Quick Tips
- Study maps as this is huge public land country with sparse big-game populations
- Hunt small areas that offer cover, water and forage
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 100"-110" | 120"+ |
| Elk | 230"-260" | 260"+ |
On The Ground
This oddly shaped unit follows drainages and ridgelines in a random pattern through the Cascade Range and White Mountain ranges. This GMU is almost entirely public land with the exception of approximately 2,000-acres, the bulk of which is the Glacier Peak Wilderness and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area along Lake Chelan in the northern tip. Glacier Peak Wilderness lives up to its name with double digit glaciers dominating the skyline from Glacier Peak topping out at a smidge over 10,000-ft. This GMU is a touch over 366,000-acres, with a minimal road system giving the pack string and backpack hunters ample room in this big country. The grizzly bear recovery zone overlaps this GMU.
There are hikers in this unit. Deer tend to favor the north slopes, away from trails.
Terrain
The rocky Glacier Peak, just over 10,000-ft, is surrounded by multiple glaciers, deep cut canyons and numerous lakes. Old growth conifer forests and woodlands dominates the unit, with open meadows and grassland taking up a mere ten-percent of the land. Above timberline, talus slopes and cliffs attract mountain climbers and hikers, especially in the late summer. Along the western shore of Lake Chelan are the burns from the 2006, 2007, and 2015 fire seasons, offering migratory deer a younger age class of forage.
Roughly 582 square miles
100% public land
Elevations range from 1,200– 10,000 feet
Vegetation
Conifer forests with pine and fir, with aspen quakies interspersed, dominate the north slopes. This forest is thick and mature in many spots with the canopy blocking sunlight to the forest floor which is covered in some brush, ground cover and shed needles. Open areas have native grasses and forbs with no non-native vegetation reported. Timberline is short and oddly shaped by the wind in this harsh environment, with short grasses, vibrant wildflowers, and lichens all growing in this short season. There is simply no agriculture to report in this unit.
Access
This unit is basically all public land, making access easy for backpackers and hunters with pack strings in roadless areas.
GPS is vital in this roadless country
Trails are used by hikers as well, they are great for access, but you will need to leave the beaten path in order to find animals
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping on National Forest land is allowed for the majority of the year, however, various fire bans and forest road closures may be in effect, so double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. There are no close by towns with lodging and accommodations.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
April 2025
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