This unit lies south of the Yakama Nation Land Reservation with the Columbia River forming its southern boundary. The bulk of the unit is arid scabland with a small touch of irrigated farming along the eastern boundary and just a small bit of forest in the opposite corner along I-97 and the reservation. By percentage this GMU is almost all private land, but, because the unit is so large it’s tough to see there is a fair amount of BLM and state land available for public hunting, although widely spread out. Public land is typically in small and broken chunks making a GPS and maps very important. Also scattered in the BLM is the Yakama Nation Trust Land. WDFW manages this as a mule deer unit changing it several years ago from a Blacktail unit. Either way, there are good populations of deer and for hunters doing a bit of leg work can not only lead to a great hunting experience but decent hunter harvest as well. There are several terrain features within the unit typically traversing north to south as water drains to the Columbia River. Along the East Road and North Rock Creek Road, for instance, are deep coulee’s offering water, browse, and cover. Additionally, there are many similar draws smaller throughout the entire unit. Elk populations are low and in small nomadic herds which can be here one day and gone the next. Private land will be your best bet for harvest and elk in a GMU where elk success is generally low.

Get private land permission early. Legal deer can be tough to locate on public land.

Lone Pine Butte at 4,701 ft is the highest point in the GMU and is located within state ground in the northwestern corner. This is broken timberland with open meadows and is largely owned by timber companies. Wide open arid scabland and large dry land farming dmoniate this GMU with elevations plus/minus 2,000 ft.

The northwestern corner of the unit offers the only amount of timber which follows along various ravines and cuts through open meadows. The bulk of the unit is arid scabland consisting of sage, buckbrush, native and non-native grass and large tracks of dry land farming. In the very southeastern corner a few irrigated center pivots are making their way into the unit along with a few vineyards. Cattle operations are the main use of this habitat.

There is very limited public land in this unit which can pose some access issues. Best to scout and ask for private land access early.

Some of the small state sections will provide some primitive camping options but hunters need to pay attention to any closures and campfire burn bans. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower, as well as staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store your best option is Goldendale on the western border.