Quick Tips
- Spend time researching and calling private landowners early to gain private land access
- Check out the WDFD Private Lands Program
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 260"-290" | 290"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is split diagonally down the middle by I-90. The northern portion is basically all private except Medical Lake,Riverside State Park and a few DNR sections. The southern half is also primarily private except for a sizeable block of BLM along Fish Trap Lake and Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Elevations run between 1,900-ft to 3,000-ft consistently.
Getting permission to hunt on private land bordering Turnbull will be beneficial.
Terrain
Away from the main I-90 corridor, the land is mostly used for a variety of farms and ranches. The terrain consists of broken pine dotted with private homes and farms, along with open native grass pastures for horses, cattle and sheep. The eastern edge, and land east and south of the town of Cheney, hold the bulk of timber and thickest cover which includes Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, multiple small lakes, potholes, ponds and sloughs add additional cover, forage and water throughout the unit.
Roughly 945 square miles
8% public land
Elevations range from 1,900– 3,000 feet
Vegetation
With the exception of some broken timber ground and aspen stands, this unit is predominantly dryland and irrigated farms, with crops ranging from oats, wheat, canola, sod grass, apples, peaches and cherries. Equally distributed throughout unit are native grass fields and hayfields utilized for livestock and horse properties. Timber ground is made up of douglas fir, larch, ponderosa pine and aspen.
Access
Access throughout most of the unit is tough. Private lands typically offer the best success rates. You will want to secure your access as early as possible.
Youth and doe hunts are easier ways to introduce yourself to landowners and possible future hunting opportunities
Camping and Lodging
There are limited camping options in this unit. For a comfortable bed and a shower, and gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be Spokane or Cheney.
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