A patchwork of state, national forest, BLM and private land about 35-60 miles west of Colorado Springs, this unit has access issues because of private land. Mule deer are increasing in number and quality. Elk herds build in November as animals migrate here to escape hunters in surrounding units.

This unit produces some good mule deer, but hunting is difficult due to heavy timber in many areas, especially on public land. Antelope also get big, particularly on private land. Hunters take a good number of bigger bull elk with most big bulls taken on private ranches. Private land impedes access to some public tracts.

The northern third of this unit is part of South Park, a 1,000-square-mile grassland basin. Isolated hogback ridges from a mile to five miles long rise from the plains. The base elevation in South Park is 8,500 feet above sea level.

The South Platte River drains South Park as it heads eastward into Spinney Mountain Reservoir, named for bordering Spinney Mountain, which is about 1,000 feet higher than the park. Foothills rise rapidly to steep mountain slopes from 2,500 to more than 3,000 feet higher than the park.

Mountains, hills and a few flat spots lie between Thirtynine Mountain and the Arkansas River, which is about 15 miles south. The Arkansas River canyon, including the Arkansas Canyonlands Area of Critical Environmental Concern, have steep walls and benches with rimrock that parallel the river for miles.

Thousands of acres of public land provide good hunting, including parcels managed by the BLM, Pike National Forest and the state. Some public property is hard to reach due to private lands, which dominate in South Park and are scattered in the southern two-thirds of the unit.

Below 7,000 feet are grasslands and rolling hills that are covered with a mixture of sagebrush and pinyon/juniper woodlands. High foothills support oak brush, ponderosa pines and aspens. In mountains grow pines, spruces, firs and aspens.

Canon City, west of Pueblo has many motels, restaurants, shops, banks and gas stations as well as a hospital. Salida, which is only 8 miles west of the unit, has all services. Restaurants, motels and medical services also are available in Fairplay, which is about 20 miles northwest of Hartsel at the northern tip.