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200 series unit information
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WAC 232-28-332 Game management units (GMUs) boundary descriptions -- Region two.
GMU 203-PASAYTEN (Okanogan and Whatcom counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 22) ( Elk - 8) ( Bear - 5) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 6)
This unit comprises most of the Pasayten Wilderness. As the name implies, no road access is found in much of this unit. The deer here are all high elevation migratory deer. High buck hunt for rifle hunters in the fall seems to be popular when a hunter has access to horses. The unit holds small densities of deer, but they are in there. Early season snows will help congregate the deer at lower elevations. Also, be careful in this unit as there have been numerous grizzly sightings. It is illegal to shoot a Grizzly Bear in Washington State.
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GMU 204-OKANOGAN EAST (Okanogan and Ferry counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 735) ( Elk - 6) ( Bear - 35) ( Cougar - 3) (Turkey - 81)
The 2,480-acre Chesaw Wildlife Area lies in the northeast portion of Okanogan County some four miles south of the Canadian border and approximately 20 miles east of Oroville, immediately northwest of the small community of Chesaw. The vast majority of the land is considered rangeland. Within this area of rangeland there is a small parcel of approximately 40 acres which has a good stand of primarily young growth timber. There are five springs, two lakes, and some streams on the area also. Overall the property enjoys relatively gentle topography over much of the area with lower elevations near 3,200 feet and higher reaches at 4,200 feet in elevation. (wdfw website) Most of this unit is wide open country and primary method of hunting is spot and stalk.
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GMU 209-WANNACUT (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 119) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 1) ( Cougar - 1) (Turkey - 4)
Sinlahekin wildlife area (East of Tonasket and North of Conconully) is a good bet, especially after the snow starts falling which will drive the deer out of the higher areas and congregate them lower. There are both whitetails and mulies in this area, pay attention to the regs. The East side is Wannacut unit the west side is Sinlahekin. The BLM has the Palmer Mountain/Split Rock Day Use area open. Access can be had by driving North up the forest road just east of Loomis on the Loomis-Oroville Rd. There are a few public land areas just west of Wannacut lake, as well.
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GMU 215-SINLAHEKIN (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 235) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 14) ( Cougar - 3) (Turkey - 10)
Sinlahekin wildlife area (East of Tonasket and North of Conconully) is a good bet, especially after the snow starts falling which will drive the deer out of the higher areas and congregate them lower. There are both whitetails and mulies in this area, pay attention to the regs. The East side is Wannacut unit the west side is Sinlahekin.
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GMU 218-CHEWUCH (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 201) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 14) ( Cougar - 1) (Turkey - 1)
Goat Creek Road will get you up into a network of BLM controlled lands. The Mule deer bucks will tend to be located up high on the ridges. There are a number of logging roads in the unit. While you will definitely see deer by driving these roads, you will see far more if you get up away from the roads on North facing timbered slopes during the warmer early season. You can also find quite a bit of good hunting country by accessing Forest rd 5130. Do not overlook the lower areas. You will find smaller deer lower down the ridges, but their quantities will be greater. Most of the draws past the eightmile ranch will hold whitetails. They graze a number of cattle in this area! Be careful what you are shooting at. Also, this area has been known to hold grizzlies. Grizzlies are a protected species.
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GMU 224-PEARRYGIN (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 209) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 11) ( Cougar - 1) (Turkey - 6)
Methow Wildlife area down in the flats near Pearrygin lake contains some great access. Most of the unit bumps up against Okanogan National Forest. Get away from the roads and you should find quite a few deer. The flat sections which contain more agricultural land can be quite productive. Find spots which butt up against these fields and watch for deer who will move to the fields to forage at night. Lots of the land in this unit is private, be aware of where your are and do not trespass. The Rendezvous Wildlife Area consists of 3,180 acres of land. These lands lay north of the confluence of the Methow and Chewuch Rivers about two miles NW of Winthrop.
