Hunters discussing Oregon's Unit 36, particularly cow hunts, appreciate the draw odds information provided but suggest clearer communication about the data's age and relevance to upcoming draws. GOHUNT clarifies that while they do not predict odds, they base them on the most recent completed draw, updating once annually, which helps hunters make better-informed decisions despite not being predictive. When considering scouting, experienced hunters recommend timing it according to the weapon type; bow hunters benefit from scouting in mid to late summer, while rifle hunters should focus on early summer to track transitioning game behaviors. For first-time pronghorn hunters, early August scouting is advised to familiarize with area habits, emphasizing the importance of understanding seasonal movements and pressures.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 270"-300" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 68"-73" | 75"+ |
High
Low
Southeast of Prineville, this unit features elk, mule deer and antelope hunting in and around the Maury Mountains. Archery and gun hunters must draw tags for all three species.
This is an up-and-coming elk hunting area because state officials are taking steps to keep elk on public lands, such as limiting archery tags and issuing cow elk tags only for hunting on private property.
The Maury Mountains, which mostly range between 5,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level, are in the middle of this unit. Some slopes are steep, but the mountains are mostly gentle in slope. The mountains are surrounded by alkali flats, brushy and grassy desert lowlands and some low, grassy and brushy hills and buttes. The unit is in Crook and Deschutes counties, and a tiny piece is in Lake County.
Hunters have good access to public lands in this unit, which includes a lot of BLM and Forest Service land. The Maury Mountains are mostly in the Ochoco National Forest. Hunters should stay on designated roads. The BLM manages several roadless areas that offer uncrowded hunting for hunters who have horses or are willing to hike. Wilderness study areas include Hampton Butte, Gerry Mountain, South Fork Crooked River and Sand Hollow Well. Some state land is in Imperial Valley on the southern edge of the unit. The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area is open to big game hunting, but vehicles may not leave designated roads. Motorized access is restricted from Nov. 15 or Dec. 1 as posted at each gate through April 15.
The Maury Mountains are mostly forested with Douglas firs, ponderosa pines, western larch, spruces, lodgepole pines and chaparral. There are mountain meadows and grasslands along with sagebrush flats and ridges. The surrounding lowlands have some junipers, ponderosas and Douglas firs in places, but are mostly desert grasslands and desert brush fields, playas and alkali flats.
Roughly 1,102 square miles
58% public land
Elevations from 3,500-6,000 feet
Four-wheel-drive recommended
ATVs seldom needed
Tent camping is free year round at Elkhorn Campground, situated among ponderosa pines on the edge of the Maury Mountains. Other campgrounds in the Maury Mountains include Double Cabin, Wiley Flat and Antelope Reservoir. Prineville has several lodging options, including Stafford Inn (phone: 541-447-7100), Best Western Prineville Inn and Crook County RV Park.