Nevada Unit 113 Elk Hunting Guide

Nevada Unit 113 presents an intriguing opportunity for elk hunters seeking a high-elevation hunt in predominantly public terrain. Located in the eastern portion of Nevada, this unit encompasses 431,085 acres spanning elevations from 5,345 to 9,694 feet, with an exceptional 99% public land composition. The unit's mountainous terrain and lack of wilderness designation make it accessible to DIY hunters while maintaining the rugged character that defines quality elk habitat.

Recent harvest data reveals encouraging success rates, with hunters achieving a 79% success rate in 2024 and 58% in 2025. These figures, combined with the unit's extensive public access and moderate elevation range, position Unit 113 as a destination worth serious consideration for both resident and nonresident elk hunters navigating Nevada's competitive draw system.

The counties overlapping this unit have demonstrated strong trophy potential based on historical records, adding another dimension to the hunting opportunity beyond the solid harvest statistics.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit 113 merits strong consideration from elk hunters willing to navigate Nevada's bonus point system. The unit's fundamentals align well for a quality hunting experience: nearly complete public land access eliminates the private land complications that plague many western hunting units, while the 5,345 to 9,694-foot elevation range provides diverse habitat types and hunting opportunities across different terrain zones.

The harvest success rates tell a compelling story. The 79% success rate recorded in 2024 ranks among the higher figures hunters will encounter in Nevada's elk units, while the 58% success rate in 2025 still represents a solid opportunity. This variation between years is typical in elk hunting, reflecting factors like weather patterns, hunting pressure distribution, and herd movements. The two-year average of approximately 68% success provides a realistic baseline for planning purposes.

The trophy potential adds significant value to the unit's appeal. Areas with strong trophy production history indicate quality habitat and age structure within the elk population, factors that benefit hunters pursuing both mature bulls and overall hunting experience. This trophy potential, combined with the solid harvest rates, suggests Unit 113 can deliver both opportunity and quality.

However, hunters must understand Nevada's draw system realities. The state operates a bonus squared system where accumulated points improve draw probability but provide no guarantees. Even hunters with substantial point accumulations face uncertainty, particularly for the most coveted units and hunts. According to HuntPilot data, Nevada's elk drawing system remains highly competitive across all point levels.

For nonresidents, the total investment reaches $1,376 including application fee, tag fee, required hunting license, and bonus point fee. Residents face a significantly lower cost structure at $173 total. This price differential reflects Nevada's preference for resident hunters while generating substantial revenue from nonresident applications.

The unit's accessibility represents a major advantage for DIY hunters. With 99% public land and zero wilderness designation, hunters can access virtually the entire unit without guide requirements or private land permissions. This access, combined with the elevation diversity, allows hunters to develop comprehensive hunting strategies and adapt to changing conditions during their hunt.

Harvest Success Rates

Unit 113's harvest performance demonstrates the kind of consistency elk hunters seek when evaluating potential destinations. The 2024 season produced a 79% success rate with 112 hunters harvesting 88 elk, representing strong performance by Nevada standards. The following year saw 219 hunters achieve a 58% success rate with 128 elk harvested, indicating increased hunter participation alongside continued harvest opportunity.

The variation between these years highlights important dynamics in elk hunting success. The higher success rate in 2024 coincided with fewer total hunters, suggesting either reduced tag allocation or lower application pressure. The 2025 season's increased hunter numbers may reflect expanded tag quotas or higher draw success rates, naturally leading to more distributed hunting pressure and the corresponding decline in individual success rates.

These harvest statistics position Unit 113 favorably within Nevada's elk hunting landscape. Success rates approaching or exceeding 70% indicate quality elk populations and huntable terrain, while rates in the 55-65% range still represent solid opportunities for prepared hunters. The unit's two-year performance suggests hunters can reasonably expect harvest opportunities with proper planning and execution.

Weather patterns, hunting pressure distribution, and seasonal elk behavior all influence annual harvest variations. Units with strong underlying elk populations and quality habitat, like Unit 113, tend to maintain more consistent harvest rates over time. The harvest data suggests this unit possesses these fundamental strengths.

Hunter effort and experience levels also affect harvest success. Units accessible to DIY hunters often attract a mix of experience levels, from seasoned elk hunters to those attempting their first Nevada elk hunt. The success rates in Unit 113 indicate the terrain and elk population support harvest opportunities for hunters willing to invest appropriate effort.

Trophy Quality

The counties overlapping Unit 113 have demonstrated strong trophy potential based on historical trophy production records. This trophy history indicates the unit's elk population includes mature bulls with the genetic potential and habitat quality necessary for exceptional antler development. Areas with consistent trophy production typically feature quality forage, appropriate age structure, and terrain that allows bulls to reach maturity.

