Steens Mtns

How many non resident deer points does it take to draw the Steens?

Way more than it's worth. 8 = 95%, 9 = 100% projected draw for NR hunters.

It has a long ways to go to become a shadow of what it once was.














Stay thirsty my friends

I quit applying in OR about 5/6 years ago. The units I applied for only offered 1 non resident tag every other year. Definately a blackmail state! I do have 12/13 points and thought that from some the rumors I've heard I might apply next year. Thanks for the info.

If you have the pionts already it might be a fun hunt just to see the country with a slight chance at a nice buck.

If the trend in OR was improving I'd say if it were me I'd hold out. that really isn't the case. we haven't has a deer killer winter since 92/93 and when we do get one the mule deer will be on the ESA in Oregon.

I didn't spend much time down there the last 2 years because the chuckar numbers have been so low but I can tell you the number of quality bucks I've seen in NOV DEC and JAN in the Steens , Trout Creeks and Pueblos is depressing.










Stay thirsty my friends

I can't speak to what Steens used to be like but, it has improved some from its low point a few years ago and it is a good unit (comparing it to others in the state). 440 is right, it probably takes more points than it is worth. But when looking at the rest of the state in my opinion, there are only 1 or 2 that would be possible alternatives in the same caliber as the Steens. Over the last several years, ODFW took 60 or so cougars off the Steens and that seems to have improved deer numbers and will continue to help over the next several years as well.
I would say that the Steens is worth hunting because of the uniqueness of the land. It is unlike any other area in Oregon. The tag numbers are low and there are good bucks in there so I would say it is worth hunting. If I had the points I would hunt it.
The other possibility would be to put in for an average unit with a few other people and split your points with them (Oregon will average out your points so if you have 12 points you could put in with 3 other people that have zero for a unit that takes 3 points to draw) and just have a good time hanging out with friends and hoping to run into something.

Or you could let me put in with you for Steens

You put it pretty well. it's not that great but find a better hunt in OR for the points it takes.

I'd hunt the last part of the season and let the yahoos go home, and if the deer hunting sucks chuckar season will be open.















Stay thirsty my friends

Last NOV we were driving south to the Steens on HWY 205 (?) At mile marker 26 or 27 I saw a nice typical (approx 185) in an area that a burn had gone thru. Anyone know if that is private?
Also, I noticed on the loop road (north side) that someone was taking out a bunch of Junipers. Shays up with that?

You must mean by Frenchglen? I don't remember how the mile markers run. most of the bucks you see in that area are on the refuge. there is lots of private south of there .

Juniper are like weeds. everyone wants them gone and you can get grants to help do it.













Stay thirsty my friends

Interesting. Thanks

There's a big push to get rid of junipers which are a non-native species. The amount of water they use is unbelievable. I read a story in which some old time ranchers were interviewed who stated that they had never seen water in some creeks until the junipers were cut down off of the hillsides.