Quick Tips
- Secure private land access early
- Stick with it after opening day, hunting pressure will decline
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 230"-260" | 260"+ |
On The Ground
The 2,400-ft Doty Hills represent the high ground in this small GMU consisting mostly of rolling, timbered hills with lots of logging activity over the decades. Weyerhaeuser and other timber companies and tree farms own the majority of the private land, with small farms and residential properties along the north, east and southern borders, more or less following the winding Chehalis River. There is some urban sprawl from the small towns of Rochester, Grand Mound, Centralia and Chehalis which sit on the actual border, a combination of I-5, Hwy 12, Rd 6, Elk Creek Rd and Garrard Creek Rd. The northern tip, south of Oakville, is mostly Chehalis Reservation. Public land largely consists of three blocks of state land managed by DNR and Forest Board Resource Planning. There are lots of clear cuts in the unit with a bit of farming mixed throughout, however, the largest growing land use is single-family properties on small acreages which can be problematic to hunting opportunities. There are significant numbers of deer throughout the unit, but it is heavily hunted so it is best to find areas that are not traveled often.
Pay for limited access to timber company land.
Terrain
This area holds rolling, forested low elevation mountains that have been timbered and are in various stages of regrowth. Open grasslands are primarily used for small personal properties which can restrict hunting opportunities. The Chehalis River winds its way along the perimeter of the unit and is largely developed for farming, golf courses and other urban uses.
Roughly 240 square miles
21% public land
Elevations range from 200– 2,400 feet
Vegetation
This unit is heavily forested with clear cuts in various stages of regrowth, along with lush, open grasslands and taller reed grasses, forbs, and brush along the multiple rivers and creeks. There are also Christmas tree farms, vegetable farms, and strawberry farms here.
Access
There are three sizeable pieces of state land and multiple public opportunities on private industrial forest lands, some open for walk-ins and other by permit. There are roads everywhere throughout the unit, however, some roads and trails may close at anytime, and some may be closed to motorized traffic, watch for posted signs.
GPS is very handy while hunting this broken public/private land
Check into the various private land access on timber company lands
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping in this unit is limited seeing as the majority of the unit is private. 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 shower, as well as staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be Chehalis, Centralia, Rochester, Oakville, and Grand Mound.
Historical Temperatures
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