Bring your binos and glass from high points early and late in the day
Species
General Size
Trophy Potential
Mule Deer
130"-150"
160"+
Whitetail Deer
110"-120"
130"+
Elk
280"-310"
310"+
On The Ground
Terrain
Vegetation
Access
Camping and Lodging
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
December 2024
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This is one of the larger units in southeastern Washington and is substantially public land, ranging from the Umatilla National Forest, state land and various tracts of Asotin Creek Wildlife Areas. The only private ground is located along the eastern boundary with its largely tilled dryland farming and some Feel Free to Hunt ground enrolled with the WDGF. This is a great unit for both mule deer and whitetail deer.
There was a sizeable burn from the 2018 fire season in the eastern portion of the Asotin Creek Unit along Warner and Alder Gulch. There has been talk of predators in this unit.
This GMU is divided in two; the west side much thicker and heavily forested with old growth pine and fir trees, a maze of mild to steep ridgelines, and Elk Point cresting at 5,256-ft. Short to medium hikes allow you to work this country slow glassing for wildlife as there are limitless cuts, hollows and hiding spots for big game. The east side is a lot more arid and drops away towards tilled fields around the GMU 181 boundary at 2,000-ft.
The topography is very similar throughout the unit with many ridgelines, buttes, creeks, and gulches. The west portion of the unit, along the Blue Mountains, is heavily forested with pines and firs, especially on the north slopes, with sparsely timbered south slopes and broken tops offering excellent natural graze and cover. The east portion is substantially more arid and void of timber for the most part. This seemingly wide-open country is a maze with ridgelines, deep gulches and vast benches of seasonal bunch grasses and sage. Lick Creek and the North Fork Asotin Creek wind through this country and cover the thickest and most diverse vegetation mix in the unit, with a variety of berry-producing bushes, reed grasses, and bunchgrass. On the extreme eastern edge, dryland cereal grain crops and hay meadows make a debut. This is an excellent habitat for Rocky Mountain Elk, mule deer, whitetail, black bear and a variety of bird life.
It is fairly easy to get access in this unit, as a good majority of it is public. There are excellent road systems throughout unit as well.
Primitive camping in the National Forest is allowed 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. For lodging, gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store, your best options will be in Lewiston, Idaho, although it is a long but easy drive.
Roughly 157 square miles
93% public land
Elevations range from 2,000– 5,200 feet
Hogback and Triple Ridge Road typically close after October 1st