Quick Tips
- Scout early and often to find good deer populations
- GPS is highly recommended in this public/private broken land
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 100"-110" | 120"+ |
| Elk | Little-to-none | N/A |
On The Ground
This relatively small unit, just west of the Colville Reservation, is composed of a 50/50 mix of public and private land. This GMU is bordered by Road 153 on the west, Road 20 along the northeast, and Hwy 97 along the southeast and the small town of Brewster. Along the northwest border to about the very center of the GMU, is public land consisting largely of Loup Loup State Forest, Okanogan National Forest, Sinlahekin Wildlife Area, Wells Wildlife Area and scattered BLM and state ground. Land ownership boundaries are significantly broken and a GPS is highly recommended for all hunters. Roughly 80% of this GMU has experienced major wildfires. This area is predominantly mule deer country with a few whitetail herds, distributed mainly in the wetter areas in the western portion of the state. Mule deer are widely spread throughout the area, however, populations are thin in spots and favor the National Forest. Later in the season, mule deer migrate to the Chiliwist Wildlife Area with south facing slopes offering an excellent winter range. There are no resident herds of elk and finding them can be extremely difficult. The grizzly recovery zone falls within the northwest corner of this GMU.
Deer numbers here are extremely low, even on private land. This area also has excellent upland bird populations including: chukar, grey partridge, blue grouse and California quail.
Terrain
Mount Leecher peaks at 5,007-ft in Okanogan National Forest. This GMU slopes to the southeast and towards the tiny town of Brewster, where the Okanogan River meets the Columbia River. Rolling sand dune hills form the bulk of the unit and are excellent rangeland with multiple brushed drainages providing the only cover for game species. The west slope drops off into the Methow River and goes downstream into shrub steppe habitat, with bunch grass, sage and bitterbrush.
Roughly 359 square miles
52% public land
Elevations range from 900 - 4,800 feet
Vegetation
The mountains have sparsely timbered conifer forests in various states of burn, standing dead timber, fallen timber, and regrowth. Various species of warm and cool bunch grass and a few turf kinds of grass provide protein-rich graze. The vegetation is mostly upland habitat, with low precipitation. The shrub-steppe and riparian vegetation are found along creek bottoms, lakes and springs. The non-native cheatgrass has been very invasive and provided fuel for many of the past fires. Draws are thickly vegetated with aspen, brush, and taller, warm-season bunchgrass. Along the southeast border and the Okanogan River is irrigated farmland, consisting mostly of various grains and alfalfa.
Access
There is good access to multiple classes of public land, however, much of this public land is in small section blocks. Smaller public tracts can also be intermixed with private and can present a challenge when hunting and retrieving downed game. Easy access points on larger pieces of land are well known and can have a bit of hunting pressure.
Hunting pressure declines after opening weekend
Secure private land access early to get away from crowds
Camping and Lodging
Chiliwist Wildlife Area infrastructure was significantly damaged during 2014 wildfires, there is still some camping however be careful of burned trees that can fall over at any time. Primitive camping on the National Forest is allowed, during most of the year, 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 being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in Twist and the small town of Pateros.
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