Quick Tips
- Spend plenty of time scouting before your hunt opens
- Grizzly area, carry spray and be aware of your surroundings
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 250"-280" | 280"+ |
On The Ground
This is a large unit with lots of public ground, although there are some areas checker boarded with private land. The Pend Oreille forms the western boundary, and the Kalispel Reservation is found along the unit’s southwestern border. Salmo-Priest Wilderness, Colville and Kaniksu National Forests make up the bulk of public land which covers the majority of the unit. Gypsy Peak is the highest peak in the unit at 7,309-ft in northeast Washington and located in the northern portion of the Selkirk range. Whitetail deer will be found at lower elevations, below 4,000-ft. Mule deer, however, tend to favor the higher, more secluded elevations, specifically in the northern range. The very northeast corner is part of the Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone and is rugged, steep backcountry with long, heavily forested valleys. Selwick may be worth checking out for the physical, backcountry experienced hunters, as it can provide the elbow room getting away from other hunters.
There have been many reports of grizzlies, wolves and mountain lions in this unit. There have also been reports of multiple road closures around the Grizzly recovery zone.
Terrain
Very heavily wooded conifer forests cover the bulk of the unit, with some logging areas as well. This unit feels more like the Canadian Rockies more than any other unit in Washington. The dirt road system is decent if weather conditions are good. Rain and snow can make it tricky driving to closed roads in a quick matter of time.
Roughly 738 square miles
76% public land
Elevations range from 2,000– 7,300 feet
Vegetation
Heavy thick forests of old growth conifer and lush thick vegetation make this unit hard to hunt. Steep terrain with elevation drops of 1,500-ft in a mile are very common here. There are several burns as recent as the 2017 fire season, the largest in the southern portion of the unit. A 10+ mile trail runs from Sullivan Mountain to Bear Pasture; if you plan on hiking this, you will want to go in prepared as this is not a day hike. There are a profusion of flowers and berries, but be aware of bears feeding in these areas. Checker boarded public and private land along the E. Fork Leclerc Creek Road is more open and easier hunting with the right access.
Access
National forests have decent access via the major valleys, however, there are lots of backpacking opportunities for backcountry hunters. There is plenty of trail access to explore both the east and west legs of the Salmon-Priest Wilderness. There may be some access to timber company land with written permission, which is recommended for hunters in the bottom two thirds of unit.
GPS should be used at all times
Check with timber companies and private landowners about possible written permission and fees
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping in the National Forest 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. There are numerous camping areas at Sullivan Lake, and along the Pend Oreille River. B&B’s will be your best bet if you are more interested in a bed and a shower. Newport, at the very southern tip of the unit, is your best bet for a larger city closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, but it is a long way from most of the hunting areas in this unit.
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