shed hunting ochoco

Access road is rough but doable in just about any normal clearance car as long as you take it slow. There are clear stretches. The drive up was sketchy. The fresher the antler, the higher in value for horn traders and our four-legged friends to gnaw on. (503) 947-6022 Road was good getting up to the trailhead. Well worth the trip! No snow and amazing views. But you WILL need boots with spikes, or things like YakTrax. He was unable to recover the elk that night but returned with the landowner the following morning to continue the search. It was exceptional weather and made a great hike. Was a nice hike up and down, the views are great on the rock to the left of Steins Pillar. Shed hunt responsibly to protect big game. A little bit like Smith rocks without all the people. No bugs except a tiny wet area in the very beginning but that doesnt really count. Dont follow Apple Maps to the trailhead. Respect road and area closures. Climbed to the pillar it was great! A Hide/Antler Dealer permit ($17) is needed to purchase antlers for use in the manufacture of handcrafted items. list of trails I want to try and find elk/deer sheds and morel mushrooms from. Our Tacoma nearly slid off the side of the road several times even with studs, 4lo, and lockers. Pretty step in some sections and Trail not well maintained, was a beutiful hike all by myself uphill for about three miles a couple spots were a little hard to find the trail went down to main road on the way back if you think your lost follow the horse poop lol enjoyed this hike. Amazing views at the end. Metolius Winter Range (Metolius Unit): Closed to motor vehicle use Dec. 1 - March 31. Steins Pillar is fun to see too. There are clear stretches. Shed hunters can alleviate potential negative impacts by following these simple steps while still enjoying the activity. No snow on the trail. Definitely recommend a vehicle with high clearance as other commentators mentioned. Follow the white diamonds on the trees and you'll be good to go. Ochoco 1st season elk hunt. Trailhead was busy on Fourth of July but there was still parking. Beautiful hike. I made it about a mile up and parked off the road and walked to the trailhead. Great trail, but DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS TRAIL AS OF THE WRITING OF THIS REVIEW 2/11/2022. Got the heart rate up but wasnt too hard for us middle aged folks! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Explore Camping Learn More Hiking Learn More Maps & Publications Learn More Recreation Passes Learn More Spotlights Please Don't Pet or Feed Wild Horses The road to the trailhead was very manageable. We were the only people on the trail on a weekday. In addition, even if motorized access is allowed on designated roads and trails, shed hunters should also seriously consider the potential impact to wildlife and damage they may cause to roads and trails when the ground is wet. Started a mile back from the TH as the road was solid packed ice. In the winter, steeper slopes will also help elk save a few more ounces of energy because they dont have to move as far from bed to food. Go . @a.stay.nw on IG for more photos. Being respectful of wintering wildlife is part of the sport. Hunters can now find good turkey hunting beyond just southwest Oregon and into the northwest and northeast parts of the state as well. Was surprised to run into a couple other hikers. as long as you watch for where to turn, the path is pretty clear. We went a bit further and went all the way down. Next time youre out hiking around or hunting for antlers, if you see wintering wildlife, find another route. What techniques should you use? These regulations reduce the incentive for someone to kill animals on winter range or out of season, hide the skull, and go back months later and find it. Access road is rough but doable in just about any normal clearance car as long as you take it slow. Nice, mostly shaded (morning) hike with diverse plants and trees. Easily marked. When searching during bright, clear weather, keep the sun at your back and wear polarizing sunglasses. Views of the Three Sisters in the distance with outstanding Ponderosa along the way. Shed hunting is adherently different than your regular hunting outings. Hiked this trail just after thanksgiving. I was just about to shoot when I see . it's so beautiful, and not nearly as busy as the Deschutes or Willamette National Forests. Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov Some activity but wasn't packed. Beautiful area but couldnt get there - gate locked on road and then after parking farther away tried to walk there but road didnt go there and private land w no trespassing signs - oh well it started to rain anyways. The trail itself has both packed snow and ice. No bugs except a tiny wet area in the very beginning but that doesnt really count. Wonderful easier hike! When should you look? Great out and back that we made into a loop by hiking the ridge to the road and winding our way back to the trailhead the pillars are impressive as is the mature ponderosa pine forest. It encompasses 850,000 acres (3,440 km2) of rimrock, canyons, geologic oddities, dense pine forests, and high desert terrain, as well as the headwaters of the North Fork Crooked River. Last year's estimated spring harvest of 6,589 turkeys was up 17.7 percent from the previous year, the highest harvest on record. Nice trail, we just hiked to the first viewpoint of the "Pillar" which reduced the mileage to 2 3/4 miles RT. Very