Quick Tips
- Secure private land access early
- Use a GPS to know where you are
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 230"-260" | 260"+ |
On The Ground
This thin, triangle-shaped unit runs from Riffe Lake in the east to I-5 in the west from Centralia, south to where I-5 crosses the Cowlitz River. There are small tracts of state ground with the largest tracts in the east close to the Cowlitz Wildlife Area – Peterman Ridge unit along the western border adding in 6,840-acres of public access, primarily for blacktail deer. Although this is a fairly flat GMU by Washington standards, there is a bit of high ground in the east, including Bellicum Peak at 2,310-ft and the 2,800-ft ridgeline above the Tilton River. The bulk of this unit is comprised of very small pieces of private land used for farming, and rural properties to the point where the Lewis and Clark State Park looks like a large piece of land.
There are a good number of deer here, but no big bucks. It can be hard to gain access to private land in this unit.
Terrain
This modest unit falls from 2,800- ft in the east to 100-ft along the southwestern corner, however, the bulk of elevation is lost before you cross the Tilton River as it enters Mayfield Lake at 600-ft in elevation. The remainder of the unit moving west is flatter farm country with broken patches of forest and significant amount of human encroachments, mainly rural properties and farms.
Roughly 302 square miles
4% public land
Elevations range from 100– 2,800 feet
Vegetation
This unit has been heavily timbered in the past, and with the natural rivers and manmade Riffe Lake, there are significant forested wetlands. There is also some agricultural land, largely in the form of livestock, hay meadows and timber. The open country here is excellent for horses and sheep alike. WDFW reports a few human-wildlife conflicts.
Access
The majority of this unit is private, except for the eastern portion. With that being said, harvest reports indicate that deer are taken throughout the GMU. Access to private lands can offer rewarding hunting experiences.
Visit with landowners early to gain access to private lands
Stay with it after opening day, hunting pressure will die down
Camping and Lodging
Limited camping as unit is basically all private land, 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 lodging, and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store your best options are Centralia and Chehalis.
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