Unit 58 - Chesnimnus in Oregon has experienced a significant spike in applications due to media promotion highlighting it as an ideal location for acquiring trophy bull elk with minimal draw points, particularly since the shift to separate early and late seasons in 2016. There is a healthy exchange of information among hunters, with many eagerly sharing advice and experiences via email, highlighting the community's willingness to support one another, especially regarding archery and late rifle tags. Despite some confusion with application numbers and draw odds, it seems Chesnimnus maintains its status as an attractive unit for both elk and mule deer, with its open terrain appealing to hunters looking for versatile opportunities. While data discrepancies have been noted and corrected, this unit's attractiveness for both new and experienced hunters continues, fueled by community interest and the unit's potential for a rewarding hunt.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 100"-110" | 120"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 320"+ |
High
Low
Bordering Washington and the Snake River in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, this unit is mostly open, grassy ridges and canyon lands with many stringers of Douglas firs and ponderosa pines and some large timbered areas. Elk, mule deer and whitetail deer provide hunting opportunities.
This unit produces some good bulls and a few great mule deer for hunters willing to pack them out of deep canyons. Whitetails live in brushy areas, mostly at low elevations. A Nature Conservancy preserve acts as a refuge to many bull elk.
Rough, eroded mountains and river breaks comprise most of the eastern and northern parts of the unit. The Snake River runs along the eastern border and flows past bluffs, steep hills and canyons and some rolling hills. The southern half of the unit, especially the western two-thirds, is mostly flat to rolling high desert.
Much of this unit consists of open, grassy ridges, flats and canyons with scattered bunches of brush and trees. Various species of bunchgrass cover most of the unit, including Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. Common shrubs include hackberry, bitterbrush, ceanothus and sagebrush. Lowlands and wetlands have shrubs, willows, cottonwoods and other riparian plans. Wildflowers are common, including yarrow, Indian paintbrush, buttercup and camas. A large part of the northern half of the unit has timber on most northern and eastern slopes. Timber consists mainly of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine.
Roughly 658 square miles
49% public land
Elevations from 1,000-5,300 feet
Many campgrounds are in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The Forest Service also maintains campgrounds in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Lodging options include Wallowa Lake Lodge on Wallowa Lake near Joseph and rental cabins at Flying Arrow Resort on the Wallowa River six miles from Joseph. Other places to stay include Imnaha River Inn at Imnaha and Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast (541-432-0230) at Joseph.
The northern half of this unit is mostly public land in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The Forest Service offers road use and other maps, including some that can be downloaded to mobile phones. Much of the National Forest is inside the Chesnimnus Travel Management Area. Motor vehicles are allowed only on designated roads, leaving some good isolated areas. The state publishes an online road use map. The Nez Perce Tribe controls a big piece of the northern end of the unit. The southern half of the unit is mostly private property. Many trails follow old logging roads in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Zumwalt Prairie Preserve, operated by the Nature Conservancy, allows cow elk hunting on a limited basis.