At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Visit the “charming” Harney County historical museum in Burns
- Carry a GPS with land ownership data to get around private land
- Chukars and quail thrive some years




Hunters discussing Unit 72 in Silvies, Oregon, highlight several valuable insights for fellow hunters. The terrain is noted to be challenging, featuring dense forests and steep hills, so physical preparation is crucial for success. Seasonality is important here; earlier hunts benefit from cooler weather and reduced vegetation cover, making it easier to track game. Additionally, users emphasize the importance of understanding elk and deer patterns in response to human activity, suggesting that scouting and knowing the area well can significantly increase the chances of a successful hunt.
North and east of Burns in the center of the state, this mostly public unit varies from desert lowlands to forested mountains, hosting good numbers of mule deer and elk along with lower numbers of antelope.
This is a good unit for hunting elk and produces more 5x5 and 6x6 bulls than spikes, forkhorns and three-points.