Questions about hunting out of Mazama for 2021

[JSchmitt83]

Hi all,
I am thinking about spreading my wings and hunting a new area, this time a little closer to home. I have my eye on the areas to the north and west of Mazama but have never been in that area for some reason. I was hoping to get some info on a few things before I head out to do some scouting next weekend. They are as follows;

1. I am thinking about camping somewhere around the Monument Creek TH and the Rattlesnake TH. Are those decent places to camp and how busy do they get during modern firearm? How are the camping opportunities up FSR 4500 and past Rattlesnake TH?

2. Since there have been large fires (Cedar Creek and Cub Creek 2) to the south and east of this area, do you expect a larger than normal amount of hunters in this area?

3. If it hit the end of the roads near the Pasayten Wilderness and head off on foot will I have a good chance of getting away from most other hunters?

4. Shot in the dark here but: Any tips on places to checkout that might give me a good chance at a nice muley? Or what about whitetail?

5. I plan on hunting the whole duration of the modern firearm season, does hunting pressure change much as the season goes on?

6. I will also be foraging for mushrooms while scouting and hunting. Anybody have a spot that produces chanterelles or king boletus?

7. Anything else I should know before heading out?

Thanks in advance and just so you know, I won't believe you if you say there are no deer out there. I wasn't born yesterday.

[Boss .300 winmag]

There’s deer, and mushrooms there. Go try it you’ll never know unless you do.👍

[timberfaller]

There are deer in the Valley, just not like there used to be.  White tail love area's with "no hunting" signs posted all around!

Fires will make a difference as to where deer are going to be,  be prepared for more then average numbers of hunters IMHO.  So many better places went up in smoke and some places still smoking!

[OutHouse]

North of Mazame is 218. 218 unit used to be a very good unit for mule deer. I bet it still is, but am also sure its not what it used to be. 20 years ago when I was in my early teens we'd go drive the roads up there and see so many deer. You could glass a ridge and find a buck almost every time you tried if you put some time in. In my experience, there just aren;t nearly as many deer there anymore. I think because of the fires to to the south and east there may be more hunters there than usual this year. But, its always a pumpkin patch anyway!

[Jingles]

PM sent

[mountainman]

Camp at Klipchuck, head out several hours before light up trail to the Driveway. You will find deer

[JSchmitt83]

Thanks all for the info. Had to reschedule my scouting trip to this weekend so I will be heading out tomorrow morning. Good luck to you all.