This unit has limited access due to no available parking.
The Okanogan Unit is comprised of shrubsteppe, wetland and riparian habitat, and provides opportunities for waterfowl and upland bird hunting.
The Okanogan Unit is located about 1 mile north of the Columbia River in Okanogan County. The unit can be accessed from Monse Road off of Highway 97.
This unit is part of the Wells Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 239
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- No developed parking area
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Open fires are not permitted at any time during the year.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- Ticks occur here--observe appropriate precautions.
Hunting
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.
Wildlife viewing
This unit has shrubsteppe, wetland, and riparian habitat, and the adjacent Okanogan River, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, California quail, waterfowl and other water birds.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
Conservation goals
- Protect, maintain, and enhance shrubsteppe and riparian habitat
Land stewardship
The Douglas County Public Utilities District No. 1 entered into a wildlife mitigation agreement with WDFW in 1974 as part of the Wells Hydroelectric Project Federal Energy Regulatory License. This agreement addressed the loss of wildlife caused by the construction of Wells Dam and led to the creation of the Wells Wildlife Area, including the Okanogan Unit.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1976 and 1979.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Power, dike & irrigation districts | Mitigation Funds |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
Management planning
2006 Wells Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.