Hunting
Opportunities include whitetail deer, mule deer, quail, grey partridge, ruffed
grouse, blue grouse, black bear, cougar, and bobcat. Hunting seasons vary depending
on species and weapon choice, consult Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
hunting regulations for seasons and dates. Note: All lands in Washington State
are closed to the taking of Sharp-tail Grouse including all Scotch Creek Wildlife
Area Units.
Fishing
There are no fish bearing waters on the Tunk Valley unit. Fishing opportunities
can be found at USFS Crawfish Lake on the Okanogan National Forest, just east
of the wildlife area. Additional information can be obtained at the Okanogan/Wenatchee
National Forest Homepage. Consult Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Fishing regulations for further information on seasons and regulations.
Camping
The Tunk Valley unit offers pack-in style camping. No developed sites are
available. Firewood can be gathered from downed dead wood only and must remain
on the wildlife area. Campfire restrictions are governed by the Washington Department
of Natural Resources and Okanogan County. Consult WDNR website for up to date
fire restrictions. Length of stay is limited to 14 days. Developed camping is
available on the Okanogan National Forest at Crawfish Lake. Additional information
can be obtained at the Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest Homepage.
Other Recreation
Hiking, biking and horseback riding. Non-motorized recreational activities are
allowed, however currently there are no developed trail systems on this unit.
Farm roads cross the unit and provide the only “trail “ system on
the area. Established parking areas allow access for cars, as well as room for
truck and trailer turnaround.
Wildlife Observations and Photography
Wildlife viewing and photography encompasses a vast number of wildlife species.
During the winter, deer can be viewed roaming the hills with eagles and hawks
soaring high above in the sky. Elk and moose have been occasionally observed
on this unit, however extremely rare in Okanogan County. Wintering upland birds
and waterfowl can be seen in the riparian areas and beaver ponds along Tunk
Creek, and in the spring numerous songbirds can be heard and observed. |
The Tunk Valley unit’s 1,399 acres are located about 12 miles northeast of Omak in the Tunk Valley of Okanogan County. Elevations vary from 1,800 feet to 3,200 feet. With gentle topography and a mostly north-facing aspect, it includes about two miles of Tunk Creek and its riparian trees and shrubs. It also has several springs and one man made pond. Most of the habitat is shrub steppe, with a small stand of timber on the steep north slope in the center of the property. A large flock of 64 sharp-tailed grouse were observed along Tunk Creek in the winter of 2003. The area also supports mule and white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, California quail, gray partridge, hawks, owls, woodpeckers and other cavity-nesting birds, and many species of songbirds. Tunk Creek has rainbow and brook trout.
OTHER INFORMATION
