Quick Tips
- Don't be afraid to hunt low
Species | General Size | Trophy Potential |
---|---|---|
Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 110"+ |
Roosevelt Elk | 220"-250" | 250"+ |
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Species | General Size | Trophy Potential |
---|---|---|
Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 110"+ |
Roosevelt Elk | 220"-250" | 250"+ |
High
Low
This unit is located just south of Olympic National Park, running along Hwy 101 to Shelton. This heavily forested GMU has a large continuous portion of National Forest land taking up approximately half of the unit. The private is mainly located along the southern and eastern borders and is largely Green Diamond Resource Company land with smaller landowners sprinkled in. Along the roadways, single-family rural residential properties are very prevalent. Private lands have been heavily clear cut and are in multiple stages of regrowth.
Tribal hunting does occur, thus actual hunting pressure may be greater than the WDFW hunting statistics might suggest.
The two major drainages in this unit, Skokomish and Wynoochee, drain a dozen or so peaks south of the National Park. Capitol, Chapel, Lightning, Rock, Discovery and Three Peaks are all in the 4,000-plus elevation range and are heavily forested. South and east of Olympic National Forest is a mix of large and small privately held land holding timber, agriculture and hobby farms.
The National Forest offers the thickest and oldest forested areas. Private land, on the other hand, has been heavily logged, and in some areas has been repurposed into agricultural land for cattle, Christmas trees, and timber.
Seeing as a majority of the unit is public, access is fairly easy here. However, this can be a very physical hunt with its steep, thick forests. Hiking up the drainages may provide the easiest access points and put you in big game country at the same time.
Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed for the majority 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. Lodging, gas stations, restaurants, groceries can be found in Shelton.
Roughly 385 square miles
55% public land
Elevations range from Sea Level – 4,888 feet
Check into Green Diamond public access permits
The river drainages are best trails into higher elevation elk country