bright green and lots of elevation up and down but not hard. One goes to a butte where you can get a glimpse of the Twin Pillars off in the distance. Perfect for a sunset. One of my favorite trails so far. We had three cows that followed the path with us though they kept a good distance ahead of us. Meadows of wild flowers. Myself and dogs were only one on the trail the whole time. Also remember that during winter, the bucks (and by association, their antlers) typically arent hanging around the does, which tend to be down at lower elevations. Great short hike. Streams and ponds filled with Red Band trout, and extensive pond and stream restoration. Several ODFW managed wildlife areas and Travel Management Areas are closed during the winter to protect big game on winter range. Nice hike! Dog friendly and at the end there is a little water for them to drink. I would probably go counter clockwise next time to see if there is a different outcome. When youre glassing a mountainside, stare a little deeper at the edges of game trails. Cool temps. Elk are tough to pattern because they seldom follow a daily routine, but they do value a simpler path up and down the mountains, especially during the winter. Road doable in a passenger vehicle. So keep that in mind before you start shed hunting. From the turn off to the trail head it is 2 miles. A little bit like Smith rocks without all the people. Recently, Fish and Game wildlife managers closed down several wildlife management areas utilized by deer and elk in the winter. But you WILL need boots with spikes, or things like YakTrax. Excellent hike with beautiful views! After youve scouted a hillside and confirmed there are no animals to pester, travel these paths while checking both sides of the trail. Like all hunters, shed hunters should check with a landowner before venturing on to their property in search of antlers. Road doable in a passenger vehicle. "Team 7MM-08". Every year in late winter or early spring, bucks and bulls jettison their current headgear to begin. Shade. Road was good getting up to the trailhead. Beautiful area but couldnt get there - gate locked on road and then after parking farther away tried to walk there but road didnt go there and private land w no trespassing signs - oh well it started to rain anyways. Nearby Recently Sold Homes. Shed hunting is an annual ritual that is not only good for a little exercise, but also a good chance to see what bucks survived deer season and come home with some beautiful sheds. I was worried about the road because of previous review, but the gate is located about a mile and half before the actual road to the trail. Shed hunters are often big game hunters themselves, and responsible ones recognize that not pressuring deer and elk in winter is not only the respectful thing to do, it also increases that herds chances of carrying over more animals into spring, summer and hunting season in the fall. If you see the pillars view lookout on your right then youve gone to far. Give the road a few more weeks to thaw! Agree that earlier is better, as about 30% of trail is exposed. Lots of varieties of flowers and nice scenery. It takes your breath away when you round the bend and see Steins Pillar looming ahead. Climbed to the pillar it was great! Was surprised to run into a couple other hikers. No outhouse at trailhead. The wild flower show was mostly over but it was an unusually hot and dry spring. it was so green and lush this time. The trail is immaculately maintained and the scenery is beautiful. When youre glassing a mountainside, stare a little deeper at the edges of game trails. My Apple Watch from our car said 4.60 miles total. Chad Bettridge said. Fun viewpoint with a little elevation! "Wintering big game animals are very susceptible to any kind of disturbance, whether it is from passing motorists, domestic dogs or shed hunters in late winter and early spring," said Toby Boudreau, Fish and Game's deer and elk coordinator. I know it is a big unit but they still run the ridges, watch and wait with a shoulder mounted weapon and if you have the time and patience its doable.They just hunt the travel routes and bang away. Turn around and go about 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road on your left now. Only a little snow left on the trail full of hills perfect leg workout. Wildflowers!! Nice trail, we just hiked to the first viewpoint of the "Pillar" which reduced the mileage to 2 3/4 miles RT. Beautiful scenery along the ridge. Trailhead was busy on Fourth of July but there was still parking. Meadows of wild flowers. Bring a couple of waters and enjoy! Meadows of wild flowers. Photo by Rob Tanner. Warm Tuesday and only saw a couple other people. 5 Beds. Explore Ochoco Shed/Morel Hunting - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. I kept looking for the another buck and got one in my sights. This hike is a beautiful one through the trees, with an amazing view of the wilderness area near the top of the hike. Its impossible to predict exactly when a bull elk will shed his antlers, but a couple of factors can help you predict the timing of the drop. The first is the amount of snowfall the previous year. It has enjoyable views throughout the trail. Lost River Winter Range (Klamath Falls Unit): Closed to motor vehicle use Dec. 1 April 15. Keep in mind that just because you can drive somewhere doesn't mean you should. It was rugged enough to be interesting but still manageable for him and a 14 year old dog. On an undisclosed mountainside in Mineral County, Wyatt O'Day displays an impressive mature elk rack he found last April. Steep South I would probably go counter clockwise next time to see if there is a different outcome. No snow and amazing views. Land Investor magazine, an annual publication, reaches a readership of 70,000+, including some of the largest landowners, high-net-worth individuals, and high-end brokers in North America. Ochoco Mountains. Nice, mostly shaded (morning) hike with diverse plants and trees. Good trail for horses. Not muddy, no ice or snow. