This unit borders Arizona and is north of the Gila Mountains and holds small, localized herds of elk on private, state, BLM and tribal land. Low numbers of mule deer and antelope are scattered throughout the unit.

The state issues few elk tags and demand is high. This area has low hunting pressure, especially on public land.

A mixture of state, BLM, Navajo tribal and private land, Unit 12 has a few mountain peaks but is mostly composed of mesas, canyons and large basins that are less than 7,800 feet in elevation. The northeast quarter is mostly composed of the Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation and BLM land in the form of the 18,300-acre Chain of Craters Wilderness Study Area and part of the El Malpais National Conservation Area. The central, northwestern and southeastern parts of the unit are mostly private with many landlocked sections of state land. The southwestern part is mostly state land and BLM property, including 19,414-acre Mesita Blanca and 43,960-acre Eagle Peak wilderness study areas.

Low elevations are mainly flat, high desert with sandy washes and sagebrush flats. Middle elevations consist of low hills and mountains with long, brushy draws full of juniper trees and some pinyon pines. Higher elevations consist of juniper-covered ridges with ponderosa pines and Gambel oak trees on cool slopes and high mesas. Pinyon-juniper woodlands cover much of the unit.

County-maintained gravel and dirt roads provide good access. State Route 601 runs from Quemado north to Fence Lake. State Road 117 runs from Fence Lake to the unit boundary north of Pie Town. State Route 601 provides good access to BLM and state lands.

A couple of motels are in Quemado, including Alegre Motel. The only improved campground is the Datil Well Campground, where the BLM provides restrooms, fire rings and tables.