Nevada Unit 061 Moose Hunting Guide

Nevada Unit 061 represents one of the state's most exclusive moose hunting opportunities, encompassing 212,873 acres of high-elevation terrain in northeastern Nevada. With elevations ranging from 4,878 to 8,760 feet and 97% public land access, this unit offers hunters vast expanses of accessible hunting ground. The unit's mountainous terrain and diverse habitat support a small but viable population of Shiras' moose, making it a coveted destination for hunters seeking this challenging species.

Unit 061's moose population remains limited, reflected in Nevada's highly restrictive tag allocation for this species. Recent harvest data shows consistent hunter success when tags are issued, though the opportunity to draw remains extremely competitive. The unit's high public land percentage eliminates many of the access complications found in other Nevada hunting areas, providing hunters with extensive opportunities to explore productive moose habitat across the unit's substantial acreage.

HuntPilot Analysis

Nevada Unit 061 presents a complex value proposition for moose hunters. The unit demonstrates exceptional hunter success rates, with 100% harvest success recorded in both 2024 and 2025. During this period, 2 hunters participated each year, with all 4 hunters successfully harvesting moose. This perfect success rate indicates that when hunters do draw tags, they encounter huntable moose populations and favorable hunting conditions.

The unit's 97% public land composition creates an ideal scenario for DIY hunters, eliminating the private land access challenges that complicate hunting in many western units. With over 200,000 acres of accessible hunting ground, hunters have extensive territory to explore without landowner permission requirements or trespass concerns. The absence of designated wilderness areas means no guide requirements for nonresident hunters, keeping costs focused on the tag and travel expenses rather than mandatory outfitter fees.

However, the reality of Nevada's moose draw system creates significant barriers to accessing this opportunity. Nevada operates under a bonus squared system where entries equal points squared plus one, making the draw extremely competitive even for hunters with substantial point investments. The limited tag allocation means that even dedicated moose hunters may wait decades for the opportunity to hunt this unit.

Trophy data is not available for this unit, limiting assessment of the size potential for harvested bulls. The high elevation range from 4,878 to 8,760 feet suggests habitat diversity that could support mature bulls, but hunters should focus primarily on the opportunity itself rather than trophy expectations given the rarity of drawing.

For hunters considering long-term point investment strategies, Unit 061 represents a legitimate moose hunting opportunity with proven success rates and excellent access conditions. The unit's track record demonstrates that when hunters draw, they hunt in productive moose country with high probability of filling their tag. However, applicants must understand that Nevada moose tags require extraordinary patience and point accumulation, with no guarantees even after decades of applications.

Harvest Success Rates

Nevada Unit 061 has demonstrated exceptional harvest success rates based on recent harvest data from HuntPilot. In 2025, 2 hunters participated in the moose hunt with 2 moose harvested, achieving 100% success. The 2024 season showed identical results, with 2 hunters harvesting 2 moose for another 100% success rate.

These perfect success rates across consecutive years indicate several favorable factors for moose hunting in this unit. The small sample size means each individual hunt outcome significantly impacts the overall percentage, but the consistency suggests hunters encounter accessible moose populations when tags are issued. The high success rates likely reflect both the quality of habitat within the unit and the dedication of hunters who have waited years or decades to draw these coveted tags.

The limited hunter numbers each year, with only 2 participants annually in recent data, demonstrates the exclusive nature of moose hunting opportunities in Nevada. This low hunter density reduces competition pressure and likely contributes to the high success rates, as moose experience minimal hunting pressure and maintain more natural movement patterns throughout the unit.

Hunters drawing Unit 061 moose tags should approach their hunt with confidence based on these success rates, while recognizing that individual hunting skills, weather conditions, and seasonal moose behavior will ultimately determine outcomes. The data suggests that persistent hunters willing to explore the unit's 212,873 acres of diverse terrain will find moose, though success still requires proper preparation and hunting execution.

Access & Terrain

Unit 061's 97% public land composition creates exceptional access conditions for moose hunters. With over 206,000 acres of public hunting ground within the unit's 212,873 total acres, hunters face minimal private land constraints that complicate access in many western hunting units. This high public land percentage means hunters can focus on locating moose and planning hunting strategies rather than securing landowner permissions or navigating complex access agreements.

