East/South East Deer hunt

[dpdub]

I was thinking about hunting the Grande Ronde unit this year, but read on here or maybe somewhere else that it gets a lot of 4 wheeler and horse traffic.  Is this true?  I am going to be doing some scouting in August, but the problem is I have never hunted any of these areas before and have no idea how full of hunters they will be come October.  I would really hate to find a nice place to go hunt only to show up to a zoo of motorcycles, horses, and seas of people.

[dpdub]

Is there somewhere you can check with to see what is legal as far as accessing the lands you want to hunt?  I know some people will always disregard the rules, but it might be worth a shot.

[Buckwheat]

if your going to hunt the grande you might need a small boat

[mtncook]

That unit is almost entirely private owned.  There are some big cow outfits with some pretty nice mule deer habitat.  Nice rocky rims wih open south slopes. It is pretty rough so don't expect to many 4 wheelers off the top. Early scouting will give you a chance to meet some landowners before the season opens.  Mostly hunted by locals that pretty much hunt early and late day.  If you find a spot that looks good, spend the whole day there, work an area then come back later.  These deer get run from one area to another, by checking back you may find  some deer that have moved in while you were not there.  Pack your lunch and find a big buck.

good luck

[Pathfinder101]

The Chief Joseph Wildlife area isn't private, is it?

[bobcat]

No it's not. I was wondering the same thing. At least half of that unit is public land.

[couesbitten]

It gets a fair amount of pressure. I haven't hunted there in a long time. The side facing the Snake River is some beautiful but rugged country. Just looking at it gives you visions of 30" bucks.

[dpdub]

Thanks guys.  I found a bit of land a little closer to me and about 10 miles from where I shot a nice buck 2 years ago that I think I am going to scout first.  If it doesn't look too promising I guess I will be hunting down in the corner this year.