I hunted the Minam this past deer rifle season for the first time, although I have backpacked the Eagle Caps several times in the past. Unless you can pack in there isn't much public ground to hunt outside of the wilderness. There are some nice deer - in pockets and unless you find those pockets its tough hunting. We didn't do very good due to the weather - it snowed the day before the season and then was socked in the fist 5 days or so, only saw one small 3x3 and a OK buck on the hike out but he was way out there. Came back for the 2nd weekend and just hunted some ground that was public but only saw lots of does and a couple nice bull elk. This area had been hit pretty heavy opening weekend by the locals - this according to a local that told me about this spot. Its fantastic country to hunt, but for the best luck you need to have access to some private in the foothills for get into the wilderness 8+ miles and then find that "pocket" of good deer. I'm hoping to hit it again next year - good luck to you its a fun unit.