Strong trophy potential suggests hunters pursuing mature bulls will find realistic opportunities in Unit 113. The combination of trophy history and solid harvest success rates indicates the unit supports both quantity and quality in its elk population. This balance appeals to hunters seeking their best chance at a mature bull while maintaining reasonable harvest probability.

Trophy-class elk require specific habitat components and population dynamics. Quality winter range, diverse forage options, security cover, and balanced sex ratios all contribute to trophy production. The historical trophy records from this area suggest these habitat components exist within the unit's boundaries.

Hunters should understand that trophy potential differs from trophy guarantee. Even units with strong trophy histories require hunters to locate and successfully harvest mature bulls, which demands skill, preparation, and often some degree of luck. The trophy history indicates opportunity exists for hunters willing to invest the necessary effort and preparation.

The unit's extensive public land access supports trophy hunting strategies. Mature bulls often utilize remote areas and terrain features that require significant effort to reach. With 99% public land, hunters can access these areas without the complications of private land negotiations or access fees that limit hunting options in other units.

Access & Terrain

Unit 113's 99% public land composition represents one of its strongest advantages for DIY elk hunters. This exceptional public access eliminates the private land complications that can restrict hunting opportunities and increase costs in many western hunting destinations. Hunters can develop comprehensive hunting strategies without worrying about land ownership boundaries or access permissions.

The unit's elevation range from 5,345 to 9,694 feet creates diverse habitat zones and hunting opportunities. Lower elevations typically feature different vegetation communities and terrain characteristics than higher elevations, allowing hunters to adapt their strategies based on seasonal elk patterns, weather conditions, and hunting pressure distribution.

With zero wilderness designation, the unit remains accessible to all hunters without guide requirements. This accessibility, combined with the extensive public land, supports various hunting approaches from road-accessible areas to remote backcountry locations. Hunters can choose their level of physical commitment and remoteness based on personal preferences and capabilities.

The mountainous terrain characteristic of this elevation range provides the security cover and diverse forage that elk populations require. Varied topography creates microclimates and vegetation communities that support elk throughout different seasons and weather conditions. This terrain diversity also provides hunters with multiple hunting strategies and locations within the unit.

Road access varies throughout the unit, with some areas accessible by standard vehicles while others require higher-clearance vehicles or hiking access. The terrain's ruggedness provides elk with security areas while still allowing prepared hunters to reach productive hunting locations. This balance supports both elk populations and hunting opportunities.

How to Apply

For 2026, Nevada elk applications open March 23 with a deadline of May 13. Both residents and nonresidents face the same application timeline, though fee structures differ significantly between the two categories.

Nonresident hunters pay a $10 application fee, $1,200 tag fee, $156 required hunting license, and $multi-year points fee, totaling $1,376 for the complete application. The hunting license represents a substantial portion of the total cost and is required before submitting the draw application.

Resident hunters benefit from reduced fee structures with a $10 application fee, $120 tag fee, $33 required hunting license, and $multi-year points fee, totaling $173. This significant cost advantage reflects Nevada's priority for resident hunters while generating revenue from nonresident applications.

Nevada operates a bonus point system where hunters accumulate points that improve draw probability without guaranteeing tags. Points are squared in the drawing process, meaning hunters with more points receive exponentially more entries in the random draw. This system rewards point accumulation while maintaining some draw opportunity for hunters with fewer points.

Hunters must purchase the required hunting license before applying for the draw. This license requirement adds to the total cost but ensures all applicants meet basic hunting prerequisites before entering the draw system.

Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the state wildlife agency website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like in Unit 113? Unit 113 features mountainous terrain spanning elevations from 5,345 to 9,694 feet. The diverse elevation range creates varied habitat types and hunting opportunities, from lower elevation foothills to higher elevation mountain areas. The rugged terrain provides elk with security cover while offering hunters multiple access options and hunting strategies.

What is the harvest success rate in Unit 113? Recent harvest data shows a 79% success rate in 2024 and 58% success rate in 2025, averaging approximately 68% over the two-year period. These success rates indicate strong elk populations and huntable terrain, positioning Unit 113 favorably among Nevada's elk hunting opportunities.

How big are the elk in Unit 113? The counties overlapping Unit 113 have demonstrated strong trophy potential based on historical records. This trophy history indicates the unit supports mature bulls with quality antler development potential, though trophy hunting requires appropriate skill and effort from hunters.

Is Unit 113 worth applying for? Unit 113 merits serious consideration from elk hunters. The combination of 99% public land access, solid harvest success rates averaging 68%, strong trophy potential, and diverse mountainous terrain creates an appealing hunting opportunity. The unit's extensive public access eliminates private land complications while the elevation diversity supports varied hunting strategies.

What is the public land access like in Unit 113? Unit 113 offers exceptional access with 99% public land composition and zero wilderness designation. This combination provides hunters with extensive access options without guide requirements or private land restrictions. Hunters can access virtually the entire unit and develop comprehensive hunting strategies based on elk patterns and personal preferences.