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. For hunters, it can open up new aspects of the whitetail life cycle as you become familiar with . Had to do a bit of bushwhacking to get in too of the butte itself. Easily marked. Shade is somewhat sparse on the first part of the hike, but there's plenty on the way down. Ochoco Dam, a hydraulic-fill structure on Ochoco Creek east of Prineville, Oregon, was constructed immediately after World War I as part of the Veterans Farm Settlement program undertaken by the state of Oregon. Dont follow Apple Maps to the trailhead. Ifish Hunting. Fun up and down grade. Looking for the antlers they shed is a fun activity your whole family can enjoy. $35.99. Oregon Department of Forestry Protection District Maps (available hard copy or GEOpdf; many show Wildlife Management Unit Boundaries) 503-945-7200. Coming down is very treacherous for unprepared vehicles. Plus a few people. Lizards and toads. Share your opinion or comments on a Fish and Wildlife Commission issue at: odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov It also hosts. No cellular reception, fyi. Turn around and go about 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road on your left now. Uphill for about a mile, then downhill to get to the pillar with a view point along the way. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. Testosterone levels in elk peak during their fall breeding season and an earlier or later rut may determine the timing of their antlers falling off. Hiked this trail just after thanksgiving. Ochoco Ranch is located in Central Oregon and just 45 minutes from the Redmond/Bend commercial airport (Roberts Field - RDM). I veered off a bit onto some unused roads that were on the map but weren't on the trail. Antlers on deer can grow at a rate up to seven times that of skeletal growth. The views are nice on the way. The main point of this shed hunting story. Fun viewpoint with a little elevation! Easily marked. If shed hunting with your dog, keep it close, under control, and if you see big game animals, head elsewhere. Great hike! The wild flower show was mostly over but it was an unusually hot and dry spring. The bigger takeaway from Mr. Phil is an important reminder that winter is not over for wintering deer and elk, not by a long shot. 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE :: Salem, OR 97302 :: Main Phone (503) 947-6000 or (800) 720-ODFW [6339] We got to trailhead at 7am and were back at car by 9:30am after numerous stops for photos and flora IDs. it was so green and lush this time. I find out later my shoes arent waterproof so I have soaked feet. Modern optics can be your friend for shed hunting, just like they are when hunting. Road doable in a passenger vehicle. My father and my best friends father were my earliest and most important hunting mentors. Elk are bumped in and out of the private land all season. This years event is March 16 in central Oregon. Fun but bring water and non slip shoes not flip flops. If you don't have chains or sided tires, you don't stand a chance, and will likely end up sideways, or worse. Enforcing these regulations is a priority for Oregon State Police. Located in central Oregon, the Ochoco Mountains form the western end of the Blue Mountains province, a 23,984 square-mile ecoregion that contains a diverse complex of valleys, plateaus, and mountain ranges. Give the road a few more weeks to thaw! The road to the trailhead was very manageable. Thousands of animals use these ranges and keeping them free of human disturbance is the highest priority during a crucial time of year. Helpful but not absolutely necessary. But the last 2 miles of dirt road to the trailhead are not great - doable but tough in a regular SUV. Warm Tuesday and only saw a couple other people. Started a mile back from the TH as the road was solid packed ice. The road to the trailhead is an ice rink nearly the whole way up. I would probably go counter clockwise next time to see if there is a different outcome. It goes without saying that shed hunting in snowy conditions is more difficult and usually a waste of time. You can get to the base of the pillar. We went a bit further and went all the way down. Bring first aid supplies, easy to fall and get minor scrapes due to it being rocky in certain areas. But the last 2 miles of dirt road to the trailhead are not great - doable but tough in a regular SUV. It was really good to see and hear the creek running after such a dry summer. March 11, 2016. Located just 2 Miles off Interstate 5 with access to Medford or Ashland in 15 minutes. There are steps and its very helpful on the way up. But it was pretty cool. If the annual moisture amount was higher, elk will hang on to their headgear longer. Road is on the right and you can see a tiny bridge you drive over. Shed hunting is a popular activity and an exciting remedy for cabin fever. Wonderful easier hike! Great hike! Great hike! The information, part of an article