDOW Elk — Northeast Nevada Herd Expansion — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Independence / Bull Run Mountains expanding elk herd, Owyhee drainage habitat use · accessed 2026-04-17
Humboldt-Toiyabe NF — Mountain City Ranger District (Independence / Bull Run) — USDA Forest Service · supports: Forest Service public lands, Jarbidge and Mountain City area access · accessed 2026-04-17
BLM Elko District — Owyhee public lands — US Bureau of Land Management · supports: BLM perimeter lands and road grid · accessed 2026-04-17
NDOW Draw Statistics — Elk Unit 075 — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Three-year applicants 764 / tags 65 (~22/yr) · accessed 2026-04-17