Chief Joseph Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Chief Joseph Wildlife Area is 25,296 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 1, in 4 units, inside GMUs 172, 186 and 181, measured from WDFW's boundary. The busiest elk unit it touches is GMU 172, where WDFW reports 41 elk taken in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
National forestBLMDNR state trust landWDFW landOther public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Chief Joseph Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 25,296 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 1, Eastern Washington |
| GMUs | GMU 172, GMU 186, GMU 181 |
| Units | 4 |
| Roads and trails | 70 miles |
| Parking areas | 13 |
| Campgrounds | 2 |
| Boat ramps | 2 |
| Nearest towns | Asotin (16 mi), Clarkston (22 mi) and Pomeroy (29 mi) |
What is the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area like?
The Chief Joseph Wildlife Area is located in Asotin County and Garfield County, and is comprised of 25,037 acres about 30 miles south of the town of Asotin, WA. Elevations range from 825 feet along Joseph Creek up to 4,913 feet at Mt. Wilson, the highest point in the vicinity. The wildlife area borders the Snake River on its eastern boundary, and three of the units border the Grande Ronde River. These drainages provide habitat for Chinook salmon, summer steelhead, and bull trout, although high temperatures affect water quality and may influence fish presence, particularly bull trout. WDFW management of the wildlife area is focused primarily on the enhancement of bighorn sheep, mule deer, and upland game bird populations. Large populations of California quail are present, along with blue and ruffed grouse, Hungarian partridge, and chukar. Over 100 species of birds have been identified, including a remnant population of mountain quail. Horseback riders, hikers, and bird watchers commonly make use of trails.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Chief Joseph Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 4 units. The largest is Chief Joseph at 11,468 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Joseph | 11,468 | 181, 186 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| 4-O Ranch | 10,464 | 172 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Shumaker | 2,732 | 181, 186 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Grouse Flats | 632 | 172 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Chief Joseph: A SAFETY ZONE is established around the headquarters building. No weapons may be discharged within this zone. WDFW
4-O Ranch: A SAFETY ZONE is established at Bott Fields. No weapons may be discharged within this zone. WDFW
Shumaker: Bighorn sheep seasons are closed. WDFW
Grouse Flats: Bighorn sheep seasons are closed. WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area?
WDFW reports harvest by GMU, not by wildlife area. These are the whole GMUs the area lies in:
| GMU | Wildlife area acres in it | Elk taken, 2025 | Deer taken, 2025 | Bears taken, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 172 Mountain View | 11,096 | 41 | 33 | 8 |
| GMU 186 Grande Ronde | 9,920 | 4 | 32 | 6 |
| GMU 181 Couse | 4,280 | 23 | 169 | 3 |
Harvest: WDFW Game Harvest Reports (GMU, 2025). Wildlife area acres in each GMU measured by FilledTag from WDFW's boundaries.
How do you get to the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: SR 129. Nearest towns: Asotin (16 miles), Clarkston (22 miles) and Pomeroy (29 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area?
Yes. Parking on WDFW land needs the Vehicle Access Pass that comes with most annual hunting and fishing licenses, or a Discover Pass, displayed where it can be seen from outside the vehicle (WDFW pamphlet, page 72).
Which GMUs is the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area in?
GMU 172 Mountain View (11,096 acres), GMU 186 Grande Ronde (9,920 acres) and GMU 181 Couse (4,280 acres), by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow each GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists 2 campgrounds on the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area. Follow the posted rules and WDFW's public conduct rules.
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Where these facts come from
- Area description, rules and access notes: WDFW, Chief Joseph Wildlife Area.
- Boundary, units and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Surrounding public land: WA DNR Major Public Lands (non-DNR) and WA DNR Managed Land Parcels, read 2026-10.
- GMU harvest: WDFW Game Harvest Reports. Parking passes: WDFW 2026 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations, page 72.
FilledTag is not part of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Numbers are copied from WDFW and the State of Washington, or measured from their maps; nothing on this page is estimated by FilledTag. WDFW's regulations are the final word on every rule.
Washington hunting Region 1 GMU 172 elk GMU 186 elk GMU 181 elk