Elk hunting in Oregon

[greyghost10]

I have 4 points in Oregon for elk. Not too sure where to put in for yet. If anyone had a good idea that would be great. I hunt on foot. No horses, No atv.s. Strong heart and strong back......so far. Spoke to a couple of biologists up there. One suggested a few areas in North eastern Oregon. I haven't decided yet. Naturally like many Californians, I have 4 points for antelope, elk, and sheep. I have never hunted elk but am eager to try.

 

[easymoney]

Depends on what you set your sights for... Record book bulls are few to far between, if at all to be had on public land. The north east zones are better for the big bulls, hard to draw for, very popular, and are wilderness hunts. The Eagle Cap is very good but popular, Hells Canyon is very good but also popular. You can almost put up the unit map and throw a dart in that area, all are good. If you are looking to settle for a 5x5 or less there many areas that will suffice. There are lots of hunters putting for rifle zones, bow hunting opens many doors... IMHO, points are not as important as securing good hunting areas. Most of the state is good elk hunting habitat, but again pick your area based on realistic expectations...

 

[greyghost10]

I should have mentioned that I would easily settle for a 5 x5 type bull which for a first time elk hunter would be quite a trophy. I only mention the points because they should allow me to draw for at least one of the better zones. I hunt hard and usually all day. I only return at the end of the day when it is dark or if I have been sucessful. I have deer hunted the last six years with my father-in-law and have always let him have the first shot if he wanted it. Any help I would greatly appreciate.

 

[rangenerd]

Do you want a Roosevelt or do you want a Rocky Mt? If you are looking for a Rosy you need to go towards Tillamook or Seaside (NW Oregon). For Rockies I would look at the Wallowa/Eagle Cap wilderness area (NE Oregon)

 

[greyghost10]

I am pretty sure I would love to get a Rocky Mtn Elk. I guess I will stat doing more research. I did get a new rifle so I don't have to rely on my 270 Winchester. I have a new 338 Winchester Magnum.

 

[easymoney]

Since you are going with a rifle, all tags will be by draw. Do some research on the ODFW website, they have all the stats and game unit maps for download. Call biologists, NF district managers and wildlife managers in the areas you pick out. They can give you info on up to date herd numbers, bull to cow ratios and calf survival rates. Also talk to the district manager of the NF where you plan to hunt to see if there has been any reports of crop or range damage. Some areas will share this info gladly, so hunters will score and help out the ranchers who are complaining of the damage.
Good luck...

 

[oregoncritters]

My suggestion,
Point saver for a couple more years and draw a decent archery tag..That would be your best bet in Oregon..

 

[greyghost10]

I do not think I have the patience to learn how to bow hunt. But I am actually a pretty decent shot with my rifle. I guess I will try my lyuck in one of the Northeast units. Thanks everyone for your suggestions

 

[OR186]

I was at the sportsman show in Eugene last weekend. The most impressive racks being scored for the Oregon book were the Cascade Roosevelt's. There were some really heavy horned 6pts scoring up to 347. A guy stopped at my booth Saturday and showed me a picture of his 1st elk, a heavy 315 pt roosie.
For Rocky Mt elk research around John Day and the Strawberry Mts.