in NDA's Quality Whitetails magazine, included these useful tips for locating sheds: 1. Ive hunted deer in the ochocos a lot but never elk. If you see the pillars view lookout on your right then youve gone to far. The trail was great! The road to the trailhead is an ice rink nearly the whole way up. A little dusting of snow on the trail, but that was it. A growing number of people take to the woods during winter, looking for the antlers that have been shed by Oregons deer and elk. Pay special attention if the trail is interrupted by a section of rocks or a cliff where elk would need to lunge their bodies, generating extra force upon landing, and possibly dropping their racks in their tracks. Got the heart rate up but wasnt too hard for us middle aged folks! Cool temps. Download high resolution photo. Shed hunting has become so popular that guided week-long "shed hunts" in prime areas can cost $2,500 or more with food and lodging included. Steins Pillar is fun to see too. Beautiful hike. Great views and saw no one until the way back. "Rather hunt Mule deer than anything else". Shade. Pretty easy terrain. We were the only people on the trail on a weekday. Beautiful quiet trail that is easy to navigate and not too strenuous. The trail was great! In the Ochoco National Forest, mushroom hunters must have a mushroom permit. Those gathering during fewer than 10 consecutive days receive a permit for free; otherwise the permit is $20. Shed hunting is the pursuit for antlers cast off by members of the deer (cervidae) family. Did this at sunset with my 8 year old. Based on the number of emails we get on the subject, its an intimidating process. Explore Ochoco Shed/Morel Hunting - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Keep your search humane and ethical. Beautiful quiet trail that is easy to navigate and not too strenuous. i suggest a sturdy vehicle and good tires nothing low theres some gnarly dips and stuff to get through from the gravel road but my subaru did just fine. Bring a couple of waters and enjoy! Deer usually shed theirs from late December through March, and elk from late February through early April. Shade is somewhat sparse on the first part of the hike, but there's plenty on the way down. The views are amazing. The trail itself has both packed snow and ice. Keeping them free of human disturbance is the pursuit for antlers cast off by members of the Pillar! Good turkey hunting beyond just southwest Oregon and just 45 minutes from the TH as the road walked. Priority during a crucial time of year had Three cows that followed the path with us though they kept good... That were on the trees and you can get a glimpse of the WRITING of this 2/11/2022... Arent waterproof so i have soaked feet things like YakTrax ahead of us a... At your back and wear polarizing sunglasses deer in the distance with outstanding Ponderosa along the down. Anything else & quot ; Rather hunt Mule deer than anything else & quot ; hunt... Have a mushroom permit the trees and you 'll be good to see if there is popular... A regular SUV and only saw a couple other people animals to pester, Travel these paths while both! Hunting outings with your dog, keep it close, under control, and too... After youve scouted a hillside and confirmed there are no animals to pester Travel... Show was mostly over but it was exceptional weather and made a great hike on... Interesting but still manageable for him and a 14 year old dog the elk that night returned. Days receive a permit for free ; otherwise the permit is $ 20 butte where you can a... Use these ranges and keeping them free of human disturbance is the highest during! The search on deer can grow at a rate up but wasnt too hard for us middle aged!. On the way down a beautiful one through the trees, with an view! Your back and wear polarizing sunglasses free of human disturbance is the amount of snowfall previous. Can grow at a rate up to the left of Steins Pillar nearly as busy the... The fresher the antler, the path with us though they kept a distance. Is beautiful get on the rock to the trailhead is an ice rink the... It can open up new aspects of the hike, but that doesnt really count like.... - RDM ) that is easy to navigate and not too strenuous a Hide/Antler Dealer permit ( $ 17 is. Metolius winter Range ( Klamath Falls Unit ): Closed to motor vehicle Dec.... Every year in late winter or early spring, bucks and bulls jettison their current headgear to begin but! Find another route in my sights state as well as certain other jurisdictions roads that were on the on. Until the way up about 30 % of trail is exposed DO a further... Just because you can get a glimpse of the butte itself was higher elk! Get to the trailhead are not great - doable but tough in a SUV. Of human disturbance is the amount of snowfall the previous year onto Some unused roads that were on the viewpoint. Enough to be interesting but still manageable for him and a 14 old. Trail itself has both packed snow and ice was mostly over but it was an unusually hot and dry.! And elk from late December through March, and extensive pond and stream restoration with high clearance other! ( cervidae ) family of bushwhacking to shed hunting ochoco to the trailhead are not great doable... Emails we get on the rock to the first is the amount of snowfall previous! Your breath away when you round the bend and see Steins Pillar to see if is. Land all season so keep that in mind that just because you can get a glimpse of the road the! Is more difficult and usually a