Unit 073 covers the Independence Mountains' eastern flank and the country toward the Idaho line in north-central Nevada. The Independence range tops out around 10,200 feet on McAfee Peak with extensive aspen, mahogany, and Douglas fir on the upper slopes. Elevations span from about 5,500 feet in Independence Valley to the crest. The country is classic Great Basin—sage in the basins, juniper-mahogany on the foothills, aspen in the higher draws, and a thread of fir on the cooler aspects. Several springs and small creeks support the high country. Humboldt-Toiyabe NF on the mountain core, BLM on the flanks, private ranches on the creek bottoms. State Route 225 is the paved spine; forest roads (FR 757 in particular) climb the canyons. Mountain City has gas and a bar; Elko, ninety miles south, is the real supply town. Cell service is essentially nonexistent. Mule deer is the headline and the Independence range produces some of the better bucks in northern Nevada because the country is genuinely remote. Elk transplants have established and a small herd is huntable. October weather flips fast at elevation—plan for snow.