West of Canyon City and south of the Arkansas River is a large area of BLM and national forest land. Residents and non-residents have the opportunity to draw for an archery tag. Only residents can apply for a rifle tag.

The weather at higher elevations can change radically so be prepared for temperature dips. There is no hunting allowed in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation areas. Parking is allowed for a fee, allowing access to adjacent BLM lands.

The Arkansas River Canyon forms the northern boundary of this area. Sangre de Cristo Mountains on the west, Wet Mountains in the middle and the high plains in the eastern portion provide the other boundaries. Drainages flow out of the Sangre de Cristo to the Arkansas River. Deep canyons and gulches can make this a difficult hunt.

Sagebrush, cottonwoods, willows and pinyon/juniper are found in lower elevations. Most of the national forest has ponderosa pine, spruce, aspen, fir and open grassy parks. Foothills have oak brush, mountain mahogany and bitterbrush.

The San Isabel National Forest has numerous forest service roads that access the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains. Different roads all have good trail systems that can be used to access the more remote parts of the unit. Sheep hunting can be physically demanding, with sheep typically staying in harder to reach areas.

The San Isabel National Forest and BLM offer improved and dispersed camping. Along U.S. Highway 50 the communities of Pueblo, Canyon City, Salida and Pueblo provide motels, cafes and restaurants, gas, diesel and medical care. Westcliff on Colorado Route 69 has limited motel, cafes and fuel.