Unit 280, Nevada

Terrain transitions from fairly level, unbroken bajada (alluvial fans) at lower elevations to steep, rocky canyons and broken ledges higher up. Elevations range from approximately 3,280 feet on the valley floors to 6,266 feet atop Aysees Peak. The range is typical of the Basin and Range physiographic province, with north-south trending fault-block ridges separated by broad, alluvium-filled valleys typical of the southern Nevada Mojave Desert.

Unit 280 is entirely within the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) South Range, a restricted U.S. Air Force military installation. There is NO conventional public access — the unit is not open to scouting, hiking, or any recreational entry prior to or outside of the permitted hunt period. The NDOW hunt information sheet notes that tag holders and their hunting party are allowed access to the Pintwater Range the day before the season opener through the restricted Point Bravo Gate for the South Range. All tag holders and every member of their hunting party must: (1) consent to and pass a criminal background check; (2) be 14 years of age or older; (3) attend and comply with the NTTR South Range hunter safety briefing if successful in obtaining a tag. Party size is limited to a maximum of 5 persons including the tag holder (per eRegulations). Hunters and their parties may not re-access the NTTR after a tag is filled and the animal is in their possession. No pets are permitted on the NTTR. Full services are available in Las Vegas; some services are available in Indian Springs. Primitive camping is the rule within the unit. The unit is co-managed with the USFWS Desert National Wildlife Refuge.

Vegetation follows distinct elevation zones. Lower bajada slopes support creosote bush and white bursage scrub. Mid-elevation bands carry Joshua tree, blackbrush, and scattered yucca. Upper slopes transition into pinyon-juniper woodland. Rocky canyon walls and ledges provide the broken terrain that desert bighorn sheep prefer for escape cover and lambing. Water developments (guzzlers) maintained within the unit are important focal points for wildlife year-round in this arid environment.

Desert bighorn sheep (Nelson subspecies) are the primary big game species and the primary management focus of this unit. The unit's remoteness within the NTTR South Range, combined with managed water developments (guzzlers), has allowed bighorn to persist relatively undisturbed. Sheep inhabit the rocky canyon systems and broken ledges, using the bajada for movement between ranges. The broader Desert National Wildlife Refuge complex also supports desert tortoise, kit fox, coyote, jackrabbit, and diverse avifauna; mountain lion presence is possible given the prey base and terrain. No mule deer or pronghorn hunting seasons are established for this unit.