- Securing private land access is key to a successful hunt here. If you're not open to paying access fees or hiring an outfitter for help, this unit might not be suitable for the type of hunting you're seeking
Public land access in this unit is very limited; when hunting here, you will need to obtain some sort of access to private property in order to be successful. This is not a very physical unit at all and mostly consists of rolling hills around agriculture with a little bit of elevation change as you get towards the northeast corner of the unit leading into Idaho. Hunting with land use maps and/or a GPS is a must. If you are planning a DIY trip, you may want to consider another unit, as the deck is really stacked against you here. Hunting on Spokane County State land is prohibited.
Inland Empire Paper Company are the main landholders in the area surrounding Mica Peak Conservation Area; you should be working with them to gain access to these areas, and come to understand their rules and regulations as soon as you know you have the tag. Information regarding hunting these properties can be found on their websites or by calling them to get a better understanding of what is expected and allowed when gaining access.
Outside of the Rock Creek River bottom and the Mica Peak Conservation Area, both located in the northern region of this unit, plan on being surrounded by miles of agriculture on both sides of the road. The river bottom is lined with thick timber, as well as slews and marshy areas ideal for game. As you gain elevation and approach Mica Peak Conservation Area, the agriculture breaks into scattered timber and clear cuts -even this area of the unit is not very physical. However, most of your access will be non-motorized, so plan on putting some miles on your boots, and have a solid plan around recovery when you leave your truck.
You will find more agriculture in this unit than anything else, but once you are in the higher elevations the vegetation is primarily different species of pine ranging from ponderosa pine and douglas fir on drier sites to western red cedar, western hemlock, and western white pine. The forest also has aspen, lodgepole pine and the incredible western larch. There are many north and east facing slopes that have little to no ground cover, and what is there is often very low profile, which can create a great opportunity at locating game. Creek beds, river bottoms, and marshy areas are scattered throughout the unit and these areas and are mostly lined with evergreens, willows and a variety of grass.
Access will very much depend on where you obtain permission to hunt and what areas will be available to you. Working with the landowners whether they are homesteaders, ranchers or lumber companies will very much depict where you will be accessing the area.
There are few places to camp in this unit. Just north of the Mica Peak Conservation Area, in the northeast corner of the unit, is Liberty Lake with lots of available camping. Some sites here are more primitive than others, and like most places in Washington, are subject to close due to winter weather conditions. Call ahead if you plan on staying here. Unfortunately, if this plan falls through, finding a public camping location will be difficult. Hotels, gas, and groceries can be found on Interstate 90 at the top of the unit on the eastern side of Spokane, and not far from the northern side of the Mica Peak Conservation Area. There are a number of small towns as you head south on Hwy 195; resources are available in some of these towns, but will be limited.
Roughly 511 square miles
2% public land
Elevations range from 2,015 – 5,209 feet