Quick Tips
- Scout ahead of time to make the most of this special permit
- Hunt areas where the duck hunters don't go
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 160"-170" | 180"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 100"-110" | 120"+ |
| Elk | Little-to-none | N/A |
On The Ground
This small unit is dotted with center pivots and Columbia Basin Wildlife Area (which takes 41% of the total acreage here). This unit not only produces some excellent trophies, but it also has limited hunting pressure. Go scouting, practice shooting, and hunt hard, and you will have a great experience no matter your ultimate success.
Muzzleloader hunts can be frustrating in this unit.
Terrain
Numerous seeps and wetlands hold good numbers of mature mule deer, coyotes, and upland and waterfowl species. Although this unit seems very flat, there are subtle rolling sand dunes where you can gain elevation and spend quality time glassing for deer. In an odd geometric pattern, around the edges of the public unit, are one-mile square sections, each filled with four quarter section center pivots. The more you study topo maps, and scout and glass, the easier it is to find landmarks and judge distance during your hunt.
Roughly 291 square miles
12% public land
Elevations range from 1,050–1,250 feet
Vegetation
This flat, wet country does not drain and is filled with potholes, seeps and winding creeks that seem more like marsh land. There are a variety of native shrubs, reed grasses, and flowers that thrive in this rich lowland environment providing excellent cover for bedded deer. Rolling sandy hills, with a bit more structure than you would guess at first glance, are covered by waving grama and reed grasses, giving you the little bit of elevation needed for glassing. Approximately 50% of the unit is utilized for agriculture purposes, mainly center pivot irrigation and a variety of crops that do well in this sandy soil.
Access
A smaller distribution of this unit is public land although some additional acres are enrolled in WDFW access programs. There are limited roads, however, there are good access points for the entire Desert Special Draw hunt for those who are willing to get out and walk.
Most of the deer are in the Desert Wildlife unit, with deer densities lower on private
There are also some huntable spots in the dunes and the Potholes Wildlife Area
Camping and Lodging
There are not a lot of public campgrounds in this unit. If you are more interested in a comfortable bed and a shower, and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option will be Moses Lake.
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