This smaller unit is located in the north central portion of the state along the South Dakota state line. There is a great distribution of public lands here but most of the prime elk habitat and harvest locations are found on private grounds. Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime harvest for residents, many lucky tag holders opt to hire outfitters to ensure private access.

A small but healthy herd of elk inhabit this unit. Nearly all elk encounters and kills have been recorded on private lands. It is recommended to secure private access or hire an outfitter for this hunt.

Most of this area is composed of a rolling prairie landscape and brushy coulees. Agricultural areas dot the landscape but most of this unit is untouched and can provide some excellent hunting opportunities if elk are present. Many creek beds wind themselves through the landscape creative breaks in the terrain that are excellent for spot and stalk adventures.

Typical prairie grasses and shrubs dominate most of the undeveloped areas. Creek bottoms with see a higher distribution of willows, cottonwoods, and pines. Stands of mature hardwoods will often be found in and around agricultural areas.

Modern lodging is available in any of the bigger towns in the unit, plus there is enough public land that hunters can opt for a primitive camp, if desired. Due to the nature of this hunt and many tag holders going with an outfitter, most lodging and accommodations are generally taken care of.

Public access is great in this unit, but elk encounters on public land are limited and really can't be counted on. Successfully filling a tag can be done on public grounds, butwith this being a once-in-a-lifetime harvest, hunters are generally encouraged to seek private access through themselves, by paying trespass fees, or to go through an outfitter.Public lands are sparsely scattered through the unit, the biggest pieces being a massive 120,000 acre piece of Forest Service land.

Along with public lands, hunters can also secure a special access permit to hunt the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge islocated on the west side of the unit, just east of Valentine, and provides an additional 19,000 acres of access.