This unit is dominated by the Loomis State Forest and shares a border with Canada. Along the western border, the Okanogan National Forest fills in the gaps. The only private ground to speak of is along the eastern edge from Palmer Lake south to the low ground in the southeast corner. The northern mountains represent the highest elevations and most physical country with Disappointment, Joe Mills Mountain, Hurley Peak and Chopaka Mountains, all well over 7,000-ft and under two miles apart. This is the transition ground from the eastern scablands to the rugged, roadless mountain range to the west. Other than a few wildfires and some minor timber harvest, this is old growth conifer forest country with south-facing slopes and the flatter southern tip representing the only open country. Mule deer are going to be widely spread across the unit, typically in the higher elevations until snow forces them to migrate to lower ground. There are not many whitetails; a few timber bucks make their home here and along the lower elevation draw. The western edge of this GMU lies within the very western edge of the North Cascades grizzly bear recovery zone.
Whitetails in this unit are responsive to rattling. Expect lots of road hunters during the general season.
Rolling hills, that are mostly open with small pockets of timber, make up the majority of the southeast corner of the unit, while dense old growth conifer forests are found along the entire western and northern boundaries. Multiple peaks well over 7,000-ft extend above timberline. Broad, deep valleys dissect the mountains and drain spring snowmelt into small mountain lakes and into larger lakes along the valley floor. A lot of this country is steep, with some elevations dropping over 5,000-ft in under two miles. Toats Coulee Road follows a much more mellow, grassy valley with moderate elevation gains, albeit in the shadows of Tillman Mountain towering 3,000-plus feet above.
The vegetation here consists primarily of old grown conifer forests with pine and fir timber, accented with aspen stands and a few small timber cuts, dissected by broad native bunch grass valleys draining the winter snow. These valleys offer a short growing season and numerous wildflowers, forbs, and berry-producing brushes provide the rich protein wildlife desperately need. The old timber cuts provide a distinct age class of grass, slowly giving way to young trees during reclamation. The eastern and southeastern portion has broken foothills and rangeland comprised of short bunch grasses and sage. The Sinlahekin Valley, cutting between the southeast corner and the mountains, provides the wetlands with slow creeks and is dotted with small lakes. Reed grasses, wildflowers, and berry bushes provide thick cover, browse and hold a wide variety of small game and bird life.
Seeing as this unit is mostly public with a good road system, access is fairly easy. The only large chunks of private are located along the eastern edge, Palmer Lake, and the southeast corner. There are a few small pieces of private in the forest, so a GPS is highly recommended to know all boundaries during your hunt and game retrieval.
Primitive camping in the State Forest and National Forest is allowed most 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. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower, and staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option will be in the very small towns of Conconully and Tonasket.
Roughly 431 square miles
73% public land
Elevations range from 1,000– 7,800 feet
GPS should be used at all times as there are small pieces of private hidden inside huge chunks of public
Decent road system except along western and northern boundaries