The WDFW is looking for ways to increase hunter harvest in this unit as more and more development is occurring and fewer and fewer opportunities exist for hunting. (2007 game status and trend report)
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GMU 231-GARDNER (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 146) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 10) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 6)
Big Valley Wildlife Unit holds fine numbers of huntable deer and bear. The area is easily accessed by the parking lot located just south of Mazama. The deer tend to migrate out of the farm lands into the shelter of the standing timber. Water is available here and draws the deer in. Do not be surprised to see a cinnamon or blonde bear in this area.
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GMU 233-POGUE (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 119) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 17) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 21)
Mostly mule deer in this unit. Typically consists of wide open ranges and rolling hills where spot and stalk is pretty much how to get your deer. Scotch Creek wildlife area just out of Okanogan up Salmon Creek rd is some great open country with good numbers of deer when the snow has pushed them down out of the Conconully hills higher up. South Fork of Salmon Creek can provide good access to un-crowded lands of the Okanogan National Forest.
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GMU 239-CHILIWIST (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 112) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 15) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 33)
The Chiliwist Wildlife Area is generally southwest-facing and is used heavily by wintering mule deer & white-tailed deer. Get in through the Chiliwist Road off of old highway 97, two miles south of the town of Malott.
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GMU 242-ALTA (Okanogan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 182) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 13) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 24)
Methow wildlife area just to the West of Twisp holds some deer and some bear. Wildfires have raged through this area, in the past and has subsequently closed this area off for hunting. As the areas regenerate, fine hunting will be had up W Buttermilk Creek Rd. Lots of campgrounds and camping areas can be had. The Big Buck Wildlife Area is 5,600 acres and is located west of the Methow River and north of the Twisp River. The area is just west of the town of Twisp. The unit consists of moderate to steep east and south facing slopes. The 847-acre Big Valley Wildlife Area is located 3 ½ miles northwest of Winthrop and is bounded on the east by State Highway 20 and on the west by the Methow River. Approximately 300 acres are irrigated, 200 acres are in dryland pasture, and the rest is riparian river bottom. Whitetails and Mulies can be found here. The Golden Doe Wildlife Area consists of 1,389 acres of land. This unit is located approximately 5 miles south of Twisp on the west side of the Methow River in the Alder Creek drainage.
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GMU 243-MANSON (Chelan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 59) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 19) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 0)
The East (some call it the North) side of lake Chelan has been ravaged by fires over the past few years. This area is steep and is just now starting to grow back. Take the lady of the lake ferry to Stehekin or your own boat and go up the lake and put in at any of the campgrounds located along the lake. There are mulies everywhere, but be prepared for very steep and rugged territory. You will find the deer during the early season in the Northern facing slopes which tend to be cooler and hold timber. South sides don’t attract deer until the snow starts falling. Try area up Rainbow Creek or the campgrounds of Canoe Creek, Prince Creek and Deer Point. You will tend to see does lower down on the hillsides with bucks up higher on benches. If you cannot get into this unit by boat, try the Grade Creek road access on the north shore. This will get you up into the unit. Get away from the roads and in the late season, where the snow is not too deep.
89% of deer in Chelan county are migratory and are widely dispersed throughout the modern firearm season. (2007 game status and trend report)
The 2000 Rex Creek fire and the 2001 Deer Point fire burned over 100,000 acres and should start getting in to great deer hunting habitat. The burned out buckbrush and other forage needs to come back completely before we start seeing deer numbers like we did in the 70's.
According to a recent study done by Chelan county PUD, A longitudinal boat survey has revealed the Mountain Goat herds and the Bighorn Sheep herds are doing well. With the fires burning out most of the forestland, the open slopes will hold much higher populations of bighorn sheep. It is also thought that mountain goats don't fare too well in forestlands, these forestlands have been burned out and will hopefully provide the type of habitat that mountain goats favor.
Most of the deer in the unit on this side of the lake will be found between Antilon Creek and Coyote Creek. (per Chelan PUD survey)
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GMU 244-CLARK (Chelan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 22) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 4) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 0)
High country hunting primarily accessed by horseback or by boot. Area holds deer but they are dispersed all throughout the unit. Early snows will congregate the deer in lower elevations. Access can be had at trailheads by the White River, Chiwawa River, and by boat off of Lake Chelan. The unit is steep and rugged.
