Nevada Unit 113 Mule Deer Hunting Guide

Nevada Unit 113 offers hunters access to over 430,000 acres of diverse mule deer habitat stretching across elevations from 5,345 to 9,694 feet. Located in the Silver State's expansive high desert country, this unit provides hunters with nearly unlimited access across 99% public land, making it an attractive option for DIY hunters seeking a Nevada mule deer experience without the complications of private land negotiations.

The unit's elevation range creates varied terrain and habitat zones that support mule deer year-round. From sagebrush-dominated lower elevations to timbered higher country, Unit 113 provides the habitat diversity that Nevada mule deer depend on throughout the seasons. With harvest success rates hovering around 50-54% in recent years and stable tag allocations, this unit represents a realistic opportunity for hunters to experience Nevada mule deer hunting.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit 113 presents a solid option for hunters seeking a Nevada mule deer hunt with reasonable expectations. The unit's recent harvest data shows consistent performance, with 349 hunters achieving a 54% success rate in 2025, following 344 hunters with 50% success in 2024. These numbers indicate a stable mule deer population that can sustain moderate hunting pressure while providing reasonable harvest opportunities.

The unit's 99% public land composition eliminates the access challenges that plague many western hunting units. Hunters can focus on finding deer rather than negotiating access rights or competing for limited public access points. The absence of wilderness areas (0% wilderness) means no guide requirements for nonresidents and full motorized access where regulations permit.

Nevada's bonus point system makes Unit 113 competitive even for hunters with modest point totals. The squared bonus system gives preference to higher point holders while still providing draw opportunities for newer applicants. This unit likely appeals to hunters seeking a Nevada experience without the decade-plus point investment required for premium units.

Trophy potential in Unit 113 falls into the moderate category based on historical records from counties overlapping this unit. While trophy-class bucks exist, hunters should calibrate expectations toward mature deer in typical size ranges rather than expecting exceptional trophy production. The unit's moderate trophy history suggests that dedicated hunters willing to work away from easy access points can find quality mature bucks.

Tag allocation trends show stability in the main hunt categories, with the early hunt maintaining 170 tags in both 2024 and 2025. Several specialty hunts saw increases, including the late hunt jumping from 10 to 15 tags (50% increase) and other categories showing 20-33% tag increases, suggesting healthy herd conditions that can support expanded harvest opportunities.

Harvest Success Rates

Recent harvest data from Unit 113 demonstrates consistent mule deer hunting success. In 2025, 349 hunters harvested 187 deer for a 54% success rate. The previous year saw 344 hunters harvest 171 deer, achieving a 50% success rate. This four percentage point improvement between seasons suggests either improved hunting conditions or refined hunter effort distribution.

Success rates in the 50-54% range place Unit 113 in solid territory for Nevada mule deer hunting. These figures indicate that roughly half of hunters who draw tags will harvest deer, providing reasonable odds for tag holders willing to invest adequate time and effort. The consistency between years suggests these success rates reflect the unit's carrying capacity rather than weather-driven anomalies.

The hunter-to-harvest ratios show that tag allocations align reasonably well with deer abundance. With nearly 350 hunters participating annually, pressure remains distributed enough across the unit's 431,085 acres to avoid severe overcrowding while maintaining harvest opportunities for persistent hunters.

Trophy Quality

Unit 113 exhibits moderate trophy potential based on historical records from counties within the unit boundaries. While the area has produced trophy-class mule deer over time, hunters should approach this unit with realistic expectations focused on mature deer rather than exceptional trophy potential.

The moderate trophy history suggests that quality bucks exist for hunters willing to invest significant effort in scouting and hunting away from high-pressure areas. Nevada's high desert country can support impressive mule deer genetics, but competition from other hunters and the unit's accessibility means trophy-class animals require dedicated pursuit.

Hunters targeting mature bucks in Unit 113 should plan extended scouting efforts and focus on terrain features that provide security cover away from main access corridors. The unit's elevation range creates opportunities to locate deer in various habitat zones depending on seasonal conditions and hunting pressure distribution.

Access & Terrain

Unit 113's 99% public land composition provides exceptional access opportunities for DIY hunters. This near-complete public ownership eliminates the access barriers that complicate hunting in many western units, allowing hunters to explore the full 431,085 acres without private land restrictions.

The elevation range from 5,345 to 9,694 feet creates diverse terrain zones that support different hunting strategies. Lower elevations typically feature sagebrush-dominated country with scattered pinyon-juniper stands, while higher elevations transition into more complex terrain with increased timber cover and steeper topography.

With 0% designated wilderness, hunters retain full motorized access opportunities where forest service and BLM regulations permit. This accessibility allows hunters to establish base camps closer to hunting areas and utilize vehicles for initial access before transitioning to foot travel for final approaches.

The varied elevation creates natural travel corridors and concentration areas as deer move between summer and winter ranges. Understanding these elevation-based movement patterns becomes crucial for timing hunts and positioning efforts in areas where deer naturally concentrate during different periods.

How to Apply

For 2026, Nevada mule deer applications open March 23 with a deadline of May 13. Both residents and nonresidents face the same application timeline and initial fee structure, with applications opening simultaneously for all residency classes.

Resident hunters pay an application fee of $10, with successful applicants owing a tag fee of $30. A resident hunting license costing $33.00 is required before submitting applications. Residents can also purchase bonus points for $10 to improve future draw odds in Nevada's squared bonus system.

Nonresident applicants pay the same $10 application fee but face significantly higher tag fees of $240 upon drawing. Nonresidents must hold a Nevada hunting license costing $156.00 before applying. The $multi-year points fee provides the same draw advantages for nonresidents in the squared bonus system.

Draw results for both residency classes are released May 29, 2026, providing hunters with summer planning time for successful applicants. Nevada's squared bonus system means bonus points significantly improve draw odds, with entries calculated as bonus points squared plus one.

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 spans elevations from 5,345 to 9,694 feet, creating diverse terrain from sagebrush-dominated lower country to timbered higher elevations. The varied topography includes rolling hills, steep ridges, and scattered timber that provides both feeding areas and security cover for mule deer throughout the unit.

What is the harvest success rate in Unit 113? Recent harvest data shows success rates of 54% in 2025 (187 deer harvested by 349 hunters) and 50% in 2024 (171 deer harvested by 344 hunters). These consistent success rates indicate stable hunting conditions with roughly half of tag holders harvesting deer.

How big are the mule deer in Unit 113? Unit 113 has a moderate history of trophy production based on historical records from overlapping counties. While trophy-class bucks exist, hunters should expect mature deer in typical size ranges rather than exceptional trophy potential. Quality mature bucks require dedicated scouting and hunting pressure avoidance.

Is Unit 113 worth applying for? Unit 113 offers solid value for Nevada mule deer hunters seeking reasonable harvest opportunities with excellent public land access. The 99% public land eliminates access complications, while 50-54% success rates provide realistic harvest expectations. Tag allocation stability and moderate point requirements make this unit accessible for hunters without extensive point accumulation.

What are the tag quotas for Unit 113? Tag allocations have remained stable, with the main early hunt maintaining 170 tags in both 2024 and 2025. Several specialty categories saw increases, including the late hunt expanding from 10 to 15 tags (50% increase) and other hunts showing 20-33% increases, suggesting healthy deer populations supporting expanded harvest opportunities.