Hunters discussing the Mt. Emily and surrounding units mentioned both opportunities and challenges related to elk hunting, particularly in the Mill Creek watershed area. Although some commend the unit for offering a unique hunting experience, concerns about overcrowding, limited ground, and wildlife disturbances due to a recent out-of-control controlled burn were notable. Hunter sentiment suggests that encountering other hunters is unavoidable, and there is a reported decline in elk numbers, possibly influenced by predators like wolves and cougars. Those considering this hunt should plan for competition, and perhaps adjust expectations regarding game availability, while also staying updated on environmental conditions and management practices.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 300"-330" | 340"+ |
High
Low
South of Walla Walla, Washington, this unit offers hunting for elk, mule deer and whitetail deer in the Blue Mountains and in the canyons and foothills above the farm and range land in the Walla Walla River Valley.
High quality bull elk and a few big mule deer and whitetail deer draw hunters to this unit.
The eastern one-third of the unit is in the Blue Mountains and mostly in the Umatilla National Forest. Most Forest Service land is between 2,500 and 5,500 feet above sea level and is largely forested, especially on north and east-facing slopes. Foothills and steep canyons in the east drop into Walla Walla River Valley, which is flat and rolling farm land from about 900 to 2,000 feet in elevation in the northwest corner of the unit near Milton-Freewater.
Forested sectors are mostly timbered with spruces, firs, larches and pines and mostly border grassy ridges and openings. Forbs and shrubs grow in some logged-over areas, in draws and on some slopes. Willows, birches, alders and other leafy bushes and trees grow along waterways. There is some marshy land with cattails and bulrushes. Flat and rolling lands are mostly wide-open grass lands. Some fields are irrigated and planted in crops and hay, but most are dry farms and pastures.
Roughly 305 square miles
33% public land
Elevations from 800-5,700 feet
The western two-thirds of the unit is almost all private land. Roads provide access to much of the Umatilla National Forest in the east. The Forest Service publishes online road use maps in this area. Access is restricted in the Mill Creek Watershed Area to hunters who draw tags and get Forest Service access permits, each hunter may have only one companion or guide. Hunters who fill tags can have one helper retrieve deer and three helpers retrieve elk. About 1,500 acres of BLM land is just below the National forest boundary on both sides of the South Fork Walla Walla River.
Lodging is available in nearby Walla Walla, Washington. Target Meadows Campground in the southeastern part of the unit is open until Nov. 30. Woodward Campground is near the southern edge and is on a private lake. It closes Sept. 30.