89% of deer in Chelan county are migratory and are widely dispersed throughout the modern firearm season. (2007 game status and trend report)
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GMU 245-CHIWAWA (Chelan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 107) ( Elk - 2) ( Bear - 40) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 4)
Chiwawa River Rd and FR 6300 will get you up into the unit. Wenatchee ridge and Dirtyface peak all hold good numbers of deer (and cougar.) Late season, hunt the Southern portions of Chiwawa. The key is to get into any of the canyons where there are no roads or road access is limited. You will find deer congregated just above snow line and generally on South facing ridges. The area around Fish lake also has good deer numbers.
89% of deer in Chelan county are migratory and are widely dispersed throughout the modern firearm season. (2007 game status and trend report)
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GMU 246-SLIDE RIDGE (Chelan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 38) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 4) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 0)
Early season hunting in this unit will be hot and prone to wildfires. Fr 5900 will take you into the unit and get you some access. The area is dotted with old clear cuts, burns, and stands of timber. Snow in the higher areas will congregate deer down lower. If you are fortunate, hunt just above the snowline. Or if still no snow and warm, pick cooler north facing slopes or where there is any water source.
89% of deer in Chelan county are migratory and are widely dispersed throughout the modern firearm season. (2007 game status and trend report)
The area between First Creek and Still creek contains the greatest numbers of deer on this side of the lake where there is only boat access. (per Chelan PUD survey)
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GMU 247-ENTIAT (Chelan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 120) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 10) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 4)
The Chelan mule deer herd occupies the 200 Series GMUs south of Lake Chelan, and the Entiat unit winters the largest numbers of mule deer; depending on the year and weather, I estimate this GMU winters between
3,000 and 6,000 mule deer. Based on radio-telemetry studies, nearly 90% of these deer are migratory, traveling an average of 30 air miles between summer and winter ranges. While deer winter throughout most of the GMU in most years, the greatest numbers of hunters - and deer - congregate north of the Entiat River, from Potato Creek east to Crum Canyon. Most of this area is fairly open, brushy burned-over forest, with rolling hills
topography. Chelan Butte area will hold some deer, but, the area is managed for Bighorn Sheep. It is important to remember that early season topography will look drastically different in the later season as the leaves will fall off the bushes and provide more openness for finding deer.
The area between First Creek and Still creek contains the greatest numbers of deer on this side of the lake where there is only boat access. (per Chelan PUD survey)
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GMU 248-BIG BEND (Douglas and Grant counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 192) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 6) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 0)
According to BLM and State land maps. The area around Ragged Butte is mostly publicly owned. Try the lands between Niles rd and Del Rio Rd.
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GMU 249-ALPINE (Kittitas and Chelan counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 37) ( Elk - 4) ( Bear - 15) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 0)
Alpine lakes Wilderness will get you up high for early season rifle and archery seasons. Deer densities will be low, but bachelor herds of 2-5 bucks can be found in pockets. Spot deer on open slopes and in areas where water is available. Stay well away from established hiking trails and you should find animals. This area will be snowbound pretty early. Remember, early snows can fall during hunting seasons because of the elevation. Be prepared!
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GMU 250-SWAKANE (Chelan County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 37) ( Elk - 4) ( Bear - 15) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 0)
Roaring Creek, Mills Canyon, Swakane and Eagle Creek are the major drainages in this unit. Most of this area is fairly open, brushy burned-over forest, with rolling hills topography. Spot and Stalk is the key here. Look for open stands of buckbrush on South facing slopes. Get away from the roads as far as possible Roaring ridge will provide access from a top down hunt into some isolated areas. Wait for the snow and the migrants will get pushed out of the entiat mountains. The apple orchards around Arendovoir could provide with some late season potential. Deer will hold up in the forests surrounding these orchards and move in to feed. There are spots of public land skirting these orchards. Check out WDFW’s go hunt maps for clearer delineations of where the public and private lands are.
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GMU 251-MISSION (Kittitas and Chelan counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 103) ( Elk - 35) ( Bear - 33) ( Cougar - 1) (Turkey - 27)
The logging roads East of 97 will get you into some rugged areas which hold some deer and elk. The Colockum area in the SE section of the unit will provide access to late season elk and deer after the snows have fallen heavily in the surrounding hillsides. The areas around Mission Ridge also hold deer and elk in some numbers, but as is the case in these areas, deer densities are lower because significant snow fall occurs during the winter months here. Look for deer in lower elevations (mostly private) when the snow flies.
