Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: webbspinner on March 06, 2023, 05:31:07 PM

Title: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on March 06, 2023, 05:31:07 PM: So my brother( neither of us getting any younger) lives in Oregon and has for years. I am thinking about spending the money to hunt this fall with him, looks like Oregon has OTC tags for non residents in western units but entire east side is draw and extremely low odds for drawing as out of state. Looking for advice or thoughts from you all. This has always been a great spot for thoughts and advice. Looks like for under 1 grand I could hunt with him and I’ve never hunted anywhere but Washington so hoping for some ideas or experiences

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: bobcat on March 06, 2023, 06:38:58 PM: Oregon has a lot more public land than we do here in Washington, so overall the hunting should be a better experience. I'd definitely go on a hunt with your brother down there, wherever that may be. I hunted mule deer one time, and elk once, in eastern Oregon, but quit buying licenses and applying for hunts several years ago when the price was increased substantially. I still have 11 antelope points, which I will never use. If you can do a general season hunt, that would be the way to go.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: vandeman17 on March 06, 2023, 07:13:17 PM: Plenty of archery units in eastern oregon you can draw with very few to no points
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: Caveman123 on March 06, 2023, 07:36:55 PM: Hunted eastern oregon for years while the east side was OTC. I would be inclined to believe those units have improved since it went to draw, wasn’t easy hunting but we had a few opportunities a season. Would be worth looking into the draws for the east side, I personally find it more enjoyable than the jungle.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on March 06, 2023, 08:00:45 PM: I would love to hunt eastern Oregon but draw odds for general season are pretty poor. I can buy points and maybe later do that. Looks like western Oregon I can do deer, elk and bear and cougar pretty cheap in terms of out of state anyways and it’s not a terrible drive from here. Trying to figure out what it will cost is the biggest hurdle

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: bobcat on March 06, 2023, 08:03:19 PM: If you're going to hunt a general season every year, I think it would make sense to build up some deer and elk points to use in the future. For me it wasn't worth it anymore to buy the hunting license every year just to build points.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: time2hunt on March 12, 2023, 09:24:04 PM: If you are already buying a license to hunt with your brother you might as well put in for the draws and build a few point. Remember goat and sheep don’t do a point system so someone has to get lucky

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: Browndawg on March 14, 2023, 09:09:52 AM: I've been hunting elk in Oregon most of my life as a non-resident. Mostly archery hunts. There is definitely more opportunity in Oregon than WA. Coastal elk hunts are OTC and very strenuous due to the terrain. It takes a lot of scouting to find accessible areas that hold elk. By accessible I mean areas that won't damn near kill you when trying to pack one out. The coast isn't for most people. You'll have to draw a tag if you want to hunt Eastern Oregon units. There are good numbers of elk in most units, easier terrain, and most units you can draw with one preference point as a non-resident. Your brother would be able to draw them every year, even as second choice in a lot of them. So I would recommend buying a license, put in for tags. I would say don't put in as a party. Put in individually. He draws the tag the first year and you can call for him and learn the area. Buy a bear and cougar tag. They're like $15 even for non residents. Year two you'll draw it.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: Ricochet on March 14, 2023, 10:09:16 AM: Really depends on which weapon you chose. No doubt the coast is a jungle but the west Cascades not so much in some areas, especially higher elevations. Still OTC for rifle elk from what I'm seeing. Some good west Cascade units open for muzzleloader blacktails also and not requiring many points. There's opportunity there that won't break the bank or your back, just takes some research.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: Farmer72 on March 14, 2023, 02:48:41 PM: I'm guessing based off your "Extremely low odds" comment you are looking at rifle tags. I have put off archery hunting Eastern Oregon for elk so long that the tags are now draw but decided I am doing it this year. I have a buddy that lives there and has good success. I figure since I have to buy the license to put in for the drawing I will buy a bear tag and hunt with my buddy whether I get drawn for elk or not. Lets me save a few elk by killing a bear or two and get familiar with the area. I would look at archery hunting if you wanted to get into the draw areas as most will be easier to draw within a couple years max.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on March 14, 2023, 05:41:25 PM: Thanks everyone for the thoughts, he and I will be talking this week and see if we can come up with a plan. I plan on getting the points for sure. Was hoping to rifle hunt as I no longer own a bow and muzzleloader. I don’t know what he has that way really other than rifles Keep the thoughts coming it helps greatly

