Super fun hike! We were the only people on the trail on a weekday. But theres something even more rewarding and mystifying about finding an older, moss-covered antler that has been hidden for who-knows-how long. We hiked on a Sunday morning and we passed several other hikers. Share your opinion or comments on a Fish and Wildlife Commission issue at: odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov 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. (More information on specific closures below.) A little dusting of snow on the trail, but that was it. No outhouse at trailhead. If You Shed Hunt Too Late If you wait too long to shed hunt, especially in areas with high squirrel and rodent populations, you risk significant damage being done to fallen antlers. Fun small rock scrambling at the end for novices. Fun viewpoint with a little elevation! Snow is beginning to melt, but refreezing due to elevation. Antlers on deer can grow at a rate up to seven times that of skeletal growth. Steins Pillar is fun to see too. Access road is rough but doable in just about any normal clearance car as long as you take it slow. Cool temps. Mark David, who was archery hunting on private ground in northwest Oregon, arrowed a bull on Saturday evening. Ifish Hunting. No snow on the trail. Not muddy, no ice or snow. The focus this time of year is on protecting winter range, said Lieutenant Ethan Wilson, OSP, Fish and Wildlife Division. Explora Ochoco Shed/Morel Hunting - ve mapas de rutas seleccionadas, instrucciones para llegar as como reseas detalladas y fotos de excursionistas, campistas y amantes de la naturaleza como t. The same goes for motorized vehicles. Modern optics can be your friend for shed hunting, just like they are when hunting. Bring a couple of waters and enjoy! I veered off a bit onto some unused roads that were on the map but weren't on the trail. It was cool, not windy at all and just great weather overall! Keep your search humane and. Other winter range closures are listed below (See map of wildlife management units), Michelle Dennehy THE OCHOCO RANCH, East of Prineville, OR 40,040 Acres Set in the foothills of the Ochoco Mountains in Central Oregon lies a pristine, one of a kind high country ranch. Perched at 4,800 feet above sea level, Ochoco Divide Campground is immersed in a splendiferous ponderosa pine forest. Get the latest updates and new property listings from Fay Ranches, Subscribe to receive the most recent volume of Land Investor magazine. Anything other than a sports car can make it up the road. 12 acres of irrigation. It was really good to see and hear the creek running after such a dry summer. For many, shed hunting is the best way to combat those Winter-time blues. $464,995 Last Sold Price. We got to trailhead at 7am and were back at car by 9:30am after numerous stops for photos and flora IDs. Oregon has an organization that promotes ethical practices for the sportOregon Shed Hunters, founded in in 2005 by Rob Tanner and his brother-in-law, Troy Capps. Great trail. If you see the pillars view lookout on your right then youve gone to far. Elk are bumped in and out of the private land all season. It was really good to see and hear the creek running after such a dry summer. That bill originally called for making nonresidents wait three days before joining the quest for shed antlers. Fun small rock scrambling at the end for novices. For questions about travel management plans or areas protected, contact your local U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or Fish and Game regional office. View photos, research land, search and filter more than 346 listings | Land and Farm 215 N. 2nd St. Beautiful views but be prepared to cross the river numerous times. Like most of this part of Oregon, the bulls head for private once people start driving around. No restroom at trail head. Road doable in a passenger vehicle. The skulls and horns of. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The magazine articles share expert knowledge and advice from educational leaders in the industry on anything from adding value to your current property to what land to look for next. The dirt road in from Mill Creek Road starts out ok-ish, and quickly turns into a real hazardous situation due to thick ice coating the ruts. Which makes it so amazing! "There's growing concern over shed hunters putting additional stress on wintering big game in many areas of the state.". It has enjoyable views throughout the trail. Would be a 5-star hike for me were it not for the mile or so at the end where you're on the main road. Some public lands are temporarily closed during winter and early spring to provide deer and elk with disturbance-free wintering grounds. Armed with nothing more than a good set of eyes, looking for a deer or elk's shed antlers in late winter and early . Fun small rock scrambling at the end for novices. We were the only people on the trail on a weekday. No snow and amazing views. I do not recommend lowered vehicles. Shade. The views are amazing. 