Quick Tips
- Fish for steelhead and trout in the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River
- Trout fishing is excellent in the Selway River and Meadow Creek
- Bring a GPS and extra batteries
- No cell phone service
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-140" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This entirely public unit offers elk, mule deer and whitetail deer hunting in the mountainous Nez Perce National Forest and around the Meadow Creek roadless area. This unit also includes about 30,000 acres of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Hunters who buy over-the-counter rifle tags can hunt bull elk during the rut and also in October and November. Hunters rarely take a trophy size mule deer or whitetail deer, but enjoy a long season. Bull rifle tags are limited and sold first-come, first-served.
Terrain
About 85% of the unit is composed of mountainous terrain outside the wilderness. Most ridges are 5,000 to 6,000 in altitude, and the higher peaks are just more than 7,000 feet above sea level. The sides of the river canyons are typically steep and rugged. Just north of the unit boundary, Meadow Creek starts above 6,000 feet in the south end and flows north until it drains into the Selway River at about 1,700 feet above sea level.
Roughly 280 square miles
100% public land
Elevations from 2,500-7,800 feet
Vegetation
A lot of this area is covered by a mixture of pines, firs, cedars and spruces. Some burns are fresh enough that only brush and grass grow in them, but others have been taken over by saplings and dense trees. The heads of some drainages have scattered trees, grassy meadows and hills and brush patches. Bear grass, also called elk grass, and low forage quality covers much ground beneath old growth timber.
Access
No motorized or wheeled vehicles are allowed in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, which takes up about 15% of the unit in the northeast part. Most other land is roadless but is not designated wilderness. Anderson Butte Recreation Trail runs along the western edge of the unit, while the Highline Ridge trail runs along the eastern edge. Middle Fork of the Clearwater River Wild and Scenic River flows along the northern edge. Several trails from Unit 15 to the southwest lead into Unit 16A.
ATVs are not necessary
Four-wheel drive is recommended
Camping and Lodging
For some hunters it can be more effective to camp in the backcountry. A lot of this area is too remote for backpacking, especially for elk hunters. Hunters without horses should consider hiring an outfitter. Selway Falls Campground is just north of the unit and has several campsites.
Historical Temperatures
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