Who has been in the Steens?

[bguitierez]

Hello boys. Headed back to OR next year. Liking what I’m seeing in the e scout. Has any of you hunted the wilderness in the Steens? If so, how was the experience terrain/weather/water wise? Taking a new guy wig me next year. Am I biting off more than he can chew?


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[Salmonchaser]

Still awesome country. We’ve a little property on the south end, always seems to hunt well.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Not sure I’d ever hunt elk there however. Might be my timing but when I’m down there the elk I see are mostly on private ground.

 

[bguitierez]

Not sure I’d ever hunt elk there however. Might be my timing but when I’m down there the elk I see are mostly on private ground.

Looks like the 2018 numbers had 69 dudes try and 15 bulls were killed in that unit. But doesn’t mean that was in the mountains themselves. How’s the access in that country? Is it real rugged? Too rugged for elk as far as feed? Seeing a few high lakes. Looks like decent food cover water situation.


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[LoneStar]

You can find some really rugged country and plenty of sage flats. I've rifle hunted deer and antelope there several times. There are some high aspens and some DEEP canyons. Take a look at some pictures of Kiger. I've heard there was elk in the bottom of Kiger from several people, but never could figure a way to get in there without horses. I picked up a shed a few years ago and have seen numerous elk tracks during rifle deer season. Let me know a general area that you are interested in and I'll give you what I can.

 

[bguitierez]

You can find some really rugged country and plenty of sage flats. I've rifle hunted deer and antelope there several times. There are some high aspens and some DEEP canyons. Take a look at some pictures of Kiger. I've heard there was elk in the bottom of Kiger from several people, but never could figure a way to get in there without horses. I picked up a shed a few years ago and have seen numerous elk tracks during rifle deer season. Let me know a general area that you are interested in and I'll give you what I can.

Hey thanks brother. I’ll check Kiger out and try to get an idea of what you’re talking about. It definitely looks like some VARSITY level backpack country. A friend of mine said he hunted the Steens but that was for Muleys. Doesn’t look like many guys try that unit but bulls are being killed somewhere! Haha let me look.


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[bguitierez]

All the reading points to elk living in that area, but it’s definitely more known for muleys. Well maybe I’ll hit that spot for archery deer.


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[Jgill19]

I imagine it would be a very tough archery Mule deer hunt. I did a rifle Deer hunt in 2018, was not impressed for the amount of points it took to draw, I saw one buck I wanted to kill but wasnt able to get it done. Would like to hunt it again though, just not for the points it takes. I think you'd need to be prepared to spike out. Some of those deep canyons you aren't going to want to go in and out of everyday. There is some very very rough country. The 65 tags and 15 bulls, is going to be very highly skewed by private ground (just guessing), as is the buck harvest. Not saying it can't be done, but it will be tough. Having said all that there may not be more beautiful country in Oregon, its a heck of a destination hunt. As far as Elk hunting I would be out locating long after dark and early in the AM, then be ready to spike out where the elk are. As far as your buddy if he's not a quitter youll be fine, but if he ain't in shape some of it can get pretty Gnarly.

 

[bguitierez]

I imagine it would be a very tough archery Mule deer hunt. I did a rifle Deer hunt in 2018, was not impressed for the amount of points it took to draw, I saw one buck I wanted to kill but wasnt able to get it done. Would like to hunt it again though, just not for the points it takes. I think you'd need to be prepared to spike out. Some of those deep canyons you aren't going to want to go in and out of everyday. There is some very very rough country. The 65 tags and 15 bulls, is going to be very highly skewed by private ground (just guessing), as is the buck harvest. Not saying it can't be done, but it will be tough. Having said all that there may not be more beautiful country in Oregon, its a heck of a destination hunt. As far as Elk hunting I would be out locating long after dark and early in the AM, then be ready to spike out where the elk are. As far as your buddy if he's not a quitter youll be fine, but if he ain't in shape some of it can get pretty Gnarly.

Dang that’s some good insight. Thanks bro. So was the buck across one of those big ass canyons and you just couldn’t get the shot, or was he just miles away when you got a spot on him? Sounds like an awesome story. From everything I’m studying and from a enjoying life perspective, I can see the Steens is definitely one of those magical places. You said an archery hunt would be tough for bucks. Is that because of where they bed v. Getting to them for a stalk? I’m super curious about that statement. It’s funny there’s plenty of publications about deer in those mountains and lots of casual references about elk living there too, but I haven’t heard too many ... well any guys here singing it’s praises. Haha. That could also be for a few reasons.


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[TripleJ]

It is beautiful, rugged, and amazing country, but the deer and elk populations in the Steens are nowhere where they used to be. High predator populations, hard winters, and overharvest have all taken their toll (just like most of Oregon anymore). You can find animals if you work at it, but it is no longer the game rich area it was when I was growing up.

 

[orspeedgoat]

Just like anywhere, gotta put the work in. My buddy killed a great muley and a dandy elk there this year. Beautiful country.

 

[bguitierez]

It is beautiful, rugged, and amazing country, but the deer and elk populations in the Steens are nowhere where they used to be. High predator populations, hard winters, and overharvest have all taken their toll (just like most of Oregon anymore). You can find animals if you work at it, but it is no longer the game rich area it was when I was growing up.

Yeah man. It seems like there are so many things happening these days that make it a bit harder than when the older generations hunted.


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[bguitierez]

Just like anywhere, gotta put the work in. My buddy killed a great muley and a dandy elk there this year. Beautiful country.

