Hunters in Unit 65 - Beulah, Oregon, highlight a shift in elk bull:cow ratios from 47:100 in 2016 to 17:100 more recently, indicating a potential decline in bull populations. A notable distinction exists between archery tag options with a draw tag required for the western section and an over-the-counter (OTC) tag available eastward. Confusion regarding general versus controlled tag listings reflects similar complexities seen in other units like 51 and 34, which split allocations based on geographic sub-regions. Hunters appreciate updates and seek clear demarcation of these boundaries to plan effectively, suggesting ongoing communication and transparent mapping as valuable resources.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 90"-100" | 110"+ |
| Elk | 260"-290" | 300"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 75"+ |
High
Low
Mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and whitetail deer are hunted in this eastern unit, which has a lot of private land along with BLM and state land as well as National Forest in the Blue Mountains.
Private land harbors many elk, mule deer, antelope and whitetails in this unit, but hunters do take some mature animals of each species.
Stretching from the Snake River near Weiser, Idaho, to Prairie City, this unit varies from flat valleys and river bottoms to foothills, ridges, steep canyons and mountains. The highest and roughest terrain is in the Blue Mountains in the west. The northwestern corner is mostly mountainous land in the Malheur and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. The rest of the unit is mostly moderate to steep BLM ground with farmland and private range land in valleys along creeks and the Snake and Malheur rivers.
Most land is arid terrain covered by grasses and sagebrush with scattered patches of bitterbrush, wild roses, junipers and mahoganies. Aspens, Douglas firs, ponderosa pines and junipers grow on high slopes. Farmland is planted in alfalfa, grains, onions and other crops.
Roughly 2,744 square miles
57% public land
Elevations from 2,300-7,800 feet
Lodging is available in several towns. Options include the Historic Hotel Prairie in Prairie City, the Burnt River Market & Motel in Unity, and Ontario Inn in Ontario. Blue Bucket Inn is near Drewsey about 50 miles northeast of Burns. Many campgrounds are in the Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur national forests. Wayne & Dottie’s Cabins can be rented in Huntington.
Most public land is in large parcels that can be reached on public roads. No rifle hunting is allowed on islands in the Snake River. National Forest property is well-roaded. Hunters can drive full-size vehicles or ATVs within a mile of almost every spot. The small Monument Rock Wilderness is roadless and occupies an area of the Blue Mountains about seven miles long and two to five miles wide. Archery mule deer hunting is allowed on the 800-acre Ontario City Access Area.