Whatcom Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Whatcom Wildlife Area is 4,353 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 4, in 8 units, inside GMU 407, measured from WDFW's boundary. Of the GMUs it touches, WDFW reports the most deer taken in GMU 407: 462 in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Whatcom Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
BLMDNR state trust landWDFW landNational wildlife refuge (refuge rules; not counted)Other public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Whatcom Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 4,353 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 4, North Puget Sound |
| GMUs | GMU 407 |
| Units | 8 |
| Roads and trails | 14 miles |
| Parking areas | 19 |
| Hunting blinds | 26 |
| Boat ramps | 4 |
| Nearest towns | Ferndale (next to it), Bellingham (5 mi) and Blaine (6 mi) |
What is the Whatcom Wildlife Area like?
The Whatcom Wildlife Area has eight units totaling approximately 4,320 acres north of Bellingham in Whatcom County. A majority of the land is within a few miles of Puget Sound and about 10 miles south of the Canadian border. The Tennant Lake Unit is situated in the Nooksack River's mainstem floodplain, and the river hugs the unit's western border. Most wetlands in the lower Nooksack were diked and ditched by the beginning of the 20th century.
Habitat types on the wildlife area include submergent and emergent marsh, grasslands, open water, and deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forest. Without disturbance, the climax vegetation in this area would be western red cedar and Douglas fir. A wide range of wetland and riparian dependent species and upland species occur on the Whatcom Wildlife Area. The area also supports important habitat for wintering waterfowl, and is located on the Pacific Flyway.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Whatcom Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Whatcom Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 8 units. The largest is Lake Terrell at 1,178 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Terrell | 1,178 | 407 | 8 | 0 | 25 |
| British Petroleum | 828 | 407 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Intalco | 620 | 407 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Lummi Island | 613 | 407 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Nooksack | 605 | 407 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Tennant Lake | 331 | 407 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Pine Lake | 135 | 407 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Point Roberts | 41 | 407 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Lake Terrell: A Game Reserve is established on this unit (WAC 220-411-140). Game Reserves are CLOSED AREAS where hunting and trapping for all wild animals and wild birds is prohibited (RCW 77.12.047). WDFW
British Petroleum: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Intalco: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Nooksack: It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040). WDFW
Tennant Lake: A Game Reserve is established on this unit (WAC 220-411-130). Game Reserves are CLOSED AREAS where hunting and trapping for all wild animals and wild birds is prohibited (RCW 77.12.047). WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Whatcom 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 407 North Sound | 4,353 | 6 | 462 | 24 |
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 Whatcom Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: I-5, SR 548, SR 11 and SR 539. Nearest towns: Ferndale (next to it), Bellingham (5 miles), Blaine (6 miles) and Lynden (10 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Whatcom 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 Whatcom Wildlife Area in?
All of it is in GMU 407 North Sound, by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow that GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Whatcom Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists no developed campground on the Whatcom 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, Whatcom 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.