Unit 105, 106, 109 (Nevada Basin / Range)

Nevada Hunting Guide — Elk

Nevada Unit 105, 106, 109 (Nevada Basin / Range) sits within the high-elevation ranges, wilderness peaks, and Great Basin valley systems of east-central Nevada. Nevada elk tags are among the most sought-after in the western states, with draw odds varying significantly by unit and weapon type. Elk in this region roam sagebrush-montane transition zones in summer and move to lower valley drainages and winter range as temperatures drop. Check the ProHunt draw odds chart for current applicant counts and point requirements for this unit.

View Draw Odds Nevada Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 105, 106, 109

Where to Find Elk in Unit 105, 106, 109

Nevada Unit 105, 106, 109 — Nevada Basin / Range elk occupy the high-elevation ranges, wilderness peaks, and Great Basin valley systems of east-central Nevada. Elk in Nevada follow a seasonal pattern that mirrors other western Rocky Mountain populations, though at more moderate elevations than states like Colorado or Montana.

Summer Range

From late spring through early fall, elk use higher-elevation timber edges, mountain meadows, and north-facing aspen and conifer slopes. These animals are most visible at dawn and dusk as they move between bedding and feeding areas.

Hunting Season Distribution

As Nevada hunting seasons typically open in September through November depending on weapon type, elk have often already begun their transition from high summer range toward lower elevation vegetation. Concentrate glassing on north-facing slopes with mountain mahogany, aspen, and mixed shrub communities transitioning to sagebrush.

Water and Feed Sources

In drier Nevada ranges, reliable water — natural springs, stock tanks, and developed water guzzlers — concentrates elk movement, especially during early rifle seasons before cold weather reduces reliance on free water. Contact the local NDOW district office for current water development locations in Unit 105, 106, 109.

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How to Hunt Elk in Unit 105, 106, 109

Nevada elk hunting in Unit 105, 106, 109 — Nevada Basin / Range combines classic western elk techniques with Great Basin-specific adaptations. Nevada's open terrain and lower vegetation density compared to states like Colorado require a greater emphasis on long-range glassing and careful stalking approach.

Spot-and-Stalk

The primary method for Nevada elk in most units is spot-and-stalk: set up on a high vantage point with quality optics before first light, glass systematically until bulls are located, then execute a careful stalk using terrain for concealment. Nevada's open country demands approaching from downwind and using every available topographic feature for cover.

Calling During the Rut

If your season overlaps the September-October rut, bugling and cow calling can draw bulls into shooting range. Nevada bulls are often less call-shy than heavily pressured elk in other states, making calling an effective tool for rifle hunters as well as archery hunters. Use challenge bugles sparingly and cow calls more freely to avoid over-calling.

Water Hole Hunting

In Nevada's dry mountain environment, developed water guzzlers, natural springs, and stock tanks concentrate elk movement predictably. Identify water sources in Unit 105, 106, 109 before your hunt using NDOW information and satellite imagery. Set up stands or observation positions downwind of reliable water sources for ambush hunting, particularly effective during hot weather in early rifle seasons.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle35%

Nevada elk hunt success rates vary considerably by unit, weapon type, and season. Rifle hunters typically achieve higher success rates than archery hunters due to the open Nevada terrain favoring longer shots. NDOW publishes annual harvest statistics that provide unit-group level success data. Check the current NDOW Hunt Statistics report at ndow.org for the most recent data. Hunters with complete pre-hunt intelligence (scouted routes, located bulls, identified water sources) consistently outperform those hunting cold.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Early Season	6	79	7.6%	0
Rifle— Early Season	1	26	3.8%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Nevada elk draw odds in Unit 105, 106, 109 are determined by the NDOW preference point weighted system. Elk tags are among the most sought-after in Nevada, with applicant pressure varying significantly by unit and season type. Rifle bull-only seasons generally have the highest application rates; antlerless and early archery tags often have better odds. The ProHunt draw odds chart above shows current-year applicant counts, tags issued, and calculated odds by weapon type. Use this data along with your preference point total to evaluate realistic draw timelines.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed BLM camping available throughout the unit. Developed campgrounds may be available near major access roads — check Recreation.gov or local forest service office.

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Water

Limited to scarce — carry all drinking water. Confirm any wildlife water developments with local NDOW district before relying on them.

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Road Conditions

Mix of paved highway access and dirt/gravel BLM roads. High-clearance 4WD recommended for backcountry access. Road conditions vary seasonally — check before travel.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate — typical Great Basin basin-and-range terrain. Distances and elevation gain vary by specific hunting location within unit.

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Hunting Pressure

Varies by unit and species. Nevada's draw system limits hunters, keeping pressure manageable for those who draw tags.

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Weather

Nevada hunting seasons span September through November. Conditions range from warm and dry in early seasons to cold and snowy in late seasons. Prepare for significant temperature swings between day and night.

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Cell Service

Limited to none in most backcountry areas. Satellite communicator strongly recommended for remote hunting in this unit.

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Nearest Town

Elko, NV (I-80) — full services; Ely, NV for eastern units

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Permit Notes

Nevada NDOW Elk tag required. Confirm current season dates, legal weapons, and unit boundaries in Nevada Big Game Hunting Seasons & Regulations at ndow.org.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

NDOW Hunt Information — Unit 105, 106, 109 Elk — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Unit boundaries, Season dates, Tag allocation, Draw statistics · accessed 2026-04-18