Quick Tips
- Fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout in the Selway River
- Steelhead fishing in the West Fork of the Clearwater River
- Bears are common; keep food away from camp
- Buy a wolf tag; wolves are legal game in the fall
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-150" | 150"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This large, mostly public unit is located South and east of Kooskia and has elk, whitetail deer and mule deer. This area is known for the Selway River that runs through its eastern half. The northeast corner is in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.
Elk, mule deer and whitetail deer tags are sold over-the-counter, but the state caps the number of rifle bull elk tags each year. Whitetails are common in the western half of the unit.
Terrain
This unit extends from about 15 square miles of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness in the east to farmland and pastures near Kooskia at the northwest corner. Most of the eastern three-fourths is mountainous terrain in the Nez Perce National Forest. East of Harpster are broad flats and foothills that are mostly private and divided by steep draws. The eastern part of the unit is composed of steep, rocky mountains in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. Parts of the wilderness are fairly open with brushy slopes, thinly scattered timber, many small lakes, avalanche chutes and meadows.
Roughly 388 square miles
20% private land
Elevations from 1,500-6,000 feet
Vegetation
The high parts of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness are mostly rocky and brushy with scattered firs and spruces. Lower mountains are typically heavily forested with pines, firs and spruces. Steep south-facing slopes are open with grass and brush and scattered woods. Low elevations along the West Fork of the Clearwater River are forested. Many flat dry farm fields and pastures are in the west with scattered pines and other conifers, brush, poplars and cottonwoods in draws and on some slopes.
Access
Except for the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness and some steep sections, most of the Nez Perce National Forest is well-roaded. Access roads start at Clearwater, Lowell and Kooskia. Highway 12 along the West Fork of the Clearwater River leads to the Selway River Road along the river of the same name.
ATVs are recommended on rough, primitive roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
No vehicles are allowed in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness
Camping and Lodging
Some hunters camp along dirt roads. Wild Goose Campground, 20 miles east of Kooskia on the West Fork of the Clearwater River, has eight tent/RV sites. Kooskia has several lodging options, including a couple of bed and breakfasts, Western Motor Inn and River Junction RV Park. River Dance Lodge, which is east of Kooskia on Highway 12, has rooms as well as cabins and luxury tents. Some hunters backpack or pack camps by horse or llama in order to hunt in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness and roadless parts of the Nez Perce National Forest.
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
April 2025
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3