Desolation Unit Oregon

[hughjorgan]

Anyone hunted the desolation unit in Oregon for archery? If so what kind of pressure was there when you went.

[hughjorgan]

72 views and no ones hunted this unit? Anyone hunt NE Oregon for archery?

[Katmai Guy]

It was 12-15yrs ago and we camped on the flats near granite alongside the hiway from Ukiah.  more people from wa than Or. hunting the area and they were a-holes but not many people at all.  saw a lot of big deer and got into bulls everyday.

[3dvapor]

Its has become really crowded the last few years but less people than starkey.  You can get away from the crowds a little easier going into the wilderness.  Theres still an ocasional pig killed there.  I hope it goes draw in the next few years.  Could be an excellant unit.

[Crunchy]

Wolves have moved in pretty hard.

[hughjorgan]

Thanks for the replies guys. Planning on hunting the wilderness and have a scouting trip planned in a couple weeks to feel things out.

Is there a difference in amount of hunter pressure early on in the season versus hunting the peak of the rut? I’m assuming the highest hunter pressure is later in the season as the rut progresses?

[hughjorgan]

Wolves have moved in pretty hard.

That’s just the new reality in the nw unfortunately; adapt and overcome!

[3dvapor]

yeah bulls are pretty quiet early, usually because its so damn hot.  Even though there are less people.  My buddy and I have shot bulls over that labor day weekend.

[vandeman17]

haven't hunted that unit but have hunted a few other NE Oregon units. Oregon archery is long enough that hunting pressure can be spread out but there will be more people around the peak of the rut then earlier.

[jowings22]

Hunted it a few times during archery recently. Pretty busy mid to late season, but still was able to get away from people and find elk (outside of the wilderness even). I agree, this could be a great unit if/when the number of archery tags gets limited.

[VikingMidget]

I've hunted Oregon NE archery elk the past few years and have loved it!  I have seen wolves almost every trip, but I also think the wolves mean fewer hunters.  Due to the wolves the elk seem to be less vocal and spread out in smaller groups.  They have been VERY responsive to raking though   Beautiful country!