Looking at finding Oregon elk.

[aer212]

I have been talking with a friend of mine about a wilderness hunt in Oregon. We want to take horses and pack way in, get into the big boys, away from people. One thought we had was the Eagle cap. Any suggestions?

[Trailstrider]

 :yeah:If you want solitude and a hard hunt you found it! Good Elk too!

[Crunchy]

I am not certain where eagle cap is but we get into big bulls where I hunt.  We hunt the Desolation unit each year.  Can't say we tag out but always, I mean always get into big bulls.  There are places in the unit you can go in horse back for miles, although we have run into 350 bulls not 200 yards from a mainline.  I leave at 5AM tomorrow for my week long hunt.

[aer212]

About getting tags, what is the process? Pretty easy?

[aer212]

I am not certain where eagle cap is but we get into big bulls where I hunt.  We hunt the Desolation unit each year.  Can't say we tag out but always, I mean always get into big bulls.  There are places in the unit you can go in horse back for miles, although we have run into 350 bulls not 200 yards from a mainline.  I leave at 5AM tomorrow for my week long hunt.

Eagle cap is a little north and east of Desolation.

[Trailstrider]

I think Oregon still requires tags to be puchased prior to the season, But it could have changed.....check there web site.....

[6x6in6]

I think Oregon still requires tags to be puchased prior to the season, But it could have changed.....check there web site.....

Correct.  Prior to the beginning of the season purchase required.

[aer212]

I should have put in there that we are talking about next season(2012) archery. Is it the same for archery tags that you have to buy them before season? Also is it correct that the archery tags are over the counter tags?

[ArrowH]

Yes, archery tags are over the counter and you have to buy them before season opens. I would look at the strawberry mtns. south east of Johnday or the north fork Johnday wilderness area, which is part of desolation. Eaglecaps get alot of pressure from pack in hunters and alot of guides working that area.

[aer212]

Is the desolation unit a big hunting party? I don't want any part of that. Looking to get away for a couple weeks.

[Crunchy]

Desolation is a big unit, and I have never run into another hunter while in the timber.  Also you can purchase ur tag after the season starts, but it has to be at an ODFW office in person with a seventeen dollar fee.

[aer212]

Do you guys backpack in or take horses?

[Crunchy]

We hike in.  Usually three miles in at the most an we are on elk.  Basin Creek trail is one spot you could look at.  Goes WAY in.

[elksnout]

There are no elk in the Strawberries! Only Lammas. And, yes. You do need to buy your tag for them before the season starts.

[KNOXY]

Murders Creek, Snake River, Pine Creek all good units

[aer212]

Thanks for all the help. Typically how late before snowfall in those areas?