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: YellowShells on March 27, 2023, 10:21:29 PM: Yeah, if you buy a license, buy all the points. As a NR, there is no 25% pool, meaning you have no chance of drawing until you have enough points. That could be different for some of the EO archery hunts, I don't know. If you apply with a resident as a party, you will need to average enough points to draw as a NR. You won't be able to hunt bear or cougar during a controlled deer or elk season unless you have the deer or elk tag. But, you could get a license and deer/elk tags for about $1200. For me, it seems worth it to get points and go every 2-3 years. I probably wouldn't throw down for general tags, mostly because my buddies don't hunt on general tags.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on March 28, 2023, 07:07:17 PM: If I get a general tag and buy a license for western elk can I hunt bear and cougar too? Trying to flesh this out a bit. Plan on purchasing points but wanted to hunt with my brother and hopefully get to build up some points for an eastern hunt at some point. If he got drawn for a eastern hunt (res) could I hunt bear and cougar if I went with him? Trying to work this all out before I spend the money

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: Ricochet on March 28, 2023, 08:12:06 PM: You can't hunt bear or cougar during these season dates in the listed units, (with a centerfire rifle), without a valid buck or bull tag. So no, if your brother draws an eastern Oregon elk tag you can't hunt bear or cougar with him without possessing a valid elk tag.

Centerfire Rifle Restrictions

SEASON (2023 DATES)

WMUS

Eastern Buck Deer (Oct. 7 - Oct. 18)

31-77

West Cascade Bull Elk
(Nov. 11 - Nov. 17)

16, 19, 21, 22, 29, 30

Rocky Mtn Bull Elk (controlled) 1st Season
(Nov. 1 - Nov. 15)

31-39, 41, 42, 45-64, 66, 69, 72, 74-77

Rocky Mtn Bull Elk
2nd Season
(Nov. 11 - Nov. 19)

32, 35-38, 41, 45-64, 66, 69, 72, 74-76, portions of 33 and 77 E of Hwy 97

Coast Bull Elk 1st Season
(Nov. 18 - Nov. 21)

10-15, 17, 18, 20, 23

Coast Bull Elk 2nd Season
(Nov. 25 - Dec. 1)

10-15, 17, 18, 20, 23

S. Coast Controlled Bull Elk
(Nov. 18 - Nov. 22)
(Nov. 25 - Dec. 3)

24-27
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on March 28, 2023, 10:17:45 PM: Are the coast tags the otc tags? And do you specify season or can you do both? Sorry for so many questions I just want to have a understanding of what I can and can’t do

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: hoytxl2009 on March 29, 2023, 06:36:42 AM: Just send it bud is my best advice i got. Tons of opportunities in Oregon in all avenues of hunting, for elk relatively cheap for a NR. A lot of units you can draw with zero to 1 point in First choice. As many I've hunted Oregon my hole life (resident for 25 years) and I go back OTC to start off my archery season every year before I travel to another state.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: trophyhunt on March 29, 2023, 06:43:43 AM: I applied for oregon spring bear this year, first time buying an oregon license, is it cheap to apply for a special elk or deer tag? I'd love to start a hunting tradition with my son in law, and we both didn't draw for bear, he's really interested into hunting elk. I'm gonna try to steer him towards archery, was thinking the east side but the last thing I want is a unit that takes 20+ years to draw, I get that already here in Wa.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: boneaddict on March 29, 2023, 06:46:21 AM: I think its mandatory to have a trailer with at least one wheeler on it.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: Ricochet on March 29, 2023, 11:57:38 AM: Both coastal seasons, (except for certain units) are OTC as is the West Cascades. You have to choose one.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: Farmer72 on March 29, 2023, 12:13:56 PM: Quote from: trophyhunt on March 29, 2023, 06:43:43 AM
I applied for oregon spring bear this year, first time buying an oregon license, is it cheap to apply for a special elk or deer tag? I'd love to start a hunting tradition with my son in law, and we both didn't draw for bear, he's really interested into hunting elk. I'm gonna try to steer him towards archery, was thinking the east side but the last thing I want is a unit that takes 20+ years to draw, I get that already here in Wa.

