At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Hunt the high ground early in the season
- Glass edges between old growth forest and 5-6-year old regrowth
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Columbian Blacktail Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Roosevelt Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Columbian Blacktail Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Roosevelt Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
This large GMU is located between the Cascade Range and Wenatchee Mountains in the east to Road 203 and civilization to the west. A huge percentage of this unit is public land, mainly Snoqualmie National Forest covering the bulk of the eastern half, along with smaller, more broken state grounds in the south and west. The western edges have lots of smaller private lands with a bit of urban, and the remainder of the private lands are largely held by timber companies. The Cascade Range along the eastern border consists of roadless backcountry with Mount Hinman peaking at 7,428-ft and Mount Daniel at 7,884-ft, offering backpack hunters alpine bowls and a little elbow room. Snoqualmie provides good hunting opportunities and hunters are advised to scout their preferred areas in advance because both state and private timberlands are gated with restrictive access. Many of the elk are found on private land at various times of the year with livestock in close proximity. Blacktail deer hunting opportunities can be found throughout the GMU. Forest land provides great opportunities for hunters willing to burn some boot leather. Focus on edges between regrowth in the 5 year age class in old growth forests.
This unit has lots of hunting pressure with limited access.
The eastern region of unit is very steep with old growth conifer forests and alpine peaks dotted with mountain lakes and glaciers. By the western border, the GMU has significantly mellowed out in Snoqualmie River Valley. There are substantial tracts of clear cuts in multiple stages of regrowth.
This unit offers decent public access with a decent series of unimproved roads, however, watch for seasonal closures. There are large blocks of private land, secure access to these areas as soon as possible.
Old conifer forests of ponderosa pine, douglas fir and grand fir dominate the GMU. Large tracts of 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.
Primitive camping on National Forest land is allowed during most 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. If you are more interested in a bed and shower and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be Carnation, Sultan, Monroe and Duvall.
Roughly 940 square miles
60% public land
Elevations range from 400– 7,800 feet
Snoqualmie Timber Company owns the largest continuous tract of private land
Watch for seasonally locked gates and restricted access