GMU 328 - Naneum, Washington

Rolling mountains transitioning from dense multi-age conifer forest in the northern reaches to open native bunchgrass and shrub-steppe on southern slopes above the Kittitas Valley floor. The northern boundary follows Naneum Ridge along the Chelan–Kittitas county line. Elevations span roughly 1,600 ft in the valley to over 5,000 ft on upper ridges. Naneum Creek and associated drainages provide year-round water. The Green Dot road network on DNR and WDFW lands controls motorized access, keeping roadless pockets huntable.

70% public: approximately 39% Washington State (DNR checkerboard, Colockum Wildlife Area units) and 31% Wenatchee National Forest (USFS). The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area's 118,300-acre complex lies adjacent (primarily in neighboring GMUs 334/335/336) but its road networks intersect District 8 access corridors. BLM Spokane District has scattered parcels. The Yakima Training Center (327,000 ac, south of I-90) borders the district and is open to public hunting via YTC Recreation Access Card, subject to military scheduling. Coleman Creek Road at the Naneum State Forest entrance and Green Dot system roads provide primary vehicle access. 30% private — agricultural valley land near Ellensburg; trespass permission required for those parcels.

Northern GMU: ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and mixed conifer with multi-age post-fire regeneration providing varied edge cover. Southern GMU: bunchgrass (bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue) and big sagebrush shrub-steppe. Riparian corridors along Naneum Creek support alder and willow; important thermal cover for deer and elk in early archery season. Post-fire habitats in portions of the unit have increased forb and shrub productivity, improving forage but reducing mature timber cover.

Colockum elk herd (~3,800–4,000 animals) summers at high elevation in GMU 328 and adjacent units, pushing down to winter range on the L.T. Murray and Colockum Wildlife Areas as snow accumulates, typically by mid-November. Mule deer follow similar vertical migration. Cougars shadow deer/elk and concentrate at lower elevations in late fall–winter. Black bears track berry and mast crops upslope through fall before denning.

All deer seasons in GMU 328 are managed under mule deer regulations with a 3-point minimum antler restriction (archery and muzzleloader). The area holds a mix of mule deer, mule–black-tailed hybrids, and some black-tailed deer; all use slightly different elevation bands. No general modern firearm deer season exists in this unit — hunters must use archery (Sept. 1–20 early; Nov. 25–Dec. 8 late) or muzzleloader (Sept. 26–Oct. 4). General elk seasons are spike-bull restricted. Colockum A special permit (GMUs 328 and 329) offers any-bull tags in a limited draw (approx. 7 permits, Oct. 23–Nov. 5 per prior regs). Opening weekend elk pressure is high; mid-to-late season and weekday hunting in high-elevation roadless areas yields better quality encounters. Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) has been detected in District 8 elk; hunters should report limping or lame elk. Yakama Nation ceded territory: portions of this unit may fall within the exterior boundary of the Yakama Reservation — hunters should confirm applicable tribal permits and contact Yakama Nation Wildlife at 509-865-5121 ext. 6307 for current rules on tribal lands.