This large unit is found between Yakama Nation Land Reservation and the Columbia River. The northern portion offers the only timber ground as it transitions to open arid scabland and ultimately the Columbia River breaks. The largest tract of public land is the Klickitat Wildlife Area Soda Springs Unit which is roughly 13,000-acres however it can experience heavy hunting pressure, especially on the opener. WDFW manages this as a mule deer unit changing it several years ago from a Blacktail unit. Land access is the first challenge as the bulk of the unit is private. Hunters getting out early to scout and knock on doors set themselves up for the best hunter experience. Elk populations are dramatically less then their deer cousins and small herds can be rather nomadic and easily move miles overnight when pressured. Key private land is best for hunter experience and success.

Deer populations have recently dipped with some blaming this on predation from mountain lions.

Some of the highest points in the unit can be found along the northern border and include Indian Rock at 5,820 ft. Moving south the GMU loses the bulk of its elevation in the first six miles as the crow flies. As timber ends and rangeland begin at elevations around 2,000 ft with the landmark Gunn Butte only 2,215 ft. Over the next fifteen miles as the crow flies the elevation drops a bit over a 1,000 ft to the Columbia River. The lowest point is the small town of Lyle where the Klickitat River meets the Columbia River in the southwestern corner.

Dillacort Canyon is landlocked within private however is accessible by the Klickitat River. This unit is predominately private with little state and BLM ground mixed in. The largest continuous chunk of public land is the Klickitat Wildlife Area Soda Springs Unit. There are also a few small pieces of private land open to public hunting through the WDFW Hunt by Reservation program.

The 2018 Milepost 90 fire burned along the southern border which encompasses some state and BLM land. The northern third of the GMU offers the only amount of timber which varies greatly in thickness. The southern two-thirds is arid scabland consisting of sage, buckbrush, native and non-native grass and dry land farming mainly for grass hay and grains.

Camping is allowed at Soda Springs, however, there is a campfire burn ban from June 1 – Oct 30. If you are more interested in a bed and a shower, as well as staying closer to gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store your best option is Goldendale on the eastern border.