At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Forest grouse live in the mountains
- Quail are common in valley lowlands
- Waterfowl hunting is good in Ladd Marsh




Hunters have shared that Unit 52 in Starkey, Oregon, is characterized by diverse terrain with dense forests and open meadows, presenting varying challenges depending on the season. The area can be rewarding, with reports of healthy populations of elk and deer, but it demands a fair understanding of its geography to optimize hunting strategies. Some seasoned hunters suggest early season scouting to familiarize oneself with animal movement patterns and advise on being prepared for rugged conditions, particularly in less accessible parts. Approaching this unit with a well-researched plan and remaining adaptable increases the likelihood of a successful hunt.
Southwest of La Grande, this unit has mule deer, whitetail deer and elk and is largely in the Blue Mountains of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. It includes the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range, which is almost all high-fenced.
This unit gets a lot of pressure but a few elk and mule deer still manage to reach trophy sizes. Hunters take mostly spike and forkhorn mule deer.