The unit's elevation profile ranges from 4,878 feet in the lower valleys to 8,760 feet on the highest peaks, creating diverse habitat zones that support different aspects of moose ecology. Lower elevations typically feature sagebrush communities and riparian areas where moose find water and browse, while higher elevations offer aspen groves, mountain mahogany, and other preferred moose forage species. This elevation diversity provides hunters multiple habitat types to explore based on seasonal moose movements and feeding patterns.

The absence of designated wilderness areas within Unit 061 eliminates guide requirements for nonresident hunters, reducing hunt costs and providing flexibility in hunting approaches. Hunters can access the unit independently, plan their own hunting strategies, and move freely throughout public lands without mandatory outfitter involvement. This accessibility makes Unit 061 particularly attractive for DIY hunters seeking to control their hunting experience and budget.

The mountainous terrain within this elevation range typically includes a mix of timbered slopes, open parks, and drainage bottoms where moose concentrate. Hunters should prepare for varied topography that may require significant physical conditioning, especially when pursuing moose in the higher elevation portions of the unit. The substantial acreage means hunters willing to explore beyond easily accessed areas may find less disturbed moose habitat and potentially better hunting opportunities.

How to Apply

For 2026, Nevada moose applications open March 23 with a deadline of May 13. Both resident and nonresident hunters must submit applications during this window to be eligible for the draw.

Nonresident hunters face an application fee of $10, plus a required license fee of $156.00 that must be purchased before applying. The license fee represents a significant upfront cost regardless of draw success. Nonresidents can also purchase preference points for $10 to improve their position in Nevada's bonus squared draw system, where total entries equal points squared plus one.

Resident hunters pay a $10 application fee and must purchase a required hunting license for $33.00 before applying. If drawn, residents pay a tag fee of $120. Like nonresidents, Nevada residents can purchase preference points for $10 to increase their draw odds in future years.

Nevada's bonus squared system means that accumulated preference points significantly impact draw odds, though no point level guarantees a tag. Hunters with more points receive substantially more entries in the draw, but the system maintains an element of randomness that can benefit hunters with fewer points. Given the extremely limited tag allocation for moose, even hunters with maximum points face competitive draws.

All applicants must hold a valid Nevada hunting license before submitting their application. The license requirement represents additional cost beyond application fees, particularly for nonresidents, but failure to hold a qualifying license will invalidate the application regardless of other fees paid.

Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the Nevada Department of Wildlife website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like in Nevada Unit 061?

Unit 061 features mountainous terrain with elevations ranging from 4,878 to 8,760 feet across 212,873 acres. The unit includes diverse habitat zones from sagebrush communities in lower elevations to aspen groves and mountain browse species at higher elevations. This elevation diversity creates varied moose habitat including riparian areas, timbered slopes, and open parks where moose feed and travel.

What is the harvest success rate in Unit 061?

Recent harvest data shows exceptional success rates in Unit 061. In both 2024 and 2025, hunters achieved 100% success with 2 hunters participating each year and all 4 hunters successfully harvesting moose over the two-year period. These perfect success rates indicate productive moose habitat and favorable hunting conditions when tags are issued.

How big are the moose in Unit 061?

Trophy data is not available for this unit. Hunters should focus on the opportunity to harvest a Shiras' moose rather than specific trophy expectations. The unit's high elevation habitat and limited hunting pressure may support mature bulls, but without documented trophy records, size potential remains unknown.

Is Unit 061 worth applying for?

Unit 061 offers legitimate moose hunting opportunity with proven harvest success and excellent access conditions. The unit's 97% public land eliminates private access complications, while recent 100% success rates demonstrate productive moose populations. However, Nevada's extremely competitive draw system means even dedicated applicants may wait decades for tags. Hunters committed to long-term point accumulation and willing to accept uncertain draw odds will find Unit 061 a worthwhile investment, while those seeking more predictable hunting opportunities should consider other species or states.

What are the access conditions in Unit 061?

Access conditions are exceptional with 97% public land providing over 206,000 acres of huntable ground. The absence of wilderness areas eliminates guide requirements for nonresident hunters, making this a viable DIY opportunity. Hunters can explore extensive public lands without landowner permission requirements, though the mountainous terrain demands proper physical conditioning and preparation for varied topography.