GMU 360 - Bethel, Washington

Rolling drainages and open hills with elevation changes exceeding 4,000 feet (1,800–6,000 ft). North-facing slopes are heavily timbered with mature canopy; south-facing slopes transition from sparse timber to open rangeland and scabland toward the river corridor. Approximately 80% of public land has slope of 28 degrees or less, making most terrain accessible but rewarding for off-road glassing. The Tieton River forms the southern boundary and the Naches River the eastern edge.

Bethel Ridge Road is the primary access corridor, forming the western and northern boundary of the unit. The road system allows hunters to reach most of the unit and glass from highpoints. Primitive NF camping is available throughout the Wenatchee National Forest portion most of the year (subject to seasonal fire restrictions and road closures). Bumping Lake offers developed camping near the unit. Oak Creek Wildlife Area units (Oak Creek, Rock Creek, Bauguess, Cowiche, Nile Springs) total 67,100 acres across Yakima County and are open to big game hunting in fall seasons.

Lower elevations feature bunchgrass and sagebrush steppe transitioning to Garry oak and ponderosa pine on mid-slopes. North aspects hold Douglas-fir and mixed conifer with dense understory. Higher elevations include subalpine fir and open meadow parks. The scabland basalt benches near the river provide thermal cover for deer. Overall habitat is characteristic of Yakima Folds ecoregion — basalt anticlinal ridges with unforested to lightly forested south faces and dense timber on north faces.

Elk rut typically begins the first week of September and runs approximately one month. Elk and deer populations are spread out across the unit and can be pressured off roads quickly — animals have been observed moving many miles overnight when disturbed. Best hunting is away from roads. Deer rut runs late October through late December. The Oak Creek Wildlife Area serves as critical winter range and feeding area for Rocky Mountain elk, supporting one of the largest wintering elk herds in the state.

All elk hunting in GMU 360 is limited-entry permit only — no general-season elk tag applies here. Three elk permit hunts are available: Hunt 2023 (quality early rifle, 3 permits, any bull, Sept 25–29, avg 17 pts to draw), Hunt 2085 (muzzleloader, 13 permits, any bull, Sept 30–Oct 6, avg 13 pts), and Hunt 2809 (bull rifle, 44 permits, any bull, Oct 26–Nov 8, avg 14 pts). An antlerless elk hunt (Hunt 2227, 15 permits, Nov 4–8, EF) is also available. A quality deer special permit exists (Hunt 1042, 5 permits, any buck, modern firearm, Nov 9–15, avg 13 pts, 241 apps in 2025). California bighorn sheep hunting is permit-only. Fire restrictions apply June 15–Sept 15 in Oak Creek Wildlife Area including firearm discharge limitations. Hunters should check forest road closure status before trips as seasonal closures occur.