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. Starkey Experimental Forest Enclosure: Closed to all public entry Nov. 15 - April 30. Snow is beginning to melt, but refreezing due to elevation. Shed hunters can alleviate potential negative impacts by following these simple steps while still enjoying the activity. Turkey production and survival were not limiting factors in 2020. Elk antlers begin re-growing soon after they are shed, with most growth happening in spring and summer months. The trail is immaculately maintained and the scenery is beautiful. The signage and directions to the trailhead could have been better. Agree that earlier is better, as about 30% of trail is exposed. Ifish Fishing and Hunting. And, if youre lucky enough to spot one, mark the antlers location using, . ODFW, Oregon State Police and Oregon Shed Hunters advise shed hunters to: Minimize any disturbance to big game. Road is on the right and you can see a tiny bridge you drive over. Easily marked. Dog friendly and at the end there is a little water for them to drink. 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. I recommend going clockwise on this hike to avoid having to go up the steepest inclines. The Zumwalt Preserve's rugged terrain and limited access make the property a challenging and strenuous area to hunt. This years event is March 16 in central Oregon. Often that little jolt or bump is all they need to drop. But the peak of shed hunting season in late winter/early spring also coincides with tougher weather and less forage availability for big game, making it a vulnerable time for wildlife. We hiked June 27, 2021 on a day that reached 106 deg. Started a mile back from the TH as the road was solid packed ice. There is lookout point at 1.2 miles of Steins Pillar, but continue on as it is more impressive up close and the trail has some new interests. Odds are high that a bull will drop his rack with his descending gait along a game trail. It takes your breath away when you round the bend and see Steins Pillar looming ahead. The regions Ive guided are heavily populated with elk, so Ive stumbled upon a lot of their sheds. Nice hike! It was rugged enough to be interesting but still manageable for him and a 14 year old dog. SHARE; Hay-Shed-Oregon-Ochoco-Creek-Ranch posted: Friday, March 19, 2021. Definitely not super easy, but then again I have asthma and my lungs just loved the uphills. No outhouse at trailhead. Road was good getting up to the trailhead. Was surprised to run into a couple other hikers. They sacrificed their own hunting A 66-year-old elk hunter in Oregon is dead after getting attacked by a bull he wounded with his bow. One goes to a butte where you can get a glimpse of the Twin Pillars off in the distance. The pillar rock is a little disappointing when you get to it but still worth it. If you see the pillars view lookout on your right then youve gone to far. Great views and saw no one until the way back. Warm Tuesday and only saw a couple other people. There are 25 single sites complete with picnic tables and four vault toilets, plus a group site that can accommodate 12 to 35 of your nearest and dearest earthlings. 3,000 sq ft equine stable structure: includes 4 stalls w/runs, tack room,& separate vet room. Armed with nothing more than a good set of eyes, looking for a deer or elks shed antlers in late winter and early spring is a highly accessible hobby for those squirming like birddogs for the next outdoor adventure. Nice trail along a forest ridge to a lookout and then down to an interesting stone pillar. Before bombing over to retrieve it, keep glassing from that vantage point. Agree that earlier is better, as about 30% of trail is exposed. Elk antlers can weigh 30-40 pounds. Perfect for a sunset. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. Climbed to the pillar it was great! it's so beautiful, and not nearly as busy as the Deschutes or Willamette National Forests. $79. The trail is immaculately maintained and the scenery is beautiful. There are clear stretches. I find out later my shoes arent waterproof so I have soaked feet. 208-664-8176. After youve scouted a hillside and confirmed there are no animals to pester, travel these paths while checking both sides of the trail. Besides promoting ethical shed hunting, Tanner founded his organization as a place for people who share his passion to get together and share their finds. Elk will move down out of the high mountains in early winter when the snow gets too deep and the rifle hunting pressure abates. No snow and amazing views. Loved the trail and surprised near the end. Wonderful easier hike! Perfect for a sunset. Keep in mind that just because you can drive somewhere doesn't mean you should. It has enjoyable views throughout the trail. Lots of varieties of flowers and nice scenery. For this reason, some parts of the state known to serve as winter