At a Glance
958Square Miles
41%Public Land
2,200 - 5,400Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Spend plenty of time scouting before hunting season
- Lock in land access early
Hunters discussing Unit 117 - 49 Degrees North in Washington generally appreciate its diverse terrain, which ranges from thick timber to open meadows, providing suitable habitats for various game species. The area is reported to have decent elk and deer populations, although hunting can be challenging due to the dense forest cover that can make visibility difficult. Many hunters suggest investing time in pre-season scouting to understand the movement patterns of the game and identify the best vantage points. Additionally, they recommend being prepared for weather changes during the hunting season, as the area can experience sudden shifts in conditions.
This large unit is surrounded by four other District 1 units, with Hwy 2, Hwy 395 and Rd 20 forming its boundary. Colville National Forest offers the largest area of public hunting, covering less than 20% of the unit, with a high percentage of small to medium private land tracts breaking up the public land. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge is the second largest piece of land in Unit 117 and does allow hunting opportunities. Various timber companies also have large amounts of land holdings in all shapes and sizes. The northern national forest and wildlife refuge are more rugged and wooded.
During the winter, deer migrate from the higher elevations to lower ground where there is not as much snowpack. Elk are spread throughout the unit.