At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Hunt the high ground early and follow the snowline down
- Premium permit, allocate scouting and hunting time that this permit deserves




Hunters have noted that Unit 418 in Nooksack, Washington, presents challenging terrain that requires familiarity with the landscape for a successful hunt, emphasizing the importance of pre-season scouting. The unit's dense vegetation can make navigating and tracking game difficult, making patience and strategic planning essential. Despite the terrain challenges, hunters report decent populations of deer and some bear activity, suggesting it as a viable option for dedicated hunters willing to put in the effort. It's recommended to focus on areas less frequented by hunters to potentially improve success rates.
This large, remote unit borders Canada, North Cascades National Park and Road 20 on the southern boundary, and encompasses both Mount Baker Wilderness and Mount Baker National Recreation Area. Washington State Department of Natural Resources, State Forest Board, and private timber companies manage the majority of the remaining land, along with small private land holdings, typically located around the western and southern borders. The WDFW Private Lands Access program has partnered with Sierra Pacific Industries to provide access to their properties within GMU 418.
The late season has proven to be a very different, much harder hunt.