This large GMU runs from Chiwaukum Mountains, down past Leavenworth along the Wenatchee River, to Colockum Wildlife Area in the southeast corner along the Columbia River. The top arm of this unit follows the creek between Rock Mountain in GMU 245 and Arrowhead Mountain along the border of GMU 249. The irregular western border takes in Icicle Creek before following a series of ridgelines to the Columbia River. Although there are roughly 300,000-acres of public land, it is highly fragmented and one would be well advised to carry a GPS unit. Public land consists of Wenatchee National Forest, BLM, state and Colockum Wildlife Areas. Well inland from the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers are dominantly privately held lands with agriculture scattered throughout. Over the years there have been multiple wildfires, however, the impact on hunting opportunities have been very minimal. There is a small population of resident mule deer, however, the vast majority migrate in from higher elevations after heavy snowfalls. With private ground representing a large chunk of the lower elevations and winter food source, the WDFW reports that they get calls regarding human wildlife conflicts. This is a decent elk unit for this part of Washington with WDFW reporting good harvest numbers, most commonly spikes. There are a few quality rut elk permits but they are hard to draw. Upland game birds are common and include: chukar, ruffed grouse, partridge, California quail, and blue grouse. There are hardly any whitetail in this unit.

This unit has a great November mule deer hunt if you can get a permit.