Quick Tips
- Don't procrastinate getting access to private lands
- Hunt the same areas year after year for better hunting experience and success
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 250"-280" | 280"+ |
On The Ground
This long narrow unit runs east to west between the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and I-5. In the east, there is a boot shaped section within the National Forest, with a fair amount of broken state land in the center; there is also a little bit of state land just west of I-5. The National Forest boot is a long ridge running between 2,600-ft to 4,800-ft with Vanson and Deadmans Lake offering year-round water. There are small private residential properties along the borders and major roads, with the majority of private land belonging to Weyerhaeuser, which has been heavily logged. The majority of the GMU runs between 400-ft to 1,600-ft with a network of roads and trails making this an excellent GMU to look at no matter how you prefer to hunt. This GMU produces an excellent hunting experience along.
Road closures on Weyerhaeuser land can happen at anytime.
Terrain
There is a mix of terrain in this unit, from rugged backcountry to rolling forests and large open meadows. The western side of the GMU, along the borders and major roads, are mostly small rural properties in these accessible scenic valleys. Large areas have been logged leaving a patchwork of timbered forest in all stages of growth making excellent habitat for big game. There is just a touch of agriculture other than timber here, mainly hay and cattle.
Roughly 304 square miles
13% public land
Elevations range from 200– 4,800 feet
Vegetation
This unit holds thick old growth forests with small patches of open meadows. On large timber company land, there are lots of large clear cuts in multiple stages of regrowth offering a great mix of tender high-protein grazing and browsing on young brush and trees. Right along the borders in the low flat country, the land holds cattle, horses, and hay, with single-family residential properties becoming more common and introducing non-native decorative shrubs, trees and flowers.
Access
This GMU offers National Forest and state public lands, plus Weyerhaeuser offers public access opportunities giving the bulk of this unit public access. Spend some time sorting through which access and topography best suits your hunting style.
Scout this unit using maps, then put boots on the ground
Sort out access on private lands early
Camping and Lodging
There is limited camping on state and National Forest land, and 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 and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best option is Castle Rock.
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