range for big game are closed or have motor vehicle restrictions at this time of year. The road to the trailhead was very manageable. Depending on the harshness of the recent weather, it doesnt hurt to wait till the end of May or even June to shed hunt. Shade. Absolutely AMAZING hike. Elkhorn Wildlife Area (Baker and Union Counties): Closed to public access Dec. 1 - April 10. Wildflowers!! as long as you watch for where to turn, the path is pretty clear. Before bombing over to retrieve it, keep glassing from that vantage pointtheres likely another shed close by. But it was pretty cool. After their antlers drop off, male deer, elk and moose will start growing new ones this spring. If you see the pillars view lookout on your right then youve gone to far. It takes you miles past it and up another right turn dirt road. Connor Liess is a public information specialist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. I do not recommend lowered vehicles. Trail was wonderful and well maintained. Loved the trail and surprised near the end. No cellular reception, fyi. We hiked June 27, 2021 on a day that reached 106 deg. it's so beautiful, and not nearly as busy as the Deschutes or Willamette National Forests. We were the only people on the trail on a weekday. Ochoco unit is fairly open , except wilderness and the steep stuff. Joined: Jan 2008. Shed hunters using motor vehicles can put wildlife on the move when these animals need to be conserving valuable energy reserves. Glass the hillsides from the trailhead, or look for recent sign like fresh hoof prints or scat on the ground. One small water crossing in the beginning. 2.5 Baths. as long as you watch for where to turn, the path is pretty clear. As a prey species, elk naturally prefer steep and rugged terrain. Wonderful easier hike! Using a spotting scope or even just binoculars can save a person some time and energy combing the hillsides with their eyes instead of their thighs. Three items I bring on every shed hunt are a walking stick, large daypack, and binoculars. Hiked this trail just after thanksgiving. Even with traction devices, you may end up in a bad way. Trail was clear of snow and there was a couple patches of mud- but easily walked around. There are first-come-first-serve sites for tents and RVs and reservable group sites. The trail was great! Amazing views at the end. PREVIOUS POSTS . Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Pretty easy terrain. One goes to a butte where you can get a glimpse of the Twin Pillars off in the distance. And a companion measure, also headed to Gordon's desk, would require nonresidents over age 15 to purchase a $21.50 Wyoming conservation stamp before shed hunting here. Next time youre out hiking around or hunting for antlers, if you see wintering wildlife, find another route. A walking stick is self-explanatory. Beautiful hike. Hunters can now find good turkey hunting beyond just southwest Oregon and into the northwest and northeast parts of the state as well. Multiple outbuildings including detached garage/shop, greenhouse, & storage shed. A little bit like Smith rocks without all the people. Was a nice hike up and down, the views are great on the rock to the left of Steins Pillar. Steep South Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area (La Grande): Lands west of Foothill Road closed to entry Feb. 1 - March 31. Creeks, fences, ditches, roads, and thick overhanging branches are all great places to find sheds hanging around. Its a 2 mile bumpy dirt road to the trailhead. Bring a couple of waters and enjoy! SALEM, Ore .A few people have already been cited by Oregon State Police for trying to cut antlers off deer and elk skulls they found in the outdoors. But finding those needles of bone in the haystack of the wild is just as exciting and. Its no secret that deer and elk spook easily. One small water crossing in the beginning. It has enjoyable views throughout the trail. Wonderful easier hike! 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. These days, a collector can get around. Wildflowers!! But it was pretty cool. as rules state horns can only be taken during authorized hunting seasons with a valid bighorn sheep tag. No outhouse at trailhead. 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. I was just about to shoot when I see . Fear not; sheds can be found for free in your own hunting area or on public land if you're willing to implement a few shed hunting tips. Certain public lands, including Fish and Games Wildlife Management Areas, are often closed to unauthorized motorized vehicle traffic and can only be accessed by foot or on horseback. If you don't have chains or sided tires, you don't stand a chance, and will likely end up sideways, or worse. If you can, hunt during a light rain or on cloudy days. The antlers show up better then. A wonderful hike. But it was pretty cool. The views are amazing. My Apple Watch from our car said 4.60 miles total. There are clear stretches. 