To apply for elk you have to buy a NonRes hunting license ($172) plus a $8 app fee. If you are drawn you then would pay the $588 for the elk tag. Archery areas that have been draw only for years are going need a lot of points to draw usually. Ones that just switched to draw last year however will be an easier draw with little to no points. There are some archery areas on the east side that are OTC but don't know anything about them. I could find out some info from my buddy or my wife's uncle that have been down there for years. I am putting in to archery hunt with my buddy this year and since I have to buy the license if I don't get drawn I am going down there anyway and paying the $16.50 for the bear tag and hunting bear while helping him with elk.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: trophyhunt on March 29, 2023, 12:30:54 PM: Quote from: Farmer72 on March 29, 2023, 12:13:56 PM
Quote from: trophyhunt on March 29, 2023, 06:43:43 AM
I applied for oregon spring bear this year, first time buying an oregon license, is it cheap to apply for a special elk or deer tag? I'd love to start a hunting tradition with my son in law, and we both didn't draw for bear, he's really interested into hunting elk. I'm gonna try to steer him towards archery, was thinking the east side but the last thing I want is a unit that takes 20+ years to draw, I get that already here in Wa.

To apply for elk you have to buy a NonRes hunting license ($172) plus a $8 app fee. If you are drawn you then would pay the $588 for the elk tag. Archery areas that have been draw only for years are going need a lot of points to draw usually. Ones that just switched to draw last year however will be an easier draw with little to no points. There are some archery areas on the east side that are OTC but don't know anything about them. I could find out some info from my buddy or my wife's uncle that have been down there for years. I am putting in to archery hunt with my buddy this year and since I have to buy the license if I don't get drawn I am going down there anyway and paying the $16.50 for the bear tag and hunting bear while helping him with elk.
Ok, that's not too bad since we already have the license. appreciate the info! Good idea to just go bear hunt and get to know the unit you'll be hunting eventually for elk.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: kodiak06 on June 12, 2023, 07:34:52 AM: Quote from: webbspinner on March 28, 2023, 10:17:45 PM
Are the coast tags the otc tags? And do you specify season or can you do both? Sorry for so many questions I just want to have a understanding of what I can and can’t do

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Coast tags for archery are over the counter, guns a draw. If ya want to hunt archery, plan on crowded gates. Now that Eastern Or is a draw, everyone that doesn't draw there heads this way it seems. The gates are crowded and the crack heads like to break windows and steal chit when everyone's in the woods... Now that the coast invites the homeless in, it's getting worse monthly.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: kodiak06 on June 12, 2023, 07:37:30 AM: Lots of recommendations on buying points, to get a great unit tag in Oregon will take you 15-22yrs unless you get lucky in the 25% pool due to points creep from the older hunters.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on June 12, 2023, 11:01:56 AM: Thanks for the info. Was hoping to put a hunt together. Will have to see how that works out I suppose

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: kselkhunter on June 12, 2023, 11:10:46 AM: Quote from: webbspinner on June 12, 2023, 11:01:56 AM
Thanks for the info. Was hoping to put a hunt together. Will have to see how that works out I suppose

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Did your brother draw the eastern tag, or are you doing western rifle elk OTC tags?
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on June 12, 2023, 01:38:40 PM: Was hoping for western otc

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: kselkhunter on June 12, 2023, 01:56:40 PM: Quote from: webbspinner on June 12, 2023, 01:38:40 PM
Was hoping for western otc

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That is a general season over the counter rifle elk tag that you can just buy in the app when you are ready to. Your options to choose which OTC tag to buy are: first coast season (Nov 18-21) or second coast season (Nov 25 to Dec 1), or the cascades season (Nov 11-17). Just check the regs for which units are open which season.

https://www.eregulations.com/oregon/hunting/elk-seasons
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on June 12, 2023, 02:02:31 PM: Awesome I will look into each one. Any thoughts on a good season?

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Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: kselkhunter on June 12, 2023, 02:11:26 PM: ODFW moved all big game seasons out a week this year. Which doesn't sound like a big deal, but in some areas will add more snow and make getting out with any kind of towed vehicle a bit more challenging. So keep that in mind.

The Cascades are not what they used to be in terms of elk numbers and the fires a few years back didn't help matters, which is a shame as my family spent decades hunting elk in the Oregon cascades. The coast is still decent as the wolves haven't made it that far yet. More challenging in rifle season than archery. And it's the bigger roosevelt elk.

I'd suggest the first coast season if your schedule allows for it. It's a short season, and you'll have plenty of company in the woods. But the elk are in there. And more units are open in first season vs. second season (and second season has more limits on antler requirements in some of the more popular units). 2nd coast season has the advantage of fewer hunters, but those elk get heavily pressured in 1st season and are still extra aware during that second season.
Title: Re: Thinking about hunting Oregon for big game. Advice??
Post by: webbspinner on June 12, 2023, 03:16:26 PM: Makes sense. I will see how I can line up my schedule and his so we can get a plan together. Will be towing my trailer so access to a spot to set up camp will require a trip or two to get the lay of the land

Thanks for the help. Really trying to make this happen this year.

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