At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Secure private land access early
- Stay with it after the opener and the hunting pressure will drop drastically
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 very productive unit is located from Raymond, south down Road 6 to Road 4, back northwest to Sunshine Point up to Willapa Bay, and around Range Point to the city of South Bend. Along the eastern edge, there is a large tract of state land from the Willapa Valley west; these rugged hills rise to 1,800-ft and twist and turn in all directions as the water flows to the coast. In the southwest, there is a second large chunk of state land. This unit is heavily logged. The bulk of the land is owned by larger corporations including: John Hancock Life Insurance, Bavarian Timber, FIA Timber, Rayonier Washington Timber, and many smaller private landowners. Depending on what your hunting goals are, this unit may deserve a second glance.
Locals have the best pieces of private land locked up.
Terrain in this unit consists of a rolling conifer forest that is heavily clear-cut and replanted by large industries. The oldest age-class of timber is in small isolated pockets, and in the deep ravines running through past cuts. There are some wet marsh areas where water does not drain, along with some minor urban sprawl along the Willapa River.
Aside from the two large sections of prime state land, this unit is basically all private land. Gaining permission to access this prime private ground will be key for a good hunting experience and harvest.
Conifer forests are highly farmed for timber and are in various stages of regrowth. Along with the timber industries, there are a handful of small wildlife refuges, typically in the lower, wetter marsh lands and tidal flats along the coast.
Primitive camping in the National Forest along northern border 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. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower and being closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be local B&B’s and hotels in South Bend and Raymond.
Roughly 272 square miles
24% public land
Elevations range from sea level – 600 feet
Access the state ground from Road 6 and Road 4
If you like to stand hunt funnels and key cover to food fringes, check in with the smaller landowners and you may just find that honey hole