Who We Are

We are a non-profit charity corporation and do not charge for hunting on the property under our management.

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We offer hunting opportunities for white-tail deer, mule deer, elk, turkey, and on a rare occasion, a moose. Remember to check the WDFW Pamphlet for seasons in GMU130. We allow coyote hunting whenever there is not another season in effect.

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There are areas set aside for youth, disabled and the general hunter.

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We have opportunities for those who hunt with a muzzle loader, modern rifle, shotgun and archery.

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Thousands of acres of prime private property are opened up to the general public for hunting, yet controlled for safety and to provide a great hunting experience.

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Properties are patrolled to prevent trespassers.

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Our History

Effective WDFW game management is essential to the effective operation of CPWMA, a WDFW free, hunter access program, monitored and approved by WDFW.

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The underlying reason for CPWMA was the over-population of elk on Turnbull Wildlife Refuge. The reserve is intended as a duck/goose sanctuary that elk have moved into. It is administered by the FWS, the Federal Wildlife Service. According to their biologist, the aspen growth ecosystem is being severely damaged. This includes the trees, birds, frogs, insects, deer, small mammals, etc. Elk leave the refuge, often at night, damaging crops and fences when they are hungry.

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Continuing elk problems created dissatisfaction within the local community. Numerous residents have given up on WDFW. They have also become weary of hunters seeking permission, poaching, road hunting and trespassing. WDFW law enforcement has responded well with limited results. WDFW Advanced Hunters have been used in a December hunt for a number of years in the area. In recent years WDFW and Turnbull have coordinated elk hunting by permit on the refuge. The Dec hunt and LHP hunting are significant management tools. Without them elk numbers would be and have been unmanaged.

 

Local residents, John and Donna Bruce, began to work with local residents to allow controlled hunter access according to landowner wishes. Over several years their ideas grew into control of over 4,000 acres, landowner contracts, free public hunter access as well as close cooperation with WDFW biologists and Turnbull administrators. The Bruces’ received no compensation and operated their activities as charitable, concerned citizens. In order to make their operation more effective WDFW urged the Bruces’ to form a LHP, one of five, WDFW free hunter access plans. The Bruces’ formalized their program and created a 501 (c) (3) organization. While other LHPs keep self-generated funds for their benefit, CPWMA does not. All funds not used for administration are used for landowner compensation and habitat improvement. CPWMA landowner compensation is in the form of fence repair, clean up, patrolling for trespassing, hunter scheduling, habitat improvement, game management, etc. Financial compensation, if any, is a receipt for possible tax purposes for use of their land based on WDFW compensation guidelines: most often at $1 an acre or, now that CPWMA has gained strength, CASH for access. As a charitable organization CPWMA has conducted fundraisers, obtained goods and volunteer services from others such as Turnbull, MDF, SCI, INWC, God's creations, Sportsman's Warehouse, Boy Scouts, Master Hunter candidates, community volunteers and local landowners.

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Our Future

We are always working to secure new leased properties.

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As for our currently leased properties, we work with the landowners to improve habitat for wildlife where appropriate and maintain fences where wildlife are not desired.

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We also have many plans for improvements on many of our properties with additional food plots, higher quality gates and fencing, access roads and parking areas.

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Land Management

Benefits to Landowners

• Liability Protection

• Eligibility for deer and elk damage permits from WDFW

• Managed number of hunters on land

• Controlled interaction with hunters

• Hunter permission and scheduling handled for you

• Availability of volunteer labor to repair wildlife damage

• Landowners have priority for hunting times on their property

• Possible tax deduction for donation

 

Wildlife Management

• Monitor herd size and adjust harvest accordingly

• Work closely with Turnbull Wildlife Refuge to manage elk herd

• Partner with Washington State Fish and Wildlife programs

 

Hunting Access

• Yearly signup for general hunting

 

Muzzleloader

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Archery

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Modern Firearm

• Areas designated for youth, disabled and other hunters

• Thousands of acres of prime hunting property opened up to the general public for hunting, while controlled access provides for a great hunting experience

• Areas patrolled for trespassers

• Late season raffle opportunities