Hunters in Unit 47 - Northside, Oregon, generally report challenging terrain that requires good physical preparation and the ability to navigate dense forests effectively. Many have found success by focusing on early season scouting and understanding elk movement patterns, particularly around water sources and feeding grounds. There are mixed sentiments about draw odds, with some hunters emphasizing the importance of persistence and utilizing preference points wisely over multiple seasons. Overall, those who invested time in pre-season scouting and were adaptable based on weather and animal behavior had more rewarding experiences.
A good unit for deer and elk hunting, Northside is east of the John Day River south of Kimberly and north of the river between Dayville and Prairie City. Hunters take a small number of antelope every year.
Hunters take mostly five and six-point bulls, and occasionally bigger. Bucks are heavily pressured on public and many private tracts.