Quick Tips
- Hunt the high ground along the western border
- Can be lots of pressure along roads
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 310"+ |
On The Ground
Wenatchee National Forest covers around ninety-percent of this triangle-shaped unit, along with the state ground at the southeast point. Old Scab Mountain, at 6,585-ft, and Little Bald Mountain, at 6,096 ft, are two of the highest points in this old-growth conifer forest. The southwestern corner has rocky peaks under 7,000-ft with talus slopes and more open, sparsely forested slopes. The very southeastern corner where Rattlesnake Creek meets the Naches River is more open and is the start of the scablands, with a hint of farming as well. Like all GMUs that border higher elevation, the hunting significantly improves after heavy snows get the big game migrating. The best hunting typically takes place during the late seasons after significant snowfall in the high country.
True spike elk are hard to come by, especially on wet years.
Terrain
Mid-altitude rolling mountains and old-growth conifer forests with lots of road access take up the majority of the terrain here. There will be fewer roads and thicker forests the further west and northwest you go. There is a strip of land a couple of miles wide between the western border and where the road system ends, giving backpack hunters some unpressured opportunities.
Roughly 114 square miles
95% public land
Elevations range from 2,000– 6,800 feet
Vegetation
Old conifer forests with ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and grand fir dominate the GMU with the exception of the higher rocky peaks and slopes in the southwest transitioning to scabland at the southeast point. A couple of small wildfires have touched the edge of the unit, including the Meeks Table Fire in 2015 and the Halfway Fire in the northern point in 2016.
Access
There is a lot of public land with a number of Jeep trails. The western edge is by far the most rugged portion, and is roadless giving backpack hunters a bit of a unpressured hunting opportunity away from the roads.
Easy access to a bit of roadless ground
Watch for road closures
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping is allowed during 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, as well as staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in Naches and Selah, both located outside of the unit.
Historical Temperatures
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