Quick Tips
- A GPS is important in this remote physical unit
- There are grizzly bears living in this unit
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 100"-110" | 120"+ |
| Elk | Little-to-none | N/A |
On The Ground
Okanogan National Forest dominates this oddly shaped unit, with a bit of Wenatchee National Forest located in southwest tip close to Rainy Lake. This GMU is basically surrounded by mountains that drain through a network of creeks, small streams, and ultimately the Chewuch River, which flows along the boundary to the small town of Winthrop at its most southern point. This is remote, steep country and since Y2K has had its fair share of large wildfires burning roughly fifty-percent of the unit. Much of the northern boundary, and the larger mountains on both the east and west edges, are roadless with significant older burns in various stages of regrowth. These higher elevation burns are a great location to start looking for mule deer as they favor the succulent vegetation in these open areas. Significant deer activity makes it possible to glass them up and stalk from considerable distances. Whitetail are less prevalent, however, they tend to favor the Eight-Mile Drainage and along Chewuch River, even though it’s fairly open terrain. There are no resident elk herds here, making it hard to locate an elk. Both black and grizzly bears, along with mountain lions and wild turkeys, live in this GMU. Over recent years, many small areas have had timber thinned, mainly north of Winthrop and strung out northwest of Eight-Mile Ridge. The western edge of this GMU lies within the North Cascades grizzly bear recovery zone.
Most would consider this a backpacking unit, with the best hunting in old burns.
Terrain
The rugged mountains along the northern edge and to the east of the Chewuch River are steep, peaking out well above timberline, cut by deep dark drainages. Deadfall from past burns can add to the physical toughness of this roadless backcountry. As you move west, the mountains and valleys mellow out a bit, and the large, wide drainages offer excellent access roads where mudslides and post fire results have altered the landscape. A handful of major drainages all point south to private land consisting of more rolling, open rangeland and private property, especially along the borders and major rivers. The eastern region consists of steep, barren, and bald mountains with Tower Mountain peaking at 8,215-ft. A majority of this steep region is roadless, but fairly open country with patchy timber in deep cuts.
Roughly 477 square miles
95% public land
Elevations range from 1,800– 8,200 feet
Vegetation
There are easily four ecosystems within this GMU. Northeastern peaks top out above timber line with stubby alpines, short seasonal grasses, forbs and lichens. The bulk of the unit is conifer forests with pine and fir trees in various stages of regrowth from multiple large wildfires. Along with deadfalls a wide variety of grass, bushes and wildflowers and doing well and slowly give way as young stands of timber continue to age. South slopes and downriver open up to large clump grass meadows and grazing country, with just a touch of farmland with hay and grains. The western portion of the unit is much more arid and
open with fewer thick forests. The Methow River is the thickest riparian habitat and is interspersed with several ranchettes and a few farms. The open slopes are a variety of short grama and bunch grasses, with the drainages offering the thickest cover of buckbrush and timber.
Access
Other than the southern tip around Winthrop, this unit is basically all public. There is great road access to the National Forest north out of Winthrop in every major valley. The eastern mountains in the Twentymile and Flagg Mountain regions do not have any road access, so they are great areas for horseback and backpack hunters to get away from hunting pressure. Recent fires and mudslides may affect road closures and access.
GPS is a key piece of equipment in this rugged mountain country
Decent road system except along western and northern boundaries
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping on state and National Forest land is allowed for the majority 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. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower, and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option will be in the small town of Winthrop.
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