Unit 068, Nevada

Rolling hills, shallow and deep swales, benches, and flats characterize much of the unit, transitioning into steeper slopes in the South Tuscarora Mountains (southern half) and the Sheep Creek Range (western flank). Elevation ranges from roughly 4,500 feet in the lower valleys and along I-80 to 8,700 feet at Beaver Peak in the Tuscaroras — the unit high point. The Sheep Creek Range rises approximately 2,000 vertical feet from its base to the rim plateau over a distance of 25-plus miles, with short canyons and the prominent Rock Creek Gorge cutting into the range.

Primary land managers are the BLM Battle Mountain District and Tuscarora Field Office, with large tracts of private land interspersed throughout, particularly in the southern portion of the unit. Private land is marked with no-trespassing signs or orange-topped fence posts; ask permission before crossing. Newmont Mining operations block some access in the South Tuscarora Range. The IL Ranch and Spanish Ranch block portions of the North Tuscarora Range. Interstate 80 provides the southern boundary and primary staging point. Key access routes north of I-80 include: - Highway 766 (Maggie Creek Road) north from Carlin — east-side access to the South Tuscaroras - Highway 35 north from Battle Mountain — western access to the Izzenhood and Sheep Creek Ranges - Boulder Valley Road north from the Dunphy Exit (I-80) — eastern portions of Unit 068 - Midas-Tuscarora Road — runs the Unit 067/068 boundary between the towns of Midas and Tuscarora; primary northern access - Highway 806 north from Battle Mountain approximately 6 miles to the Sheep Creek Range base road, then approximately 8 miles east along the base of the range; road forks to the south face via Rock Creek and to the north via Battle Creek to a network of rough roads on the range plateau (4WD/high-clearance required throughout) - Rock Creek Road (from Buffalo Valley side — landowner permission required for that approach) Numerous secondary roads branch off all primary routes providing dispersed access. No developed trailheads; dispersed and primitive camping is allowed throughout public lands. A developed campground exists at Wildhorse Reservoir. Developed campground at Mill Creek approximately 20 miles south of Battle Mountain. Gas and services are available in Carlin, Battle Mountain, and Elko; no gas stations north of I-80 until Owyhee. No wilderness areas are designated within Unit 068.

Sagebrush is the dominant cover type across the unit at all elevations. Bitterbrush and serviceberry occur as patches throughout, and quaking aspen mixed with serviceberry is found in the Tuscarora Mountains. Willows and wet meadows occupy drainage bottoms and riparian corridors. Post-fire areas at lower elevations have been overtaken by cheatgrass, while areas above roughly 6,500 feet retain native grasses following past wildfires. The Sheep Creek Range supports rugged shrub-steppe with reliable springs and riparian vegetation at water sources. At higher elevations in the Tuscaroras, subalpine fir, limber pine, pinyon-juniper, and mountain mahogany are present.

Mule deer are present unit-wide, with concentrations typically highest above 6,500 feet during summer; deer migrate to lower winter ranges in the Izzenhood, Sheep Creek, and southern South Tuscarora areas as conditions dictate in late fall. The Unit Group 061-062-064-066-068 mule deer herd had an estimated population of approximately 6,400 deer as of 2024, still recovering from severe 2022-2023 winter losses. Rocky Mountain elk are present in units 062, 064, 066-068 as part of a two-sub-herd population: the Owyhee Desert sub-herd is a year-round Nevada resident primarily in Units 062, 064, and 066-068, while the larger YP Desert sub-herd winters in Idaho and the Duck Valley Indian Reservation; the combined population is estimated at approximately 625 animals against a mandated objective of 500 adult elk. Pronghorn antelope are widespread across the unit between approximately 5,000 and 8,000 feet, occupying open sagebrush, bitterbrush, and perennial grass habitats, with highest densities in the Rossi Mine to Willow Creek area, Sheep Creek Range top, east Izzenhood Range, and lower South Tuscarora Range; the Unit 067-068 herd exceeds population objective and is actively managed for size. California bighorn sheep occupy the Sheep Creek Range, centered around Black Mountain, Rock Creek Gorge, and White House Spring; this is one of the few M. ovi-free California bighorn herds in Nevada, actively managed through relocation to maintain health. Other wildlife observed includes sage-grouse, chukar partridge, Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, moose (occasional), mountain lion, black bear, white-tailed jackrabbit, quail, dove, and various non-game species.