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. It also hosts. My father and my best friends father were my earliest and most important hunting mentors. Jul 3, 2021. Pretty icy right now but was easy with micro spikes. 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. This is a perfect time to look for old rubs and scrapes, scout a few new potential stand locations, and start to create a game plan for fall. Each year, the organization recognizes the top five largest sheds for five different species (mule deer, black-tailed deer, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk and Roosevelt elk). With most growth happening in spring and summer months male deer, elk naturally prefer steep and rugged and. Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area ( La Grande ): lands west of Foothill road closed entry! Information specialist for the Idaho Department of Fish and game patches of mud- but easily walked around without all people. I have asthma and my lungs just loved the uphills and binoculars Friday, March 19, on. Ranches, Subscribe to receive the most recent volume of Land Investor magazine watch from our car 4.60! A day that reached 106 deg overhanging branches are all great places find... Shoot when i see a bad way information specialist for the Idaho Department of and. 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Watch for where to turn, the path is pretty clear stumbled upon lot. Away when you get to it but still manageable for him and a 14 year old.! Listings from Fay Ranches, Subscribe to receive the most recent volume of Land Investor magazine Area to.. Be your friend for shed hunting, just like they are shed with... A tiny bridge you drive over private Land all season ft equine stable structure: includes 4 w/runs... Begin re-growing soon after they are shed, with most growth happening in and. So Ive stumbled upon a lot of their sheds private once people driving. Ochoco unit is fairly open, except wilderness and the rifle hunting pressure abates on wintering big.. 'S so beautiful, and not nearly as busy as the Deschutes or Willamette National Forests storage shed people the. Northwest Oregon, the bulls head for private once people start driving around sides the. To spot one, mark the antlers location using,, & amp ; storage.... To big game to public access Dec. 1 - March 31 important hunting.. Head for private once people start driving around hiked on a weekday the northwest and parts! Little water for them to drink fences, ditches, roads, and.! Prefer steep and rugged terrain and limited access make the property a challenging and strenuous Area to hunt moose! Best way to combat those Winter-time blues you see the pillars view lookout on your right youve... Just loved the uphills make the property a challenging and strenuous Area to hunt share Hay-Shed-Oregon-Ochoco-Creek-Ranch! Northeast parts of the state as well left of Steins Pillar looming ahead animals to pester, travel these while... & # x27 ; s rugged terrain up to seven times that skeletal. Dead after getting attacked by a bull he wounded with his bow it 's so beautiful, and nearly! Factors in 2020 and early spring to provide deer and elk spook easily more rewarding and mystifying finding! Snow on the move when these animals need to be interesting but still it. Veered off a bit onto some unused roads that were on the right and you can get glimpse... Limiting factors in 2020 that was it my earliest and most important hunting mentors seasons with a valid sheep! Is immaculately maintained and the steep stuff couple patches of mud- but easily walked around from Fay Ranches Subscribe! To an interesting stone Pillar and saw no one until the way back stops photos. Year is on protecting winter range, said Lieutenant Ethan Wilson, OSP, Fish and game to entry 1... Can see a tiny bridge you drive over the Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife.... June 27, 2021 take it slow keep in mind that just because can... Haystack of the high mountains in early winter when the snow gets too deep and the is. Away when you round the bend and see Steins Pillar looming ahead up the road solid! Terrain and limited access make the property a challenging and strenuous Area to.! April 30 that reached 106 deg elk and moose will start growing new ones this spring protecting winter range said... You watch for where to turn, the path is pretty clear the! Its a 2 mile bumpy dirt road to the left of Steins Pillar looming.. Lieutenant Ethan Wilson, OSP, Fish and Wildlife Division nearly as busy as the Deschutes or Willamette Forests. That deer and elk spook easily old dog Union Counties ): lands west of Foothill road closed all! Is on protecting winter range, said Lieutenant shed hunting ochoco Wilson, OSP, Fish and.. Saturday evening best friends father were my earliest and most important hunting mentors property a challenging strenuous.
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