Starkey unit advice sought

Spruce Goose · 02-08-2004, 06:40 PM

For many years, I have hunted the Fossil unit and done well on both deer and elk. The landowner where I had permission to hunt has recently sold the hunting rights to his place.

Now I'm looking for a new place to go, and have heard good things about Starkey. Any advice about good/better/best areas within that unit? Is it good for deer and elk? Or just elk?

Any other suggestions about other units would be welcome...I've heard good things about Ukiah, too.

Thank you!

kodiakfisher · 02-09-2004, 03:28 PM

Starkey can be brutal there are areas you can get stuck in for hours because of all the blow down. Some places you can be 8-10ft off the ground walking on blowdown. There was one area that I probably went for .5 miles and never put my boots on the ground. I saw elk everyday but was bow hunting and didn't ever have an ethical shot. Lots of pressure, I did call up a bull in starkey a young one but he hung up about 70 yds out even had a decoy out that didn't help. I think he got a nose full of me. Partner was set down slope and wind changed and went cross slope right into him.

Kodiakfisher

gottafish · 02-09-2004, 03:29 PM

I Have hunted starky for years, Honestly I am looking for a new place to hunt, lots of hunters and fewer elk every year. I bow hunt and I'll tell you the 4 of us have taken 3 elk in 6 years out of there and hunt it for about 2 weeks a year. not just one area eather we hunt all over it. We shot a 6x6 the last day last year. and we put on many miles and that was the only group of elk we saw.I will be hunting somwhere else this year. I tried ukia and found way to much pressure. I'll be shouting this spring and summer If I find some good areas I'll let you know. PM of course. Good luck Rich

Spruce Goose · 02-09-2004, 10:31 PM

Thank you for the good advice. I sure appreciate it.

Any other suggestions regarding Starkey? Has anyone hunted within the test (fenced) area. I was concerned that would be too close to a "canned" hunt, but haven't been there so don't know for sure.

Again, thanks!

KROY · 02-11-2004, 09:42 AM

Spruce Goose,
The fenced area is 40 square miles or 25,600 acres. I don't think it's a canned hunt.

I've hunted the Starkey unit for years before and after the draw system. I've since switch to a new area because it takes to long to draw a bull tag.

Are you rifle hunting?

Ken

Spruce Goose · 02-11-2004, 10:50 PM

Yessir. Rifle hunting with a Browning Safari II in 30 '06.

Any suggestions on better areas versus dead ends?

Thank you!

KROY · 02-12-2004, 07:26 AM

If you go to the Green Dot Road area up to the headwaters of the Grande Ronde, you will find elk. If you don't have a hair tag be prepared to watch mature bulls walk while you search for the missing spikes.

I will never hunt a spike-only hunt again after dealing with the Starkey disaster.

Thanks,
Ken

Puffin · 02-12-2004, 11:16 PM

I HAVE HUNTED STARKEY UNIT 13 OR 14 YEARS AND KILLED 6 BULLS 2 BEFORE SPIKE ONLY WHERE I HUNT ITS FEAST OR FAMINE NO ELK OR 1000 WITHIN ABOUT A 2 HOUR WALK OF CAMP LITERALLY I SCORE ALMOST EVERY OTHER YEAR BUT DO NOT MIND COVERING 10 TO 15 MILES AND MAYBE 4 TO 5 THOUSAND VERTICAL FEET A DAY ELK HERE ARE VERY VOCAL DURING THE RIFLE SEASON AND I FREQUENTLY HEAR THEM AND MAKE TRACKS FOR THE SOUND EYES AND EARS OPEN GOOD LUCK WHEREVER U HUNT

troybuz · 02-13-2004, 07:31 PM

Hunted the Starkey for 10 plus years in the Park Saddle, Limber Jim area. It has been poor for the last several years, and the biologists say it's not getting better.
Save your points and find a good unit I.e Snake River, or consider the Eagle Caps.
Happy Hunting

Mc_Fish · 02-14-2004, 03:46 PM

Hey Boys,
I hunted the experimental forest spike hunt in '00 and my Dad drew one of the coveted archery tags I think in '02. Of course a year before he retires and can hunt all season.
The spike hunt is not too bad. You do have to hunt, cover some ground , keep your ears open and scout it. Usually a few spikes with every herd. They'll tell you how many they keep in the "pen" .I was # 21 kill. My Dad was not as fortunate. He spent a week early and a week late. Too HOT for early and some cool weather brought out thbig boys the last 2 days but no shots. The elk aren't too educated but as you know never easy. Happy Hunting
Mike McAllister
www.superslamcountdown.com

stick flicker · 02-15-2004, 09:00 AM

I was thinking about applying for this archery hunt but, I have reservations. I bet that it is hot as hell there in the begining of the season.And everyone that draws the tag bring a couple people with them to call or for fun. I think I will wait for a better hunt maybe Walla Walla or Wenaha.I have five points so I still have a bit of a wait. What we need is a trophy hunt on the coast. If you have ever hunted there the weather is great. Nice and cool under the old growth.

BrianMaguire · 02-15-2004, 09:53 AM

Has anyone else noticed that hunts like the Walla Walla and Wenaha are moving targets. Every year it seems like it takes 1 more pref point to draw it. How long will it really take to draw?