Snake River Breaks is the dominant feature and holds the majority of mule deer in this barren unit. Although this unit is primarily private ground, there are numerous Hunt by Permission tracks of land in various sizes and locations within that are definitely worth looking into. Elk are very scattered in small groups and offer very low target opportunities. The Snake River Breaks have little cover, key in on mule deer in the steepest canyons and lower towards the water. Mule deer hunting can be good in spots.

Land owner access is tough, with lots already locked up on an annual basis. It is best to spend time learning this small unit and getting to know landowners.

Farming and ranching are the main use of land, as this ground is very fertile here. The eastern edge of the unit has steep rolling hills interlaced with farmland. This quickly gives way to dry, arid land as you go west and cross the Snake River. Centuries of water erosion, as it drains quickly to Snake River, has left deep cuts on either side of the banks, offering a little bit of cover for mule deer closer to the water’s edge, and escape routes to the farmed benches above. The further west you travel in the unit, the flatter and drier it becomes, with seasonal creeks and dry lakes in the sagebrush and desert grasslands.

The western scabland edge is arid and consists of native bunch grasses and sage cut by seasonal creeks. If the ground is flat, this fertile soil has been plowed into cropland consisting of winter wheat, cereal grains, hay, and legumes along the Idaho border. Cattle and sheep graze the native grasslands and numerous hay meadows. Land is dry almost to the water’s edge. The eastern edge of the unit is much more lush and green, with small single-family homes along the roads, rolling to steep hills consisting of native grasses and agriculture fields.

The majority of the unit is private, so you will need to do some work prior to the beginning of the season. There are several Hunt by Written Permission or Hunt by Reservation tracts of land; however, this easy access also sees a lot of hunting pressure. There are small pieces of BLM and state ground along the arid western edge.

There are limited camping areas, as the unit is basically all private. Several towns, including Pullman, Moscow and Lewiston, are close to the unit and offer lodging, fuel, restaurants, and grocery stores.