This unit borders California for about 60 miles starting 50 miles north of Reno, and is mostly mule deer winter range. The state holds late seasons that allow hunters to take bucks that have migrated into the unit. Most land is public property below 6,800 feet in elevation.

Few resident mule deer live in this unit, but a good numbers of bucks migrate here after snowstorms hit high country in California. A healthy antelope population lives here.

From rolling hills to steep canyons and low lying valleys to high plateaus. Natural and artificial water sources are scattered throughout the unit, but are more common in the north.

Public vehicle access is limited in some areas. Nearly the entire unit can be accessed by foot, if not by motor vehicle. The Surprise Valley Road connects the northeastern end of the unit with the south. State Route 447 allows access to the northern reaches. Hunters can drive to most hunting areas on primitive roads or hike to them.

Low elevations are mostly covered with sagebrush and desert scrub, while higher hills are mostly pinyon/juniper forests with scattered stands of bitterbrush. Playa is the main plant in the Smoke Creek Desert.

Motels can be found in Gerlach at the eastern tip of the unit. Food and supplies are available there. General supplies and fuel are sold at Sutcliff, which is on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation south of the unit, and in Herlong, California. Squaw Creek Reservoir is a good place to camp or park a travel trailer. Other good sites for camping are along the Buck Horn Road, Smoke Creek Road and Surprise Valley Road.