GOHUNT's Hunting Unit Profiles for Unit 37 in Ochoco, Oregon provide a wealth of information, with hunters highlighting a need for clarity on tag specifics and access due to private land concentration. Key advice includes recognizing the differentiation between bull and any elk tags, which were streamlined into a single type post-2021, and understanding how draw odds can be influenced by the applicant pool, particularly for non-residents. Some unit statistics, like bull-to-cow ratios, may not fully reflect current field conditions, echoing the need for updated data. Additionally, hunters should be cautious of road closures affecting access, while noting that private lands hold significant elk populations, potentially impacting overall success.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 290"-320" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 73"+ |
High
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Elk, mule deer and antelope are hunted on tags issued through a drawing in this unit, which contains a lot of public land in and around the Ochoco Mountains east of Prineville.
There are a lot of elk and good numbers of mule deer and pronghorn antelope in this unit with herds stable or increasing. All tags are issued by computer lottery.
East of Prineville, this unit features the Ochoco Mountains and its foothills in Grant, Crook and Wheeler counties. Some land is in creek valleys, such as along Crooked River on the southern boundary and Mountain Creek on the northern boundary. The high desert Combs Flat is south of Ochoco Reservoir, and Big Summit Prairie is in the middle of the unit, surrounded by mountains. Some slopes and canyons are steep, particularly in the northwest, but most of the elevation changes are moderate. Most of the mountains are in the 4,500 to 6,000 feet in elevation with Lookout Mountain peaking at 6,926 feet. Lowlands and farmland vary from less than 3,000 feet to about 4,000 feet.
The Ochoco Mountains are mostly forested although there are some open slopes on the south side of Lookout Mountain and open, flattened ridges in the eastern half of the unit. The most common tree is ponderosa pine with junipers on lower ridges and on many western and southern slopes. Bunchgrasses, fescue, sedges, bitterbrush, sagebrush, manzanita, ceanothus and sedge are common in openings and on the forest floor in places.
Roughly 1,609 square miles
54% public land
Elevations from 2,900-6,900 feet
The most mountainous part of the unit is Ochoco National Forest land that is served by gravel and dirt roads. The small Bridge Creek Wilderness is in the northern part. No vehicles are allowed there. The BLM manages a lot of land around the forest, some is roadless. Private land occupies most of the Big Summit Prairie in the middle of the forest. Much private land is mixed in with BLM land around the mountains and blocks access in areas. Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area, which is partly in this unit, is open to big game hunting, but vehicles may not leave designated roads. Motorized access in the wildlife area is restricted from Nov. 15 or Dec. 1 as posted at each gate through April 15.
South Boundary Travel Management Plan map shows some open roads
Bear Butte Travel Management Plan covers part of the unit
Vehicles are not allowed off designated routes in the TMAs
Four-wheel-drive recommended; ATVs seldom needed
A hunter may camp almost anywhere on public land or in one of the many campgrounds in the Ochoco National Forest. Prineville has several lodging options, including Stafford Inn (phone: 541-447-7100), Best Western Prineville Inn and Crook County RV Park.