Steens Buck tag in Pocket....A dad needs some help with where to take his son.

[TimberJunkie]

Hey there fellow hunters. myself and my son have drawn a Steens buck tag for 2015. I am super excited to take him there. I have only been in the Steens for fighting fires. We are super motivated and prepared to backpack in for 2-3 day trips. I know the community of hunters out there loves to help out, and I have lots of maps with places circled that i want to check out, I would love to get a little more info on access issues, roads, and deer herds.

We are from Southwest Oregon and have lots of great spots here to hunt and would gladly share some info if anyone is looking to chase some big westside balcktail.

Thanks gents and good luck to ya'll this hunting season.

 

[badgerbob]

I hunted the Steens in the late 90s. Most of the big bucks were on private property on the west side of the unit. I packed in to Big Indian gorge for 4 days. Saw lots of smaller bucks, esp. 2x3 with degenerate horn structure. Local fellow told me it was because they only harvested the big ones for so many years, It used to be 4 pt or better. I don't think this is a problem now since they have been harvesting the smaller bucks for a number of years, I think it is a buck with visible antler. I didn't get one but passed up a lot. I was after something special. Check out Pikes Creek. There is a BLM road that takes you to a one camp spot. From there a blocked off old mine road will take you pretty high to a nice desert basin with several draws some with springs. You can cover a lot of ground with a spotting scope. Also around Manns Lake. A lot of private ground, but some BLM mixed in. Good luck this is an amazing area.

 

[Travisitguy]

I hunted this unit last year and saw a few tiny forkies. it was also very warm during our hunt with 80* temps down at page springs and 60*+ up on top. If you can get over to do some scouting I would recommend this. we did not and I feel that may have hurt our chances. We also chose to camp down at page springs which is a very nice campground yet it puts you far from the hunt in my opinion. Be aware of Rattlers, I typically saw them near the river.

good luck

 

[gonhunting247]

I might be able to point you to a spot that's kind of out of the ordinary Steens area. PM me if your interested.

 

[tttoadman]

How old is your son?
Are you guys sure footed with heavy packs on, and willing to hike along shear drop offs.

 

[TimberJunkie]

How old is your son?
Are you guys sure footed with heavy packs on, and willing to hike along shear drop offs.

He is 14 and not a rookie to hunting and mountains. We will shoot for the stars and see how far he can make it, and for how long. I am a wildland firefighter and kind of a mule
I actually look for places to go that would make other hunters nervous. Lol. You got something in mind?

 

[tttoadman]

How old is your son?
Are you guys sure footed with heavy packs on, and willing to hike along shear drop offs.

He is 14 and not a rookie to hunting and mountains. We will shoot for the stars and see how far he can make it, and for how long. I am a wildland firefighter and kind of a mule
I actually look for places to go that would make other hunters nervous. Lol. You got something in mind?

PM sent..........

 

[ore hunter]

I too am thinkin of the steens in a couple more years.there isn't very many open roads on the "loop".area looks good up by fish lake though,,there is also some area you can get into south of crane to access too,but a bit tricky.dont have much first hand info on any big bucks though

 

[Timberstalker]

I dont know anything about the Steens unfortunately, but I sure would love to gain a little info on some Southern Oregon Blacktails! I have had a hard time in the central Cascades in the last 10 years and have been searching for new stomping grounds the last 3. Good luck on your Mule deer hunt, I'm certain these fine men on here will help you out.

 

[TimberJunkie]

I dont know anything about the Steens unfortunately, but I sure would love to gain a little info on some Southern Oregon Blacktails! I have had a hard time in the central Cascades in the last 10 years and have been searching for new stomping grounds the last 3. Good luck on your Mule deer hunt, I'm certain these fine men on here will help you out.

PM me with some questions about SO Blacktails, I can share some good areas.

 

[Timberstalker]

THANKS! I'm a little short on time right now. I have hunted a little around Shady Cove and liked what I saw but haven't been back in 2 years. I'm still trying to decide if I want to rifle hunt or bow hunt late, I will be hunting west side bucks one way or another, I'll shoot you a pm Sunday.