At a Glance
671Square Miles
86%Public Land
3,500 - 8,100Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Bring a rod for trout, steelhead and salmon fishing
- Dusky and blue grouse live in the forests
Hunters discussing Oregon's Unit 50 highlight its rugged terrain and the challenges it poses, emphasizing the need for physical preparedness and detailed pre-trip planning. Many find the region's high draw odds appealing, though they advise that the area's remoteness requires adequate gear and supplies. Elk populations in Unit 50 are noted to be moderate, with seasoned hunters suggesting the best success comes from glassing open meadows and maintaining patience during unpredictable weather. As a key takeaway, thorough scouting and an understanding of elk behavior during different seasons are crucial for a successful hunt in this tough yet rewarding unit.
Elk, mountain goats and mule deer are hunted in this unit, which features the Elkhorn Mountains and most of the North Fork John Day Wilderness.
Rifle and bowhunters take a good number of bull elk every year, most of them 5x5 and 6x6 bulls, but terrain is difficult and mostly timbered with limited roads in places, keeping hunter success down.