If you could get a tag for either Unit 1,2,10 or 201, which would you prefer and why? Just a little background for some research I'm doing.
Which premium NW elk unit would you want?
- Thread starter Colorado Cowboy
- Start date
minn elk chaser
Active Member
- Jan 6, 2014
- 332
- 72
That is a tough choice to make for sure. I have had a unit 10 tag so know that it would be great to hunt there again but never will happen for me. Lots of elk with some very good bulls but not the monsters that unit 2 and 201 have. I have spent allot of time in those units on cow hunts and have seen some really good bulls.
Unit 2 would be my first choice as the private land allows those older bulls to reach full maturity. I think unit 201 does the same but still would take 2 over 201. I can say that a bull in unit 2 is probably the only one I have ever seen in the wild that would have scored over 400.
Unit 1 would be the last choice for me as it probably doesn't have the quality of bulls. I know some the bulls from other units cross the river but not enough.
Unit 2 would be my first choice as the private land allows those older bulls to reach full maturity. I think unit 201 does the same but still would take 2 over 201. I can say that a bull in unit 2 is probably the only one I have ever seen in the wild that would have scored over 400.
Unit 1 would be the last choice for me as it probably doesn't have the quality of bulls. I know some the bulls from other units cross the river but not enough.
highplainsdrifter
Very Active Member
I hunted unit 10 in 2000 with only 10 preference points. At 10 preference points, I thought it was worth it. But I was a little disappointed in the amount of private land. For me, one of the things that makes a quality hunt is enough public land to not have to worry whether I'm wandering off public.
I hunted 201 in 2016 (my wife had the tag). We saw some good bulls, and I'd do it again. But it requires too many preference points.
Unit 2 is right next door to 201. It appeared to me the scenery was not nearly as good as 201 (fewer mountains in 2). Scenery and aesthetics are important to me...but maybe not to others.
I hunted 201 in 2016 (my wife had the tag). We saw some good bulls, and I'd do it again. But it requires too many preference points.
Unit 2 is right next door to 201. It appeared to me the scenery was not nearly as good as 201 (fewer mountains in 2). Scenery and aesthetics are important to me...but maybe not to others.
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CODAK
Active Member
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
I have always thought 201 was the premium unit in the state. I drew the archery tag and had to return it. I ended up hunting 61 muzzy.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
Just a few more thoughts (ranking best to worst, as if any of these could possibly be considered "worst") 
Unit 201: The most prime public land elk hunting available and the best bulls. Historically the hardest to draw. There is the Raftopolous Ranch, but plenty of great spots on public.
Unit 2: Still an excellent hunt but a more private issues. If I drew Unit 2 I was going to look seriously into paying for access to the Walker ranch, which if my memory serves me correctly (which is less and less these days), it cost around $2000.
Unit 10: Has some definite private issues (Blue Mountain Ranch I recall) and also the "Monument", but a hunt can still be done with homework.
Unit 1: Definitely the toughest in dealing with private land issues.
Unit 201: The most prime public land elk hunting available and the best bulls. Historically the hardest to draw. There is the Raftopolous Ranch, but plenty of great spots on public.
Unit 2: Still an excellent hunt but a more private issues. If I drew Unit 2 I was going to look seriously into paying for access to the Walker ranch, which if my memory serves me correctly (which is less and less these days), it cost around $2000.
Unit 10: Has some definite private issues (Blue Mountain Ranch I recall) and also the "Monument", but a hunt can still be done with homework.
Unit 1: Definitely the toughest in dealing with private land issues.
MountainHigh
Active Member
I have not spent any time in 201 but have heard of some great genetics and giant bulls. Unit 2 is huge and quite diverse, and holds some giant bulls as well. I am chasing unit 2 and hope to be there someday, in the mean time I plan on getting out there every year to learn the unit better. Good luck, it is a special area for sure and will be a fun hunt for sure!
1. 201,2
2. 10
3. 1
1. 201,2
2. 10
3. 1
BKC
Very Active Member
Unit 201, a ton of public ground that you can't hunt in one week. Saw a ton of elk ( muzzleload) that were not all busted up. In any of these units, I would hunt before the bulls start banging heads.
hunter25
Very Active Member
I hunted 10 6 years ago. Obviously not quite as good but enough public land to get by for sure.
I'm applying again but will likely never get there unless lucky in the hybrid draw.
I have a cabin with 35 acres there so that sways my decision.
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I'm applying again but will likely never get there unless lucky in the hybrid draw.
I have a cabin with 35 acres there so that sways my decision.
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