At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Waterfowl hunting at Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge
- Pheasant hunting at Horn Butte public area
- Carry a GPS to find small public tracts on public roads




Hunters discussing Unit 44 in the Columbia Basin generally find the area to have challenging yet rewarding hunting opportunities, with varying terrain that demands physical preparedness and strategic planning. The draw odds are tough, making it crucial to have patience and perseverance for those interested in this unit. Many hunters emphasize the importance of understanding game behavior, particularly during the changing seasons, which requires adaptability in hunting tactics. Overall, the consensus is that while hunting in Unit 44 can be demanding, it promises a satisfying experience for those willing to invest the effort.
A largely private, agricultural unit with little public land that is west and southwest of Walla Walla, Washington, this unit borders the Columbia River for about 100 miles. It provides hunting for mule deer, whitetail deer, elk and antelope.
Elk are scarce in this unit, which is composed mostly of farms and rolling range land, but mule deer are common where they can find a bit of cover.