Permanent Rule WSR 23-02-069: It is unlawful for any person to cause or allow goats or sheep to be untethered or unattended on this wildlife area unit, unless otherwise permitted by the director to do so. Goats or sheep that have tested positive for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae or that are displaying signs of pneumonia or other illness will not be permitted. Goats or sheep showing signs of pneumonia or other illness while on department lands must be removed within 48 hours. If a goat or sheep becomes lost, the owner must make every effort to locate and recover it. If the goat or sheep cannot be recovered, the owner shall contact the department by telephone as soon as possible.
The rugged grassland canyons of the Shumaker Unit support populations of deer, elk, bighorn sheep, upland birds, and raptors. The Grand Ronde River is home to both steelhead and bull trout, both federally listed as threatened and managed as state species of concern. This area is popular with both anglers and hunters.
The Shumaker Unit is located in the southeast corner of the state, south of Anatone, along the Grande Ronde River in Asotin County. The unit can be accessed from Shumaker Grade Road.
The Shumaker Unit is located in the Snake River Watershed, within the Columbia River Basin.
This unit is part of the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area.
Game Management Units: 186, 181
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:
- Small parking area
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
- This unit is open to the public year-round.
- CAUTION: Travel on Shumaker Grade can be treacherous in winter due to snow and ice.
Hunting
Many white-tailed deer and some elk winter on the Shumaker unit. Deer, turkey, quail, and chukar, and many other species afford a variety of hunting opportunities.
Hunting advisories
- Bighorn sheep seasons are closed.
Fishing
Steelhead fishing in the Grande Ronde is a popular attraction for this unit.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes rugged grassland canyons, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and elk, especially in winter.
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.
Other recreational opportunities
Trails offer opportunities for horseback riding and hiking, and this unit offers opportunities for viewing wildflowers in the spring.
Conservation
The rugged grassland canyons of the Shumaker Unit support populations of deer, elk, bighorn sheep, upland birds, and raptors. The Grand Ronde River is home to both steelhead and bull trout, both federally listed as threatened and managed as state species of concern.
Conservation goals
- Develop plan to survey entire wildlife area for rare plants by 2024
- Conduct an assessment of native prairie habitat by 2022; and by 2024, develop a strategy to protect and restore native prairie habitat
- Improve habitat for mule deer populations
- Maintain healthy bighorn sheep population by communicating risks from domestic animals to the public
Land stewardship
The Shumaker Unit was largely acquired with the use of mitigation funds from the dams on the Snake River, creating slack water that flooded habitat.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1973 and 2020.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Private Grantor | Private Donation |
| US Army Corps of Engineers | Snake River Mitigation Account |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2019 Blue Mountains Wildlife Areas 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.
Planning Advisory Committee
Chief Joseph/Asotin Creek Wildlife Area Advisory Committee