This arid, mostly flat unit is overwhelming private and holds mule deer, elk and antelope.

Mule deer do well in this unit because hunter numbers are limited by tags available through an annual drawing as well as a dominance of private land.

Most of this unit is composed of flat lands, narrow ridges and rolling hills between steep breaks, draws and canyons. Buck Hollow in the north, the Deschutes River breaks in the west and the canyons on the sides of Johnson and McLeod Ridges in the central part of the unit comprise most of the roughest terrain. Almost all land is in Wasco and Sherman counties.

High desert scrub and grasses cover most of the unit. Junipers, ponderosa pines, Douglas firs and other trees are scattered with ribbons of greenery in draws and canyons. Grain fields cover much of the flat land.

There is very little public land. Most public access is confined to recreational lands along the Deschutes River. Popular access points are the north and south Criterion trailheads. Southeast of Shaniko Junction are some contiguous BLM parcels. Otherwise, this unit is almost entirely private land.

Several campgrounds are on federal land along the Deschutes River. Here’s a list of BLM campsites in the area. Fees are reasonable. Facilities are minimal, usually consisting of little more than a flat place to camp and vaulted toilets. Lodging options include newly remodeled River Run Lodge in Maupin and cabins operated by The Oasis, also in Maupin.