That’s freaking awesome. From I can see from maps and from what lots of guys are saying on this thread he must have really worked his ass off! Hats off to your buddy. It’s more than a serious consideration for me to hit the Steens this year bow in hand. Might just get my ass kicked but man what a great place to get kicked in the nuts.


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[Jgill19]

Dang that’s some good insight. Thanks bro. So was the buck across one of those big ass canyons and you just couldn’t get the shot, or was he just miles away when you got a spot on him? Sounds like an awesome story. From everything I’m studying and from a enjoying life perspective, I can see the Steens is definitely one of those magical places. You said an archery hunt would be tough for bucks. Is that because of where they bed v. Getting to them for a stalk? I’m super curious about that statement. It’s funny there’s plenty of publications about deer in those mountains and lots of casual references about elk living there too, but I haven’t heard too many ... well any guys here singing it’s praises. Haha. That could also be for a few reasons.


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I located him day before season. Was there in the am, had him located and was working on trying to close distance. Another guy bumped him off the face he was on, don't think he knew the buck was there, wind was wrong for the direction he came in from. I hunted him another three days before giving up on it. Was a weird amount of people in that specific area. Should have quit on it earlier. Other than that area, I didn't see much for deer, and no other shooter bucks. I didn't get to give the tag it's due. I got caught up with life and didn't get to scout like I should have, or hunt as many days of the season as I had hoped too. Like I said, I'd like to hunt it again. I love spot and stalk and that area is prime for it.

 

[bguitierez]

I located him day before season. Was there in the am, had him located and was working on trying to close distance. Another guy bumped him off the face he was on, don't think he knew the buck was there, wind was wrong for the direction he came in from. I hunted him another three days before giving up on it. Was a weird amount of people in that specific area. Should have quit on it earlier. Other than that area, I didn't see much for deer, and no other shooter bucks. I didn't get to give the tag it's due. I got caught up with life and didn't get to scout like I should have, or hunt as many days of the season as I had hoped too. Like I said, I'd like to hunt it again. I love spot and stalk and that area is prime for it.

Yeah dude! That’s all I can think of as I’m studying this area. It seems like there would be some epic stalk opportunities with the quintessential glass all day periods in between. Lots of guys are talking about declining numbers there, but shit dude I’m coming up in an era where that’s all I know is small numbers. The animals have been hard to hunt everywhere I’ve been able to hunt. That said it looks like the kind of ground that one could find out what he’s made of for sure! So you archery hunted it? I’m really wrestling with this years plans. The mrs. wants an elk for obvious reasons. Deer don’t last long in the freezer. I want an elk too but deer are my first love. I want so bad for there to be elk in that area just so I can be in great country trying to make her happy with the chance of making the kid in me happy with some good mule deer hunting. I guess I’ll just keep studying and keep hoping I can find the one morsel I need to convince me I can hunt elk in the Steens (knowing there’s bucks in the back of my mind haha). Life is awesome bro.


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[bguitierez]

I located him day before season. Was there in the am, had him located and was working on trying to close distance. Another guy bumped him off the face he was on, don't think he knew the buck was there, wind was wrong for the direction he came in from. I hunted him another three days before giving up on it. Was a weird amount of people in that specific area. Should have quit on it earlier. Other than that area, I didn't see much for deer, and no other shooter bucks. I didn't get to give the tag it's due. I got caught up with life and didn't get to scout like I should have, or hunt as many days of the season as I had hoped too. Like I said, I'd like to hunt it again. I love spot and stalk and that area is prime for it.

By the way....from what I’m seeing, you gotta get back in the fight dude! Life has happened to me before too and it’s taken me off the mountain. The only way to make it right is to get back in there with the lessons learned and to go harder! Sounds like it’s was a cool experience brother.


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[Jgill19]

Just had a lot going on at work, no lessons to be learned other than work will get in the way sometimes. I saw one band of elk while I was there, could have killed the bull, he was in bow range. This was during rifle Deer

 

[DEJaca]

In my research, most people say that spiking out may be the only way to avoid the crowds that hunt from the road or from a camp. Many say that water is the limiting factor as far as how long you can stay out. Quite a few say that hanging in there past the first days of the season will pay off. Lots of people leave the area so be ready for the long haul.

 

[eoden_usmc]

If you fly fish bring your gear, there are some enormous redbands in the tiny streams in that area.


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[tlunce22]

I located him day before season. Was there in the am, had him located and was working on trying to close distance. Another guy bumped him off the face he was on, don't think he knew the buck was there, wind was wrong for the direction he came in from. I hunted him another three days before giving up on it. Was a weird amount of people in that specific area. Should have quit on it earlier. Other than that area, I didn't see much for deer, and no other shooter bucks. I didn't get to give the tag it's due. I got caught up with life and didn't get to scout like I should have, or hunt as many days of the season as I had hoped too. Like I said, I'd like to hunt it again. I love spot and stalk and that area is prime for it.

I drew this tag this year ST101.

Was surprised to to get it as I got it in the random draw. Steens have been on my bucket list for about 5 years.

I have the ability and readiness to spike camp. I just did a 32 mile 3 day trip on BLM along the John Day.

I have already escouted and named all the major high country draw systems and glassing points I’d like to check out. I plan on doing 2 weekend trips before the season and already got the PTO for the whole season. Really going all in to get a decent Muley. Iv mostly hunted black tails and hybrids with a few smaller muleys taken in eastern Oregon.

My question and concern for the Steens trip is getting away from people a bit. I don’t want to blast the names here but I’m curious if you remember or noticed where most pressure was. I want to avoid those areas known as producers for the unit. Although I am curious if the canyon systems are big enough that you can get away from people enough while still being in the major systems. Maybe just lower?