Unit 61 - Imnaha, Oregon, presents some challenges and opportunities for hunters. Many hunters express disappointment due to the impact of wolves on game populations, particularly elk, which has reportedly diminished hunting success compared to past years. The unit can get very crowded, especially during the General Archery Elk season, with many backcountry hunters and packers, suggesting that an early arrival and solid strategy on opening day is advantageous. For those considering Antlerless Elk hunts, it is essential to secure access to mostly private lands and consult with local authorities well in advance. Additionally, when planning rifle hunts, hunters are advised to consider that elk may move between higher elevations and canyons depending on weather conditions, necessitating scouting for optimal glassing and shooting locales.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 80"-90" | 100"+ |
| Elk | 270"-300" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This unit produces elk, mule deer, whitetail deer and bighorn sheep hunting on mostly public land. Most of it is in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and includes parts of of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and Eagle Cap Wilderness.
This unit produces some great elk and some good mule deer for hunters willing to pack them out of deep canyons. Whitetail hunting is good on private land and Rocky Mountain bighorns reach record class here.
Most land is mountainous with many steep ridges and rugged canyons, draws and breaks. Most of the rough terrain is between 4,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level and along the Imnaha River on the eastern edge, which is part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The western wing of the unit has a lot of farm ground and flat to rolling range land east of Wallowa Lake. There is also some mild to moderate terrain east of Wallow Mountain Road.
Much of this unit consists of open, grassy ridges, flats and canyons with scattered bunches of brush and trees in draws and many timber east and north-facing slopes. Various species of bunchgrass cover much of the ground. Common grasses include 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. Many northern and eastern slopes are covered with timber, mainly Douglas fir and ponderosa pine.
Roughly 425 square miles
75% public land
Elevations from 2,000-9,700 feet
Most land is public and is part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The Forest Service offers road use and other maps, including some that can be downloaded to mobile phones. Southeast of Wallowa Lake in the southern part of the unit, Grouse Lick-Canal Creek Travel Management Area limits motor vehicles to designated roads, leaving some good isolated areas. The state publishes an online road use map of the TMA here. Much of the area east of Wallowa Lake is private. Many trails follow old logging roads in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
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.