Unit 64 (Ruby Mountains / Humboldt Range Elk)

Q: How competitive is the Unit 64 elk draw?

Unit 64 elk tags are among Nevada's most limited and competitive. Draw odds are typically well under 5% for both residents and nonresidents, even with maximum bonus points. Many hunters apply for 10–15+ years before drawing. The tag is widely considered a once-in-a-lifetime quality opportunity.

Q: What are typical bull elk scores in the Ruby Mountains?

The Ruby Mountains produce exceptional bulls — 300–350 inch class bulls are regularly taken, with occasional bulls exceeding 370–380 inches in the protected wilderness interior. Mature 5x5 and 6x6 bulls are the norm in this low-pressure herd.

Nevada Hunting Guide — Elk

Unit 64 offers elk hunting in the Ruby Mountains and Humboldt Range complex of Elko County. Nevada's Ruby Mountains elk herd is among the most coveted in the Great Basin — bulls reaching 350+ inches live in the 11,000 ft alpine terrain, aspen-conifer forests, and canyon systems. The elk draw in this unit group combines Units 061/071 and 062/064/066-068 into overlapping draw pools. Tags are extremely limited and highly competitive, making a drawn tag a once-in-a-career caliber opportunity.

View Draw Odds Nevada Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 64

Where to Find Elk in Unit 64

Ruby Mountains elk are found throughout the range from valley-floor fringe country up to the alpine crest at 11,000+ ft.

Alpine Basins and Crest Zone (9,000–11,387 ft)

During early archery and early rifle seasons, bulls inhabit the high alpine basins and cirques of the Ruby Mountains. The Ruby Crest Trail system accesses this terrain — expect strenuous hiking with heavy pack weight for the meat haul out.

Aspen and Mountain Meadow Systems (7,000–9,000 ft)

Mid-elevation aspen groves and mountain meadows are the most reliable elk habitat in Unit 64. These areas hold cows and bulls year-round, with the best activity in morning and evening. Access from Harrison Pass Road (Unit 64 south) or Lamoille Canyon (Unit 66 north).

Rut Areas (September–October)

Bull elk in the Ruby Mountains are vocal during the rut. Listen for bugles in the aspen-conifer zones at dawn and dusk. The combination of high-quality habitat and limited human pressure keeps bulls remarkably vocal compared to more pressured elk herds.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 64

A Ruby Mountains elk tag is a lifetime opportunity. The combination of quality bulls, relatively low hunting pressure (very limited tags), and dramatic alpine terrain makes this one of the most sought-after elk tags in the Great Basin.

Rut Calling Strategy

Nevada's Ruby Mountains elk are relatively call-responsive during the September rut. Glass from crest positions at dawn to locate bugling bulls, then work through aspen and timber to close the distance. Cow calls and bugles both work in this low-pressure environment.

High-Country Backpack Hunt

Multi-day wilderness camps in the Ruby Mountains Wilderness allow hunting the best high-elevation terrain away from road-accessible competition. The 92,652-acre wilderness core has minimal motorized access — bulls in the interior see almost no hunters.

Physical Preparation

Plan for serious elevation work — Harrison Pass (7,247 ft) is the staging point, with productive elk country extending up to 10,500 ft. Meat pack-out from the wilderness interior is demanding; consider horse/mule services available through Elko-area outfitters.

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Elk Success Rates

Ruby Mountains elk tags are among Nevada's most limited. Once a tag is drawn, hunter success rates are typically high given the quality of the herd and low pressure. Check the Draw Odds chart for current tag numbers and NDOW harvest data.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Mid Season	11	786	1.4%	1
Rifle— Mid Season	18	378	4.8%	1
Rifle— Early Season	140	2,001	7.0%	0
Rifle— Late Season	180	489	36.8%	0
Rifle— Early Season	10	379	2.6%	0
Rifle— Late Season	10	167	6.0%	0
Rifle— Late Season	95	687	13.8%	0
Rifle— Late Season	10	144	6.9%	0
Archery— Early Season	20	61	32.8%	1
Archery— Early Season	65	123	52.8%	0
Muzzleloader— Early Season	4	145	2.8%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 64 elk tags are issued through two overlapping NDOW draw pools: 061, 071 and 062, 064, 066-068. This unit group covers the Ruby Mountains elk herd. Tags are extremely limited — typically single digits to low double digits per pool per season. Draw odds are very low (<5% in most years), and accumulating maximum bonus points is the standard strategy. Check the live Draw Odds chart for current statistics.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed BLM/USFS camping outside wilderness boundary. Backcountry camping permitted in Ruby Mountains Wilderness.

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Road Conditions

NV-227 south from Elko to Lamoille is paved. Harrison Pass Road is gravel/dirt. Ruby Mountains Wilderness interior is foot/horse only.

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Terrain Difficulty

Very strenuous. Alpine and wilderness hunting from 7,247 ft (Harrison Pass) to 11,387 ft (Ruby Dome). Multi-day packs for the best interior terrain.

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Hunting Pressure

Very light — tag numbers are extremely limited. Hunting pressure in proportion to tags is lower than almost any other Nevada elk unit.

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Weather

Elk season (September–October): temperatures 20–60°F at elevation. Snow above 9,000 ft possible from mid-September. Wilderness weather can turn severe rapidly.

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Cell Service

No service in mountains or wilderness. Available in Elko and Lamoille.

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Nearest Town

Elko (~40 mi north) — full services including lodging, gear, fuel. Lamoille (~20 mi) — rustic lodging near north Rubies.

Note: A Ruby Mountains elk tag in Unit 64 is a once-in-a-career opportunity. Budget significant preparation time, consider hiring a licensed Nevada outfitter if unfamiliar with wilderness elk hunting, and arrange horse/mule pack services for game retrieval.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is the Unit 64 elk draw?

Unit 64 elk tags are among Nevada's most limited and competitive. Draw odds are typically well under 5% for both residents and nonresidents, even with maximum bonus points. Many hunters apply for 10–15+ years before drawing. The tag is widely considered a once-in-a-lifetime quality opportunity.

What are typical bull elk scores in the Ruby Mountains?

The Ruby Mountains produce exceptional bulls — 300–350 inch class bulls are regularly taken, with occasional bulls exceeding 370–380 inches in the protected wilderness interior. Mature 5x5 and 6x6 bulls are the norm in this low-pressure herd.

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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 Big Game Hunting — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Unit boundaries, Species and season info · accessed 2026-04-18
NDOW Draw System — Nevada Department of Wildlife · supports: Draw odds, Application deadlines · accessed 2026-04-18