Eastern OR, Elk & Antelope Archery questions

[skahorse]

I currently have an Eastern Oregon Elk Archery hunt tentatively planned for the second week of General Season. This will be my first time Rocky Mt Elk hunting, as I've only hunted Rosies in the coast range before. I'm really looking forward to the new experience.

Typically the group hunts the Desolation unit, but there is some room for change there. I noticed during that same week the majority of archery antelope hunts occur as well. No one in the group has hunted Antelope before.

Being that I'm new to Eastern Oregon in general, I don't know how much habitat sharing occurs between the two species. If we are out for 7-10 days, would it be feasible to try and get both in the same week? Can the two species be found in relatively close vicinities (within 60-100 miles).

I am looking at Lookout Mountain first, and then probably Maury or Grizzly. Malheur River is on the list too, but is it too far south for an Elk hunt? (sorry if it's a stupid question, again I'm new to Eastern Oregon)

Thanks
--Ska

[Extrapale]

Malheur River has both Elk and Antelope in the Same areas.

[Idahoan]

I don't know any specifics. However, you will find elk in sagebrush country. You will probably need to do a fair amount of scouting to find the ideal area.

[Blackbeardown]

Antelope archery is a draw tag. That is your first step. Find out where tags are available and see how that jives with your elk hunting.

[skahorse]

Originally Posted by Blackbeardown

Antelope archery is a draw tag. That is your first step. Find out where tags are available and see how that jives with your elk hunting.

I understand that Blackbear. We have points in our group, and with the relative higher percentage of drawing a bow tag versus a rifle tag, I figured we'd draw. But nothing is guaranteed.

I live on the westside. The chances of me getting to the eastside to scout each of these units before the May 15 deadline are highly unlikely. I'm just looking for general info to get started, like extrapales (thanks!).

The jist of the question, is it possible to find both species in the same habitat in one of the units listed. Or am I crazy for trying to combine, since Antelope are a hot commodity? Now, further research comes.

Anyone have information on any of the other units listed?

Thanks all.

[Thehunter]

Silvies offers it all.

[B.J. Lilly Hunter]

Out of the units you listed I would say that Malhuer River offers the best chance for both in close proximity on PUBLIC land.

[Pritchco]

There are both Elk and goats out in all of theose areas. The one things is to get a Antelope with the bow wont just be a, where looking for elk and run in to Antelope. If you really wont a chance at both animals you need to find water that bot are using and post up there. That would be your best chance.

If you have any other questions about the area, just send me a message. I went to High School in Bend and spent alot of time out and around the areas you are looking at.

[chromebright]

Maury has plenty of both. There was a ranch real close to where I shot my antelope that when we drove by I said to my dad look at all those brown cows(150+) laying down out in that field.. That looks weird. Pulled up the binos and it was a HUGE herd of elk. Yes, they were on a ranch, but they travel off of it. Saw plenty of tracks out on the public land.

[logscaler]

If it was me, I would try either 76 - Silver Lake or 73 - Wagontire units.

Both have lots of Pronghorn, Elk, waterholes and public lands.

Of the choices you listed, I would have to go with 38- Grizzly for the number of animals you could find but not much public lands with water. 37 - Ochoco has more Elk but the Pronghorn are harder to find. Elk hunting is better around Spanish Peak but the Pronghorn are better between the North Fork Crooked River and Paulina Creek drainage's.

[scottishsetter]

Malhuer River Unit does.