Archery Hunting the Steens

fortheloveofit · Jan 12, 2014

I am looking to archery hunt the steens this year for elk and deer. I was wondering what others experiences have been. Is it a good hunt is there lots of animals. Is the quality of elk and deer good? I hunted the trout creeks archery last year and was able to harvest a 23" 4X4 but want to be able to hunt elk as well as deer in the same unit. Here is a picture of my trout creeks archery buck
http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos/5610deer1.jpg

bonepicker · Jan 13, 2014

From what I have seen and heard, deer quality is a little above average in numbers and quality compared to the state and elk is a little below for numbers but above average for quality when you find them.
If you drew deer last year, do you have any points for this year? I think that even the archery deer tags in the Steens require 1 or 2 points to draw. Just check that beforehand but I would go for it if you can.

oneaway · Jan 13, 2014

A guy should be able to draw Steens bow his first year. If the numbers stay true.

I hunted sheep over there a few years ago. I saw a few good bucks, but not a lot of deer overall. I'm sure if you bust your butt, you can have a fun hunt. Unless something has drastically changed since I was there, don't expect much.

oneaway · Jan 13, 2014

Congrats on a nice archery buck btw.

Willametteriveroutlaw · Jan 13, 2014

There are a bunch of good units, the steens wouldn't be my first choice for a combo hunt.

I'd look at Buelah, Malheur, and a couple others in the area..

fortheloveofit · Jan 13, 2014

Well the reason why I want to hunt the steens is because it's the same type of terrain I archery hunt in nv. As you see I hunted trout creeks with great success and now am looking at the steens because it has the same type of country as well as elk to hunt. Otherwise I would stick to the trout creeks. Being a Nevadan trees are not my expertise. I would much rather spot a buck or bull from a long distance and stalk my way in for a shot.