Unit 173A-north (Unit 173A — North Portion (Desatoya / Simpson Park))
Nevada Hunting Guide — Bighorn Sheep
The north portion of Nevada Unit 173A represents a specific NDOW hunt-boundary designation within the broader 173A unit, covering the northern desert range terrain in the Desatoya and Simpson Park mountain complex of Lander and Churchill counties. NDOW designates the north portion of 173A as its own hunt area for desert bighorn sheep — distinct from the southern portion of the same unit — reflecting the separate herd dynamics and geography of the northern range system. Tags for this portion are extremely limited.
Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 173A-north
The north portion of Nevada Unit 173A represents a specific NDOW hunt-boundary designation within the broader 173A unit, covering the northern desert range terrain in the Desatoya and Simpson Park mountain complex of Lander and Churchill counties. NDOW designates the north portion of 173A as its own hunt area for desert bighorn sheep — distinct from the southern portion of the same unit — reflecting the separate herd dynamics and geography of the northern range system. Tags for this portion are extremely limited.
Where to Find Desert Bighorn Sheep in Unit 173A (North Portion)
Desert bighorn in the north portion of Unit 173A use the rocky ridgelines and cliff systems of the northern Desatoya and Simpson Park ranges. This is true desert bighorn habitat — steep talus, basalt rimrock, and canyon walls provide the escape terrain sheep rely on. Glass cliff faces and broken canyon rims systematically in the early morning. The north-portion boundary is distinct from the southern 173A hunting area, so careful attention to the NDOW hunt boundary map is required before hunting.
How to Hunt Desert Bighorn Sheep in Unit 173A (North Portion)
Bighorn Sheep Success Rates
Nevada desert bighorn hunters who draw the 173A north-portion tag benefit from hunting a relatively undisturbed desert range system. Success rates for Nevada desert bighorn hunts overall are historically strong, given the limited number of tags and the focused management NDOW applies to each designated hunt area.
Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds
| Season | Tags | Applicants | Draw % | Pts Req |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifle— Early Season | 4 | 1,444 | 0.3% | 0 |
Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.
Open in Draw Odds EngineThe north portion of Unit 173A is one of Nevada's most limited-entry desert bighorn designations. NDOW issues very few tags for this specific boundary each season. The weighted preference point system rewards persistent applicants. Review NDOW's official hunt draw statistics specifically for the '173A North' hunt designation to understand current applicant volumes and point trends.
Unit Logistics & Expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 'north portion' and 'south portion' of Unit 173A for bighorn sheep?
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Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.
- NDOW Big Game Hunting — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Unit 173A north portion hunt boundary, Desert bighorn sheep management, Specific portion designations · accessed 2026-04-17
- NDOW Hunt Information Sheets — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: 173A desert bighorn herd data, North vs. south portion boundary, Hunt objectives · accessed 2026-04-17
- NDOW Hunt Draw — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Preference point system, Draw statistics for 173A north portion, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17