- Late season hunting gets better, and is dependent on snow
- Oak Creek offers hunting away from roads
Species | General Size | Trophy Potential |
---|
Mule Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
Elk | 290"-320" | 320"+ |
This large GMU is dissected by the Wenas Valley as it meanders its way to the Yakima River at Selah. A large majority of the public land in this unit is Wenatchee National Forest, state land, and Wenas Wildlife Areas. The majority of private land is located along the major travel corridors, and Wenas, Lower Naches, and Selah Valleys. A bulk of the boundary edges follow waterways, including Umtanum Creek in the north, Naches River in the west, and Yakima River in the east. Cleman Mountain runs parallel between the Naches River and Wenas Creek. The northeastern face offers the darkest, old growth forest, however, this gives way to open rangeland in approximately two miles or so. The most rugged portion of the unit is the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, and is the best place to get away from roads. East of Wenas Valley is wide open, rolling scrubland comprised of sagebrush and grasslands, except for the various creeks offering enough water for buckbrush and other forbs.
There has been talk of wolves in this GMU. Hunters willing to hike will have a better opportunity at finding solitary, secluded honeyholes.
The terrain is dominated by wide-open, rolling rangeland. There are also a multitude of forested fingers, draws, and cuts as you make your way from the valley floor up into the mountains along the western side of the unit. This GMU is drained in the north, east and south by large creeks or rivers. The southern tip is experiencing some urban sprawl with larger ranchette properties being developed on the edge of farming country.
Sparse conifer forests of ponderosa pine, fir, and larch follow the drainages. A good majority of the GMU consists of arid, open rangeland full of sagebrush, buckbrush and a variety of native warm and cool season bunch grasses. Invasive non-native grasses have also taken hold here. Along the lower, wetter ground there is substantial irrigated farming, which is largely fruit orchards.
There is a lot of public land with a bunch of Jeep trails. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has completed a four-year project to secure wildlife habitat and public access in the northern point. Although access is easy, getting into some of the more secluded, deep canyons with big game in them will require quite a bit of legwork.
Primitive camping is allowed most of the year, but various fire bans and forest road closures may be in effect, so double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option will be in the small town of Selah.
Roughly 295 square miles
67% public land
Elevations range from 1,200– 5,000 feet
Easy access equals hunting pressure, hike away from roads
Vast network of two-track and trails