More than two-thirds of this unit is private land or is part of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, which is closed to hunting. Access to private land is important for hunters who seek mature elk and mule deer. Trophy quality of bucks and bulls is average.

Most bulls stay year-round between 7,000' and 9,500' above sea level. Hunters find bucks at high elevations as well as near irrigated farmland at low elevations. Get permission to hunt private land before applying for a tag. Some outfitters have leased some private land.

Some of the most diverse terrain in Colorado is represented by rolling agricultural land, arid mesas between Olathe and Montrose, open parks above 8,000 feet in elevation on Vernal and Poverty mesas, dry arroyos, sandhills, eroded gullies, Red Rock Canyon and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Irrigated agricultural and cultivated croplands are between Montrose and Delta. Saltbush, black sagebrush, rabbitbrush and greasewood grow at lower elevations. Ponderosa pines, mountain shrubs, gambel oaks, serviceberries, mountain mahoganies, mountain sagebrush, snowberry and manzanita grow above 7,500 feet. Aspens, spruces, firs and alpine grasses cover most terrain above 8,500 feet.

Hunters can find benches, hillsides and canyons that they can reach without paying trespass fees, but hunters who have access to private land have an easier time finding bucks and bulls. About 90 square miles are managed by the BLM, including ground that is south and southeast of Peach Valley Road/Ute Road along the east boundary to U.S. Highway 50 near Blue Creek.

Camping is allowed on BLM land and in the Flat Top-Peach Valley Recreation Area. Motels, restaurants, medical facilities, fuel and vehicle rentals are available in Delta, Olathe and Montrose. Montrose has a regional airport and is about 60 miles south of Grand Junction.