Unit JBH

Ellison Slough and Risk Creek serve as the primary reference points for navigation and orientation in this featureless landscape. Both features function as linear guides through the unit and concentrate wildlife activity in their immediate vicinity. The slough provides a defined water corridor where wildlife converges.

Risk Creek offers similar navigational value and potential water access. In flat country with minimal landmarks, these water features become critical for both finding your way and locating game.

The entire unit lies in the coastal lowlands with negligible elevation variation—essentially flat country from edge to edge. Sparse timber means the landscape is predominantly open to semi-open, with scattered trees rather than dense forest stands. This creates a transitional zone between open wetlands and light timber.

Vegetation follows typical coastal lowland patterns: sedges, rushes, and low brush interspersed with Douglas fir and cottonwood groves. The lack of elevation means no seasonal migration corridors or higher-ground refuge patterns typical of mountain units.

The connected road network of 18.2 miles provides straightforward vehicle access throughout the compact unit. Sparse road density combined with small size means limited staging options, but the proximity and ease of access attract hunting pressure proportional to unit size. The flat, open character offers no terrain-based refuge from other hunters.

Most pressure will concentrate along the main roads and near the two named water sources where access is easiest.

JBH occupies a compact footprint in Washington's coastal lowlands, characterized by nearly flat terrain with virtually no elevation change across the unit. The landscape sits just above sea level, with elevations hovering between below sea level and barely 80 feet. This low-lying country represents classic coastal bottomland and wetland habitat rather than mountainous terrain.

Most of the unit is publicly accessible, making it an open-access hunting area in a region where public land can be limited.

Water access is limited overall, but Ellison Slough and Risk Creek provide defined seasonal water sources. The slough represents a more permanent feature than many small creeks and likely holds water throughout hunting season. Risk Creek's flow pattern depends on seasonal rainfall and may diminish in dry periods.

These are the only named reliable water sources in the unit—water strategy centers entirely on these two features. Hunters should plan routes with access to at least one of these drainages.

Elk in this unit depend on the sparse timber and proximity to water drainages rather than elevation escape routes. Ellison Slough and Risk Creek create cover corridors where elk concentrate, making these features your primary hunting focus. Early morning and evening movement along these water features offers the best opportunity.

The flat terrain and open nature mean stealth and wind management are critical—there's no terrain to hide movement. Late-season hunting is often more productive in coastal lowlands as elk concentrate around remaining water and cover. Expect to hunt through open brush interspersed with timber patches rather than classic elk country.