At a Glance
877Square Miles
36%Public Land
1,100 - 5,800Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Good fishing in Camas Creek
- Quail hunting in grassy lowlands
- Hunt in deep, roadless holes to find elk
Hunters discussing Unit 49 in Ukiah, Oregon, emphasize its diverse terrain, which ranges from open meadows to thick timber, offering various opportunities for spotting game. Many highlight the need for thorough pre-season scouting due to the unit's challenging access and dense cover. Successful hunters recommend focusing on water sources and transition zones between feeding and bedding areas, particularly during early morning and late evening. The consensus is that while draw odds can be competitive, patience and persistence often lead to rewarding encounters with elk and deer in this unit.
South of Pendleton, this unit has mule deer, elk and a few whitetail deer. It varies from desert flats and foothills to forested mountains in the Umatilla National Forest, including the North Fork John Day Wilderness in the southeastern corner.
Mature bucks and bulls can be hard to find in this unit because hunting pressure is often intense near roads and sometimes away from roads. Hunters who hike into secluded canyons or have access to private land have a fair chance of finding good bull elk and buck deer.