Quick Tips
- Great backpack hunting unit
- Hunt the new growth and forest edge created by the forest fire
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 310"-340" | 340"+ |
On The Ground
This is a small, very rugged unit consisting of Umatilla National Forest and Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This unit is popular for hunters with pack animals as there are zero roads in this rough country. Your best bet at finding elk will be early on when temperatures are warmer; hunt the north facing slopes and after snow flies, key in on south-facing slopes for elk. Deer areas 1008 and 1009 divide GMU 169 and help to manage deer by distributing harvest opportunity across the wilderness area. West Butte peaks at 6,263-ft, and neighboring West Butte, Oregon Butte, along the northern border, tops out at 6,329-ft. A bit further east, Mount Misery tops at 6,368-ft, with Twin Buttes further south in the unit cresting at 5,656-ft. Butte Creek is low ground at 2,600-ft as it winds its way along with multiple random creeks and canyons pointing in every direction, breaking this country into a steep and rugged landscape.
The 2015 Grizzly Bear Complex fire burned a huge chunk of land, from the Oregon border up to the boundary line with GMU 166.
Terrain
Comprised 95% within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, this unit has big, rugged, roadless topography. Access can be physically challenging with the land laying in two directions, up and down. This unit is favored by adventurous hunters with pack animals looking for a more traditional backcountry wilderness style hunt
Roughly 162 square miles
100% public land
Elevations range from 2,600– 6,300 feet
Vegetation
The 2015 fire season burnt a third of the unit comprised of broken old growth forests consisting primarily of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir, typically following the north and south slopes, interspersed with a variety of native grasses, wildflowers and forbs.
Access
This entire unit is public land. However, access into the bulk of the wilderness is roadless, steep and rugged. Hunters need to come physically prepared in order to navigate this terrain and get around in the unit.
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping in the National Forest and wilderness is allowed for the majority of the year, but various fire bans and forest road closures may happen, so double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. For lodging, gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option will be Walla Walla, although it is a long drive.
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