any scouting in the heppner unit?

[BlackTail18]

im looking for places to put in for deer and i herd this unit is good.

[Elkguide]

I have hunted that unit for 15 yrs and last year was the worst year yet!!!!! I only saw a few does and a coulpe small spikes!! they need to get rid of the big cats in that unit and the deer may start to recover.

Just my 2cents

Casey

[spottedhawk36]

agree, this unit isnt real good for deer anymore i hunted it for years and switched units some years ago.

[red_randall]

The Heppner unit has definitely seen better days. There are a lot of tags, and a lot of pressure on public land. Cougar removal over the past 2+ years is having positive results for calf survival, and hopefully will bring an upswing in the deer population. The Monument Fire (2007) should be looking pretty good forage-wise this year...may see an upswing in deer numbers in that particular area in the next few years. I'd stick to the lower elevation rim-rock in that area or on the eastern boundary...hunter pressure is generally lighter. My

[chromebright]

Wouldn't waste your time for deer in the NF it that unit anymore. We hunted there for deer from the mid 80's until a few years ago. I still spend some time elk hunting in there because it's only a couple hours away. It's more common to see 0 deer in a day of hunting than it is to see deer. All you have to do is drive around during deer season and see the lack of animals hanging. If I did hunt there again for deer it would be in the lower areas out of the NF or down towards the river.

[Eagleclaw]

Originally Posted by Elkguide

I have hunted that unit for 15 yrs and last year was the worst year yet!!!!!

Just my 2cents

Casey

i hunt this unit and i have to agree last year was the worst for deer that i've ever seen. I only saw 3 bucks during the entire archery season and all where small bucks. a spike, fork and a small 3 point. i saw over 60 deer total and 3 bucks it sucked