Mostly private land, this unit includes part of Reno/Sparks. Mule deer hunters must hike to reach some parts of the Virginia Range, but can drive to most public land. Desert bighorn sheep recently were introduced here but are not hunted.

Much of the northern and western fringes of the Virginia Range are steep, but the rest of the unit is flat or rolling with hills, ridges, shallow and deep draws, and high flats and swales. Natural perennial water sources are scattered. Except for the Truckee River, most water sources are high.

Public road access is limited in some places, particularly in and near urban areas, but hunters find alternate routes and good access to most public land. Interstate 80 leads to most parts of the north, while U.S. Highway 395 and Interstate 580 access the west, and U.S. 50 accesses the south. Alternate US Highway 95 between Fernley and Silver Springs lead to most access points in the east. The public can drive into the southwestern part of the Virginia Range on Geiger Grade Road. USA Parkway provides good public access into the eastern half of the range. Some primitive roads branch from these primary routes. Expect to encounter different people taking part in outdoor recreation. Most of them live in communities that are in or next to the unit, including Reno, Carson City, Washoe Valley, Virginia City and Dayton. Shooting a rifle, muzzleloader or pistol is illegal within 5,000 feet of an occupied dwelling.

Mostly covered by desert brush with junipers in some places. Range fires over the past 20 years have burned parts of the south, resulting in domination by cheatgrass at low and middle elevations with intermixed and recovering stands of native brush. Reno, Washoe Valley, Carson City, Virginia City and Dayton are urbanized. Developments occupy parts of the south side of the Truckee River.

Lodging, supplies and fuel are available in Reno, Sparks, Virginia City, Fernley and Carson City. Service stations are in Dayton, Washoe Valley and the Mustang and USA Parkway exits off I-80. Hunters may camp almost anywhere on BLM land. Washoe Lake State Park in the southwest charges a fee for camping and has 49 campsites that are open year round. Some sites accommodate RVs as long as 45 feet but have no hookups although the park has a dumping station.