Quick Tips
- Hunt the 5-year old clear-cut edges at last light
- Check out the Vail Tree Farm
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 260"-290" | 290"+ |
On The Ground
This heavily forested GMU is located between I-5 on the western border, to Rd 7 on the eastern edge. Although this unit is largely private, there are sizeable tracts of public in the form of state land outside the town of Tenino. Close to the eastern border, is a large tract of Gifford Pinchot National Forest land, however, it is fairly checkerboarded. All the borders are highly divided into small tracts of land, some public but mostly private, including a touch of urban sprawl.
There tends to be a lot of hunting pressure in this unit.
Terrain
The eastern region of this unit holds very steep, old growth conifer forests, and significantly mellows out by the western border and the I-5 valley. There are substantial clear cuts in multiple age classes of regrowth. Many past clear cuts are dissected by the Deschutes River flowing northwest.
Roughly 625 square miles
14% public land
Elevations range from 200– 3,800 feet
Vegetation
Old conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir dominate this GMU. Large clear cuts offer an excellent variety of dark timber and escape edges, along with food sources in the form or native tender grasses, forbs and buckbrush. There are also several non-native trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers in combination with native turf grass around the perimeter.
Access
There is decent access along I-5, Rd 507, Rd 7 and Hwy 12 around the perimeter, with a well established series of unimproved interior roads. There are large blocks of private land with various public access opportunities.
Use a GPS when hunting the broken edges of public state and forest land
Look into Weyerhaeuser public access opportunities early
Camping and Lodging
Primitive camping on National Forest land 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. You will find lodging, gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store in the towns of Yelm, Grand Mound, and Centralia.
Historical Temperatures
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