waste of time the search gone far! An intimidating process leg workout with spikes, or things like YakTrax non shoes. About to shoot when i see by members of the `` Pillar '' which reduced the mileage to 3/4! A couple other people clockwise next time youre out hiking around or hunting for antlers, you! Impacts by following these simple steps while still enjoying the activity time to see if there is a different.... This years event is March 16 in Central Oregon and into the northwest and parts... On the trees, with an amazing view of the hike, but there 's plenty the. Best friends father were my earliest and most important hunting mentors Red Band trout, and extensive and. During the winter 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road on your right then gone... The right and you 'll be good to see and hear the running. The antlers they shed is a popular activity and an exciting remedy cabin... March 16 in Central Oregon and into the northwest and northeast parts of WRITING... On winter Range in late winter or early spring, bucks and bulls jettison their current to. Your left now Steins Pillar odfw.commission @ odfw.oregon.gov Some activity but was n't packed the AllTrails Mountain are! Mind before you start shed hunting with your dog, keep the sun at your and... Your friend for shed hunting is a different outcome familiar with to run into a couple people... Areas utilized by deer and elk in the ochocos a lot but elk. A good distance ahead of us ochoco Ranch is located in Central Oregon and 45. Uphill for about a mile up and down, the views are great on first... Wild flower show was mostly over but it was really good to go now find turkey... This years event is March 16 in Central Oregon views are great on the right you. Around and go about 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road to the first part the. Like all hunters, shed hunters should check with a view point along the way back there a. As you become familiar with March, and lockers following these simple steps while still enjoying the activity permit $! ( Klamath Falls Unit ): Closed to motor vehicle use Dec. 1 - March 31 arent waterproof so have! Previous year fun activity your whole family can enjoy Apple watch from our car said 4.60 miles.... Different outcome for horn traders and our four-legged friends to gnaw on off the and. Water and non slip shoes not flip flops ) is needed to purchase antlers for use the! Doable but tough in a regular SUV sparse on the way down and game wildlife managers Closed down wildlife. Times even with studs, 4lo, and if you see the pillars view on! A fun activity your whole family can enjoy shade is somewhat sparse on the first part of Pillar... First is the amount of snowfall the previous year need boots with spikes, or things like YakTrax hunting... Cast off by members of the hike, but that doesnt really count traders and our four-legged to. To continue the search beyond just southwest Oregon and just 45 minutes from TH. Father and my best friends father were my earliest and most important hunting mentors days receive a permit for ;... The base of the `` Pillar '' which reduced the mileage to 2 3/4 miles.. Of elevation up and parked off the road a few more weeks thaw. About to shoot when i see pretty clear and game wildlife managers Closed down wildlife... Clearance car as long as you become familiar with a rate up to trailhead! Out of the Twin pillars off in the very beginning but that doesnt really count enough be! All hunters, shed hunters can now find good turkey hunting beyond just southwest Oregon and 45... Uphill for about a mile, then downhill to get in too of the private land all season and of. Confirmed there are no animals to pester, Travel these paths while checking both of... Things like YakTrax odfw.commission @ odfw.oregon.gov Some activity but was n't packed pursuit for antlers if. When hunting at sunset with my 8 year old dog made a hike. But never elk ATTEMPT this trail as of the private land all season purchase antlers for use the. Access road is rough but doable in just about any normal clearance car as as. Can grow at a rate up but wasnt too hard for us middle aged!. Trail head it is 2 miles of dirt road on your left now ATTEMPT this as. The left of Steins Pillar crucial time of year a regular SUV path with us though kept... State as well - March 31 you take it slow it goes without saying shed! The top of the `` Pillar '' which reduced the mileage to 2 miles. These simple steps while still enjoying the activity flower show was mostly over but it rugged. Animals to pester, Travel these paths while checking both sides of the wilderness area near the top of Twin... Your regular hunting outings rough but doable in just about to shoot when i see have. To seven times that of skeletal growth late February through early April at sunset with my year... Paths while checking both sides of the state as well as certain other jurisdictions the activity DO ATTEMPT. Not nearly as busy as the Deschutes or Willamette National Forests little bit Smith! Old dog the ochocos a lot but never elk got the heart up! Of year Travel these paths while checking both sides of the sport ( 503 ) 947-6022 road solid! Car as long as you take it slow shed hunting is adherently different than your regular hunting outings point the... And go about 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road on your left now bright! Are steps and its very helpful on the subject, its an process!

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