Sled springs Oregon

[Jachunter]

Never hunted the sled springs unit but me and my hunting partner have enough points built up where we should draw the tag. Anybody got any advice?

 

[elkocd]

FYI things have changed a lot in the last couple of years. You used to be able to mt bike in and camp on the timber company land in the Norgard area(entire West side of the unit), but now the timber company does not allow any camping on their land during archery season because of fires. This also means you have to drive off of their land every day. So now you're looking at having to spend 1hr of driving every day then bike in. That's pretty brutal where I used to hunt. There is still closer land to hunt, but it's not nearly the same as it used to be.

 

[Jachunter]

FYI things have changed a lot in the last couple of years. You used to be able to mt bike in and camp on the timber company land in the Norgard area(entire West side of the unit), but now the timber company does not allow any camping on their land during archery season because of fires. This also means you have to drive off of their land every day. So now you're looking at having to spend 1hr of driving every day then bike in. That's pretty brutal where I used to hunt. There is still closer land to hunt, but it's not nearly the same as it used to be.

So where would you suggest applying for with 8 pts and I don't wanna wait another 10 years for wenaha tags.

 

[wapitibob]

New wolf packs and no camping takes sled out of play. And you’re a lot further away from wenaha than 10 years.

 

[Salmonchaser]

With 8 points and not wanting to wait 10 + for either of the big three, Mt. Emily, Walla Walla or Wenaha I would look at the old glory holes; Ochoco; w. Murders creek or Grizzly.

 

[Jaden Bales]

Second what these guys are saying. Unless you live in that country or know someone up there who might have some insider info, it wouldn't be worth the 8 pts imo.

I'm in the same situation as you and probably am going to go the less glamorous rifle hunt route and burn my points on a tag that takes less than my point total so I can bring a buddy along with me. Something like that.

 

[Salmonchaser]

But, just to mess with your head; Wenaha last year.
Walla Walla last year;
Mt. Emily 3? Years ago, ended up #1or2 in the state non typical
My Walla Walla bull

 

[Salmonchaser]

They were all 16 to 18 year draws. I know the guys who shot the others, lots of passed up bulls, right at the end of the season. Mine was 18 years hunting spikes in the unit. I knew my bull so well I knew the ranch he wintered on. Still took 10 days.
If I were you I’d look at Ochoco.

 

[Oregon]

Snake River

 

[Salmonchaser]

Oh yeah, that’s fun country with young legs. I hunted in there in the 80s. Still have it in my will to scatter my ashes from Hat point. Good call. Simply fantastic country and good elk.

 

[Swede]

I do not know if Oregon was trying to be funny, but you can likely get Snake River as a second choice option as the draw tag only adds the option to shoot a cow. There are good reasons few people apply for it. Without knowing what you want as far as elk is concerned (Cow, any bull, or trophy) it is hard to advise, but I would not blow 8 points on Ochoco either. You are in the same predicament as I am. I have 10 points and I must either wait, or go on a muzzleloader/rifle hunt to take full advantage of the points.

 

[Oregon]

I do not know if Oregon was trying to be funny, but you can likely get Snake River as a second choice option as the draw tag only adds the option to shoot a cow. There are good reasons few people apply for it. Without knowing what you want as far as elk is concerned (Cow, any bull, or trophy) it is hard to advise, but I would not blow 8 points on Ochoco either. You are in the same predicament as I am. I have 10 points and I must either wait, or go on a muzzleloader/rifle hunt to take full advantage of the points.

Sarcastic? 8 point draw. 50% success rate. Don’t get much better for this state! 259Y

Steep and deep, but so is weneha and walla walla.
Fantastic hunt for the folks that dominate this site.
I don’t fit that bill! I could do it, but it sure was fun 25 years ago. Nowadays it would just hurt like hell.
I hunt hells canyon every 2-3 years, but the “mellow” parts of it.

 

[Salmonchaser]

I haven’t hunted in the Ochoco since I was in college, mid to late 70s. Killed decent bulls and it takes 7 or 8 to draw currently. The snake is god awful rough country, called Hells Canyon for a reason. When I hunted in there it was three point or better. We killed quite a few so/so bulls and so many bears the trooper who checked that area called us the bear hunters. I gave it up in there when I was about 40. Walla Walla can be pretty steep but it’s only about a third as deep.
I think it would be a great hunt for younger legs, sure spectacular country, perfect for long shooters, just take salt and pepper down with you.
I agree the spike hunt could probably be had as a second choice but the any bull tag will draw out, at one in four it’s less then 8 points. Also second season. Any snow and you’ll be 1/2 way down to the snake getting into elk.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Sarcastic? 8 point draw. 50% success rate. Don’t get much better for this state! 259Y

Steep and deep, but so is weneha and walla walla.
Fantastic hunt for the folks that dominate this site.
I don’t fit that bill! I could do it, but it sure was fun 25 years ago. Nowadays it would just hurt like hell.
I hunt hells canyon every 2-3 years, but the “mellow” parts of it.

Horse creek? Mellower parts? Holy cow I missed those, Lord flat was kinda like that I guess. I liked going off Indian grave myself. Got to be too much pain, moved into Walla Walla about 92.

 

[Oregon]

Horse creek? Mellower parts? Holy cow I missed those, Lord flat was kinda like that I guess. I liked going off Indian grave myself. Got to be too much pain, moved into Walla Walla about 92.

Actually, further south. Still in Hell’s Canyon Rec area though. I try and stay out of the drainages dumping into the Snake, and spend more time in the golf course flat of the Eagle Caps.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Copy that!

 

[Swede]

Oregon: You may be right. I understood by the way Jachunter responded to the second post that the plan was for an archery hunt. Maybe that is not correct.

 

[theleo91386]

If you're talking archery, keep building points and hunt OTC elsewhere, I wouldn't burn 8 points on that hunt. If you're talking rifle, it could be ok if you've got a bull located before season and can take him in the first day or two, after that elk are shoved on to smaller private properties from the Hancock and public land. Hunted there as a kid (second season spike only towards Howard Butte) and it was ok at best until they leveled everything. Between the closures for fire danger and how fast animals move to other private ground during the first rifle season, it's hard for me to recommend it to anyone with more than 3-4 points.

 

[Jgill19]

Hunted Spring bear in Hell's Canyon last year, beautiful country... Reminds me of a movie title No country for old men. Unless you have a string, even then getting an animal to a point where it would be accessible for a horse can be a hell of a task!

 

[sillystvie]

I was in this same boat last year. 8 points, and didn’t know what to do with them. Decided to burn them on the sled archery tag as I knew the area and have hunted there with my dad in the past. I filled my tag, but it would have been easier and less crowded in many OTC units. Not saying it’s a bad unit, but it’s trendjng in the wrong direction with no foreseeable improvement in the future with predation and the amount of hunters in there. It being able to camp in Hancock land is a big pain in the butt as well.