This largely private mule deer and elk unit runs southwest from Steamboat Springs to the edge of the Routt National Forest, a distance of about 23 miles. Strip mining has had a positive impact on game herds because reclamation of mine sites has created vast grazing areas.

This is a good area for hunters who don't mind paying to hunt private land. There are large strip mining operations and limited public land.

Large strip mining operations have reduced some areas to rolling terrain covered only by grasses. Creek and river bottoms rise slowly, separated by long, rimrock ridges running north and south. Gradual mountain slopes are broken up by many benches.

Public hunting is limited to scattered parcels of BLM land and 674-acre Emerald Mountain State Wildlife Area, which is open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. from July 1 until Nov. 30 and is closed to motor vehicles. Enter from the east off County Road 14 into a posted parking lot or from the west off County Road 45 through nine square miles of BLM land. Twenty Mile Road near Oak Creek reaches some BLM land.

Lowlands consist of sagebrush flats, hay and alfalfa fields, deep gullies covered with oak brush, grasses, junipers and pinyon pines. Creek bottoms are dotted with cottonwoods and willows. Sloping foothills are covered with mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, aspen and ponderosa pine along with oakbrush. Highlands have Gambel oak, spruce, aspen and lodgepole pine.

Trout Creek Campground on Routt National Forest west of Phippsburg. Towns of Oak Creek, Yampa and Steamboat Springs offers a wide variety of motels, hotels, restaurants, gas, diesel, and medical facilities.