A triangle of mostly private land with the corners at Raton, Springer and Clayton, this unit is mostly flat with conical mountains jutting above the prairie. Antelope thrive on the plains, while elk and mule deer exist in limited numbers. Most game is harvested on private land.

Great antelope hunting quality is found in this unit. Most bucks are harvested on private lands but hunters can find success on public pieces.

Except for the Chico Hills, the edges of some wide, low mesas, and a few mountains that are mostly solitary and conical, this unit is flat to rolling grasslands with low hills and draws cutting across the desert. The boundaries are the roads between Raton and Clayton, Raton and Springer, and Springer and Clayton. Lowlands range from about 5,000 to 6,500 feet above sea level and are dry and open and are mostly private grazing lands separated by barbed wire fences. Most of the mountains are in the northern half. Laughlin Peak at 8,818 feet in elevation is the highest point and is south of U.S. Highway 64 about halfway between Raton and Des Moines. It is the largest shield volcano in the inactive Raton-Clayton volcanic field and rises 2,200 feet above the surrounding plain. It is northeast of 8,110-foot-high Turkey Mountain and many lower and timbered hills that are farther west. Sierra Grande at 8,720 feet in elevation is just south of Des Moines near U.S. 64. Other dominant cones include 7,805-foot Tinaja Mountain, 7,761-foot Eagle Tail Mountain, 7,876-foot Green Mountain, and Pine Butte West and Pine Butte East, which both are more than 8,400 feet above sea level. Most of the mountains rise steeply from the flats below.

Private cattle ranches comprise most of the unit, which often include sections of state trust land. Some of those sections are inaccessible to the public; others can be reached on county or other public roads. Hunters who draw tags to hunt on public land should plan to scout before the season to familiarize themselves with where they can hunt.

Desert grasslands occupy most of the area. Many draws are full of brush, including sage brush and oak brush, which also grows on the mountains. Pinyons and junipers are scattered on the grasslands and grow thick on the edges of mesas and in steep draws. Ponderosa pines grow on some of the higher ground.

Many motels and hotels are in Raton with national chains well represented. Several RV parks also are in Raton, including a KOA campground. Motels that are rated from one to three stars are in Clayton as well as an RV park. Springer also has a motel.