The Pateros Unit's south aspect and shrubsteppe habitat that dominate the area support a large number of wintering mule deer. Several draws, vegetated with aspen and other riparian species, are distributed throughout the area. The area supports a diversity of other wildlife, including Neotropical migrants, raptors, chukar, gray partridge, and California quail.
The Pateros Unit is located north of Pateros in Okanogan County. The unit can be accessed from Bill Shaw Road off of Highway 97.
The Bureau of Land Management owns lands adjacent to the unit. Surrounding land use includes agriculture, cattle grazing and rural home sites.
This unit is part of the Chelan Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 239
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
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:
- Parking area off Bill Shaw Road
- Restroom off Bill Shaw Road
Recreation and access advisories
- Informal parking at gate on and at pulloffs along Bill Shaw Road.
- All bicycles are restricted to established roads.
- Snowmobiling is prohibited.
- Open fires are prohibited.
- All walk-in access (e.g., hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, shed antler hunting) is discouraged from Feb. 1 through March 31 to protect wintering mule deer.
Hunting
Mule deer is the primary hunting focus on this unit. Hunters may also find opportunities to harvest upland game birds, including chukar, quail and gray partridge.
Hunting advisories
- All walk-in access is discouraged from Feb. 1 through March 31 to protect wintering mule deer.
Fishing
Streambank fishing opportunities can be found along 0.5 miles of the Methow River off Bill Shaw Road.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes shrubsteppe and riparian habitats, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, chukar, gray partridge, blue grouse, California quail, Neotropical migrants, and raptors.
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.
Wildlife viewing advisories
- All walk-in access is discouraged from Feb. 1 through March 31 to protect wintering mule deer.
Other recreational opportunities
Miles of two-track roads closed to motorized vehicles offer opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Shed antler hunting is a popular spring activity on areas where mule congregate during winter.
Other advisories
- All walk-in access is discouraged from Feb. 1 through March 31 to protect wintering mule deer.
Conservation
The south facing slopes and shrubsteppe habitat make this unit prime winter range for Okanogan County mule deer.
Special habitats and species
Several draws, vegetated with aspen and other riparian species, are distributed throughout the area.
Conservation goals
- Consider exploring future translocations of sharp-tailed grouse
- Maintain and enhance big game habitat
- Maintain and enhance upland bird habitat
Several draws, vegetated with aspen and other riparian species, are distributed throughout the area.
- Consider exploring future translocations of sharp-tailed grouse
- Maintain and enhance big game habitat
- Maintain and enhance upland bird habitat
Land stewardship
Funding to acquire this unit was from Recreation and Conservation Office Critical Habitat Grant, Mule Deer Foundation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Pittman Robertson. Acres have been added to the unit over time.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1975 and 2010.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Doris Duke Foundation | Private Donation |
| Mule Deer Foundation | Private Donation |
| Power, dike & irrigation districts | Mitigation Funds |
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2018 Chelan Wildlife Area Management Plan
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is developing a new management plan for the Chelan Wildlife Area. The wildlife area includes about 30,874 acres of land in Chelan and Okanogan counties. WDFW acquired most of the wildlife area property as a result of a 1963 agreement with the Chelan County PUD to lessen the impact of the Rocky Reach Dam project on wildlife. The department manages the area primarily for big game and upland game birds. Chelan Wildlife Area provides a great variety of recreational opportunities including hunting, photography, wildlife viewing, and camping. The wildlife area's numerous dirt roads, which are closed to motorized vehicles, offer good hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. The new plan will address the status of wildlife species and their habitat, ongoing restoration efforts, management challenges such as invasive species and public recreation opportunities at the wildlife area.
Planning Advisory Committee
Chelan Wildlife Area Advisory Committee