Ochoco Unit Bucks

CAGEY · 06-19-2003, 02:42 PM

Notta on a elk tag this year but did manage to get a 3rd choice Ochoco tag for a buck. Been thru the unit but know nothing about it. Any of you good ol boys want to share some info on the unit. Good area to hunt, camping area's etc. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Maybe i can return the favor someday.

Thanks to all who respond.

Cagey

tag-a-long · 06-19-2003, 02:45 PM

I dunno squat about it either. I drew it, but think I'll have to hunt here. Work! My brother in law will have his son-in-law and grandson there... If you see a copper f150 with twin flags, wave. He needs all the help he can get. :grin:

nitrobass · 06-19-2003, 02:50 PM

I've hunted elk in there and have seen deer but they are usually forkies and small 3 points. A buddy of mine dusted a nice 4 point in there a couple years ago. I'm not sure where he was in the unit but I know he hunts a lot right where the desert meets the trees. Food for thought.

blackdog · 06-19-2003, 02:59 PM

I seem to remember someone from Prineville killing an absolute hog a few years ago, someting like 34" wide. :shocked: Seems it was nearly in town, like the in the cemetery I think. Maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea though, as I think I also remember the guy ending up in the pokey!

:grin:

Honestly, I don't know too many spots to tell you. I have seem some nice bucks in that unit, but most have been on private land. A year or two ago, I saw an honest 30" buck standing on a gravel pile at the top of the grade heading out to Prineville Reservoir. :whazzup:

Bait O' Eggs · 06-19-2003, 03:08 PM

You will find few deer up on top, they are there but you will be lucky to stumble into them. Stay down low along the alfalfa fields and you may be trampled by the herds.

I spend all my ochocco time up high chasing elk, and am lucky to see a little buck a week. But coming and going, I see tons of deer near the lower fields.

Gus Orviston · 06-19-2003, 03:35 PM

Combo of what nitro and basket of eggs said, I have seen nice forked and 3 points near the top but not many. Bigger bucks down low. I did get with a 2 yards of an antelope buck during bow season near the top though...Odd never expected that guy in the timber.

I would keep my eyes peeled lower as well.
gus

No Wishin Just Fishin · 06-19-2003, 03:54 PM

Up behind Rager Ranger Station is where I have seen the bigger bucks including the 37" 5 pt on my wall. Most of the roads are walk in only and it is patrolled so no 4 wheelers even to get your animal. Will be in Sumptner unit this year so Kill a big one Gus

STINGRAY · 06-20-2003, 01:54 AM

Like No Wishin... said, Rager ranger station is good also both sides of Big Summit Prarie towards Mitchell, if you need better directions e-mail me,I've been all over that area!!

Land Shark · 06-21-2003, 09:45 AM

I will be hunting the Ochoco unit too for the first time this yea. Usually hunt Murderers Creek but needed some place a bit closer since I don't have the vacation time I use to . I know a couple folks in Prineville area that I am going to ask for info and will be making a scouting trip some time this summer . I will post anything helpful I find out . Good Luck!

Old Coot · 06-23-2003, 12:37 PM

That area NE of Rager had two big fires last year, the "747" burn and another -maybe the Miller fire?- just SW of that. I'm told that the Mud Springs area really fried. Haven't been there to check it out yet, just passing on what I have heard.

Bob-Burr · 06-24-2003, 09:13 PM

try around the walton lake area or biggs springs

LIMIT LANDER · 06-25-2003, 07:59 AM

I hunted it one time back in the 70,s before all this permit crap!.. yes it is a very good unit for big mule deer. i was there for a four days shot a respectiable 3 pt. I was invited up by some friends i worked with, I mainly like to hunt Blacktail. I do know people that hunt elk in the unit and they have told me thay have seen some real nice mule deer bucks during Elk season. so I would advise you to go scout it out before the season opens. we hunted next to a place called "Mud Springs" and I got my deer approx 1 mile from black canyon. I rode a Mt. bike approx 2 miles down a closed off road. which made it nice when I got there I only saw 2 hunters all day... good luck

gottafish · 07-05-2003, 10:48 PM

I have seen some big buck near wolf mountain and bear mountain right on top mid day they seam to bed up their. I like to hunt out of cotton wood camp ground. But I bow hunt so I don't know if they are in that pattern during rifle or not

RiverRogue · 07-10-2003, 08:16 AM

Gotta real nice 5x4 last year up high. Have hunted it almost every year for the last 15. Mostly small bucks but an occaisional nice one. Get up high and if it is dry, work the dense thickets. Best method we use is to drive them with a couple shooters on the opposite end. I wont give up the spot we hunt, but if one were to look at a map, it could be a HAPPY place to camp. (sic) (riddle)

gotfish76 · 07-13-2003, 10:31 PM

Hi guys, just wanted to say...those bucks are getting smart in the ochoco unit. Last year I drew the tag, saw 300+ does and no bucks in the paulina valley area...see them all year until hunting season, opening morning. Good luck and happy hunting.

djsh · 07-24-2003, 08:18 AM

We hunt cow elk in the Ochoco unit outside of Rager every other year or so and always see BIG bucks. The closed road areas to the southeast of the Ranger station might be worth a shot (no pun intended).

We drew Grizzly tags for Buck deer this year, normally hunt up McKay creek. Any tips for hunting around there would be great.

Dave

Boatdog · 08-11-2003, 02:07 PM

Bump.

iscout4u · 10-09-2007, 01:13 PM

does anyone know where to hunt elk in this unit?? i will kick down info in other states such as nev, utah, calif, idaho which i've hunted several times! thank you kenny

iscout4u · 10-09-2007, 01:29 PM

has anyone hunted elk in this unit, i've never hunted it before, looking for any information i can get on this unit. thank you kenny

Accumark Man · 10-09-2007, 03:23 PM

Some areas I have gotten into elk are around spanish peak, black canyon, or off the rock springs or creek trail. Basically go up the 12 road out of Mitchell, OR. That area has always produced for us.

Do you know anything about unit 21A in Idaho?

I am leaving this saturday for 10 days of elk & deer hunting.

gully_20 · 10-09-2007, 03:49 PM

I hunted the bluffs on the backside along the John Day several years ago. Got a nice 4 point out of it. My family has always camped at Barnhouse and hunted from there on out. Had a nice three point taken just off the backside of the campground two years ago. Lots of walking tends to pay off out there. Lots of road hunters. This late in the season, things should start perking up over there...Good luck!!!