Unit 26 in Powers, Oregon offers a unique experience for archery hunters seeking a lower-pressure environment for pursuing Roosevelt elk; however, hunters should be aware of potential closures in private timber areas due to fire danger during archery season. While this unit boasts decent elk numbers, the presence of poison oak in lower elevations and heavy competition during other parts of the hunting season are considerations to keep in mind. Utilizing a mountain bike can be advantageous for navigating clear cuts, which are rich in bear populations. Those familiar with the area emphasize the benefit of scouting and leveraging local knowledge, especially for those seeking mature bulls or exploring logging roads for bear hunting.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 100"-120" | 130"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 240"-260" | 290"+ |
High
Low
This southeastern unit holds Columbia blacktail deer and Roosevelt elk and has produced trophy-size bucks and bulls. Hunters have a lot of public land to hunt in the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest.
This is one of the better places in Oregon to hunt mature Roosevelt bull elk because hunting is controlled through a limit on tags.
This unit, which is in Coos, Curry, Josephine and Douglas counties, is almost entirely hilly and mountainous. Some of it is extremely steep, especially the part that is in Wild Rogue Wilderness. Other parts of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and some private lands in the southern half are almost as steep. There is some flat and moderate land along creek and river bottoms, such as near Glendale and Galesville, the east side of Camas Valley and the mouth of Council Creek. Elevations in the northern half are mostly between 1,000 and 2,500 feet. Much of the northwestern corner is below 700 feet, and there are a good number of ridges and mountains that exceed 3,000 feet.
Old growth evergreen forests cover most of the remote parts of the unit, especially that part in wilderness and in the National Forest near the southern boundary. Most other land has been logged at one time, especially private timber lands and areas where private and Forest Service land is in a checkerboard pattern. The main trees are hemlocks, spruces, cedars, firs, pines and yews. Some clearcuts are open and grassy; others have been overgrown by various species of shrubs.
Roughly 826 square miles
50% public land
Elevations from 200-4,300 feet
There is good access to much public land in this unit, most of it part of the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. Hunters must hike or ride horses to access the Wild Rogue Wilderness. Hunters need landowner permission to access private land, of which there is an abundance. Much of the unit is composed of private and Forest Service property in a checkerboard pattern. Be sure you can use roads that cross private land and obey signage restricting access.
ATVs are allowed on many backcountry roads
The Forest Service publishes road use maps
Most roads are open to all vehicles
Some roads are closed if fire danger is high
Four-wheel-drive is recommended, especially when roads are snowy
More than 10 campgrounds are in the southwestern corner of the unit. This area is part of the Powers Ranger District. Hunters may camp along roads on most public land. Private landowners typically do not allow camping even when they open their land to public hunting. Lodging options in the area include The Painted Lady Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room in Myrtle Creek (phone: 541-733-7646), Rose Motel in Myrtle Creek (phone: 541-863-3581), Myrtle Trees Motel in Myrtle Point (541-572-5811) and Sunny Valley Motel in Wolf Creek (541-476-9217). RV campers can consider Remote Outpost RV Park and Cabins in the town of Remote and On the River Golf-RV Resort in Myrtle Creek.