You can also find quite a bit of Green dot (closed when the road is not marked with a green dot marker) road areas in this unit near Naneum Creek.
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GMU 254-SAINT ANDREWS (Douglas and Grant counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 108) ( Elk - 1) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 1)
Sulfur Canyon and Burton Draw area have BLM managed areas. Most of the unit is private, deer densities are low, but the deer sizes are incredible.
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GMU 260-FOSTER CREEK (Douglas County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 84) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 2) (Turkey - 0)
Central Ferry Wildlife area is the only known public access in this unit.
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GMU 262-WITHROW (Douglas County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 58) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 1) ( Cougar - 3) (Turkey - 0)
No information at this time as most of the unit is private, deer densities are low, but the deer sizes are incredible.
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GMU 266-BADGER (Douglas County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 66) ( Elk - 3) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 2) (Turkey - 0)
No information at this time as most of the unit is private, deer densities are low, but the deer sizes are incredible.
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GMU 269-MOSES COULEE (Douglas and Grant counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 68) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 2) (Turkey - 2)
Duffy Creek & Douglas Creek recreation area located just north of Palisades provides an area to get into. The recreation area is located by taking State Highway 2 about eight miles east of Waterville and follow Road H southwest down Slack Canyon into Douglas Creek creek canyon. Most of the rest of the unit is private, deer densities are low, but the deer sizes are incredible.
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GMU 272-BEEZLEY (Grant, Lincoln, and Douglas counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 319) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 1) (Turkey - 3)
Gloyd Seeps area, Winchester wasteway and all along the Crab creek unit provide access to deer. North Columbia Basin Wildlife area will get you into additional areas. This area is wide open. Glass the open areas from any high point and stalk. Densities are low but the deer sizes are incredible. This area is popular with duck hunters. Hunt the areas where the duck hunters don't go, as the duck guys tend to push the deer away from the bigger water.
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GMU 278-WAHLUKE (Grant, Franklin, and Adams counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 54) ( Elk - 1) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 1)
Crab Creek wildlife area will hold some deer. Spot and stalk is obviously the preferred method here. Very open country. Saddle mountains will hold small herds of Mulies. Check for access to both public and private lands. Most of the rest of the unit is private, deer densities are low, but the deer sizes are incredible.
Deer in this unit are drawn to the fairly recently introduction of Russian Olive Trees. These trees provide cover and browse in this mostly open area.
57,000 acres are available to hunt the Hanford Reach Monument (Wahluke Unit). Firearm restrictions are in place. Archery, Muzzleloader and shotgun only. SR 24 bisects the unit.
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GMU 284-RITZVILLE (Adams, Grant, Lincoln, and Whitman counties):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - 243) ( Elk - 10) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 0) (Turkey - 0)
No information at this time as most of the unit is private, deer densities are low, but the deer sizes are incredible.
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GMU 290-DESERT (Grant County):
2006 General Harvest = (Deer - Special Permit) ( Elk - 0) ( Bear - 0) ( Cougar - 0)
Seep lakes area and the south of the Reservoir Dam hold good numbers of deer. Good access and roads are available in these areas. Get on a high point early in the AM. and glass... Deer would tend to bed down in some of the low lying areas,. Be prepared for long walks. You can cover a lot of ground on a mountain bike by just following the cattle paths. You can also find huntable spots in the Potholes Wildlife area (dunes) Desert Wildlife area is where most of the permit hunters gain access. Most of the rest of the unit is private, deer densities are low, but the deer sizes are incredible. This area is popular with duck hunters. Hunt the areas where the duck hunters don't go, as the duck guys tend to push the deer away from the bigger water.
The WDFW is attempting to manage 290 as a high quality hunting unit. Their population objectives are a ratio of 30 bucks per 100 does which varies from the state goal of 15:100. (2007 game status and trend report)
Deer in this unit are drawn to the fairly recently introduction of Russian Olive Trees. These trees provide cover and browse in this mostly open area.