This large unit is surrounded by four other District 1 units, with Hwy 2, Hwy 395 and Rd 20 forming its boundary. Colville National Forest offers the largest area of public hunting, covering less than 20% of the unit, with a high percentage of small to medium private land tracts breaking up the public land. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is the second largest piece of land in Unit 117 and does allow hunting opportunities. Various timber companies also have large amounts of land holdings in all shapes and sizes. The northern national forest and wildlife refuge are more rugged and wooded.

During the winter, deer migrate from the higher elevations to lower ground where there is not as much snowpack. Elk are spread throughout the unit.