Wells Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Wells Wildlife Area is 11,139 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 2, in 6 units, inside GMUs 260 and 239, measured from WDFW's boundary. Of the GMUs it touches, WDFW reports the most deer taken in GMU 239: 129 in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Wells Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
National forestBLMDNR state trust landWDFW landMilitary land (restricted)Other public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Wells Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 11,139 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 2, North Central Washington |
| GMUs | GMU 260, GMU 239 |
| Units | 6 |
| Roads and trails | 34 miles |
| Parking areas | 15 |
| Boat ramps | 1 |
| Nearest towns | Pateros (2 mi), Brewster (2 mi) and Bridgeport (3 mi) |
What is the Wells Wildlife Area like?
The Wells Wildlife Area in Okanogan and Douglas counties includes approximately 11,100 acres managed throughout its units. The department acquired the wildlife area from the Douglas County Public Utilities District No. 1 in a 1974 wildlife mitigation agreement as part of the Wells Hydroelectric Project. The department also acquired lease rights to 1,550 acres of Department of Natural Resources land, and the Bureau of Land Management allowed 180 acres in the Indian Dan Canyon Unit to be included.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Wells Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Wells Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 6 units. The largest is Indian Dan Canyon at 5,109 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Dan Canyon | 5,109 | 239 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Central Ferry Canyon | 4,108 | 260 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| West Foster Creek | 1,062 | 260 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Bridgeport Bar | 514 | 260 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Washburn Island | 260 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Okanogan | 86 | 239 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Indian Dan Canyon: All lands in Washington State are CLOSED to the taking of sharp-tailed grouse and sage grouse. Upland bird hunters are advised that sharp-tailed grouse and sage grouse are protected species and may be found on the unit. Hunters should be alert to the presence of these birds on this area and be proficient at identifying them. WDFW
Central Ferry Canyon: Hunter registration is required on this unit. Registration cards and drop-boxes are located at each parking area. This program collects useful and necessary information on hunting and wildlife populations. The information collected is an important tool to evaluate management and improve hunting on the area. WDFW
West Foster Creek: Hunter registration is required on this unit. Registration cards and drop-boxes are located at each parking area. This program collects useful and necessary information on hunting and wildlife populations. The information collected is an important tool to evaluate management and improve hunting on the area. WDFW
Bridgeport Bar: Hunter registration is required on this unit. Registration cards and drop-boxes are located at each parking area. This program collects useful and necessary information on hunting and wildlife populations. The information collected is an important tool to evaluate management and improve hunting on the area. WDFW
Washburn Island: Hunter registration is required on this unit. Registration cards and drop-boxes are located at the parking area. This program collects useful and necessary information on hunting and wildlife populations. The information collected is an important tool to evaluate management and improve hunting on the area. WDFW
Okanogan: This area is in the Chiliwist Game Management Unit # 239. The unit's wetland and the adjacent Okanogan River provide habitat for waterfowl and other water birds. Upland game birds occurring on the unit include California quail and ring-necked pheasant. WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Wells 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 260 Foster Creek | 5,684 | 0 | 65 | 0 |
| GMU 239 Chiliwist | 5,195 | 2 | 129 | 13 |
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 Wells Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: US 97, SR 17, SR 173, SR 153 and SR 172. Nearest towns: Pateros (2 miles), Brewster (2 miles), Bridgeport (3 miles) and Mansfield (6 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Wells 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 Wells Wildlife Area in?
GMU 260 Foster Creek (5,684 acres) and GMU 239 Chiliwist (5,195 acres), by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow each GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Wells Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists no developed campground on the Wells Wildlife Area. Camping on WDFW land follows WDFW's public conduct rules and any closures posted for the area; check WDFW's page before planning a camp.
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Where these facts come from
- Area description, rules and access notes: WDFW, Wells 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.