This is a large unit with diverse ecosystems. Irrigated fields in the river basin slowly rise to the east and into the arid Palouse grasslands. Although the bulk of the unit is private, there is a large chunk of BLM in the southern tip and checkerboarded state land out east allowing public access. Combine this with the Feel Free to Hunt, Hunt by Reservation and Hunt by Written Permission land and there are some decent access options for hunters. Elk are very scattered in small pockets and present a challenge. This is excellent mule deer country and gets better for the late season hunts as deer migrate in typically in October, however, this is weather related migrations.

Ezquatel and Bailie can hold big trophy class deer.

The southern tip of the unit is mostly urban but transitions quickly to irrigated farmland. Moving north and east the farmland switches to large dry land and the farming of grains and hay slowly fade out as the land becomes steeper with rolling hills that favor livestock grazing vs. tractors. The eastern portion consists of Palouse grasslands laced with several small pothole lakes and depressions providing excellent wild game cover before dropping off into steep breaks where the Palouse River converges with the Snake River.

Irrigated farming is prevalent along the western edge and southern tip of the unit with crops ranging from onion, potato, apricots, hops, cherries and carrots. Moving east out of the river basin crops switch over to a variety of dry land grains, mainly winter wheat. The eastern portions are rolling hills of the Palouse Prairie and scablands consisting of bunch grass’, sage and drought tolerant forbs.

Access can be a challenge as some private ground is annually locked up. WDGF has secured a sizeable amount of public access on private ground, combine this with state and BLM there is access for hunters willing to do a bit of work.

There is not a lot of options for primitive camping as this unit is predominately private. 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 option will be local B&B’s and hotels in Connell in the center of the unit and Pasco at the southern tip.