Unit 214 is the heart of the Piceance Basin mule deer country—Rio Blanco County country covering the central and southern Piceance Creek drainage, the country between Meeker and Rifle. Elevations run from about 5,500 feet on the lower benches near Rio Blanco Lake to 8,500 feet on the high PJ-and-sage mesas. This is some of the most legendary mule deer country in North America—the Piceance herd is one of the largest migratory mule deer herds on the continent, and the bucks that grow up in this PJ-and-oakbrush country are why hunters apply year after year for limited tags. The terrain is vast: PJ-juniper-and-sagebrush mesas dissected by deep canyons, with Gambel oakbrush on the cooler aspects, mountain mahogany on wind-blown ridges, scattered ponderosa pine pockets, and cottonwood-and-aspen riparian zones in the canyon bottoms. The country has subtle relief that hides bucks in folds you don't see until you're already too close. Land ownership is BLM-dominant with significant state trust, deeded private (much tied up in oil-and-gas industrial use and hunting leases), and a handful of large hunting properties. CO-13 is the paved spine; the Piceance Creek Road and Yellow Creek Road branch off into the basin interior. Rifle and Meeker are the supply towns—both with gas, food, motels, and processors. Cell service is poor across most of the basin. The road network is extensive dirt and gravel; mud closures are routine in shoulder seasons. Tags are limited and competition is fierce—this is one of the most desirable draw mule deer units in the state, becuase a 200-inch buck is a realistic ceiling and 180s come out every year. Late October migration is the magic window when big bucks become visible.