Friday, April 9, 2021 - 11:35 AM MDT Shed hunting can have deadly implications for animals weakened by the rigors of winter As anxious shed antler hunters prepare to take to Idaho's hills in search of fresh bounty, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game urges them to avoid stressing wildlife trying to survive the late winter storms. I kept looking for the another buck and got one in my sights. Our Tacoma nearly slid off the side of the road several times even with studs, 4lo, and lockers. My Apple Watch from our car said 4.60 miles total. Trailhead was busy on Fourth of July but there was still parking. Sheds lying on top of each other in 2006 near Paisley. Second, shed hunting is a great way to do a bit of post season scouting. During winter and early spring, big game animals are at their most vulnerable because of lower nutritional levels and body condition, explains Ryan Torland, ODFW district wildlife biologist in John Day. ODFW and Oregon State Police are reminding shed hunters that they can only pick up naturally shed deer and elk antlers in the wild, not antlers with skulls attached. Shed hunting is the other deer season. Approx. Dog friendly and at the end there is a little water for them to drink. It was cool, not windy at all and just great weather overall! Joined: Jan 2008. Beautiful views but be prepared to cross the river numerous times. Great views and saw no one until the way back. Also agree that hiking poles are helpful for steeper, narrow sections. Started a mile back from the TH as the road was solid packed ice. Depending on the harshness of the recent weather, it doesn't hurt to wait till the end of May or even June to shed hunt. Road is on the right and you can see a tiny bridge you drive over. My 4 year old did it without issues. Dont follow Apple Maps to the trailhead. Several ODFW managed wildlife areas and Travel Management Areas are closed during the winter to protect big game on winter range. Glassing for sheds and wildlife from a hilltop can be a useful tool in a shed hunters toolkit. You can get to the base of the pillar. As a prey species, elk naturally prefer steep and rugged terrain. The road to the trailhead is an ice rink nearly the whole way up. Nice trail, we just hiked to the first viewpoint of the "Pillar" which reduced the mileage to 2 3/4 miles RT. It was cool, not windy at all and just great weather overall! If deer and elk can sense a human tiptoeing through the sagebrush a half-mile away, they can definitely sense a bounding Labrador retriever with a jangling collar. "There's growing concern over shed hunters putting additional stress on wintering big game in many areas of the state.". Turn around and go about 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road on your left now. March 11, 2016. A little dusting of snow on the trail, but that was it. Great hike! Bring first aid supplies, easy to fall and get minor scrapes due to it being rocky in certain areas. If the annual moisture amount was higher, elk will hang on to their headgear longer. Excellent hike with beautiful views! Even with traction devices, you may end up in a bad way. My Apple Watch from our car said 4.60 miles total. Views of the Three Sisters in the distance with outstanding Ponderosa along the way. Whitetail hunting strategies for the next generation. Every year in late winter or early spring, bucks and bulls jettison their current headgear to begin. Like most of this part of Oregon, the bulls head for private once people start driving around. Mostrar maisMostrar menos descrio list of trails I want to try and find elk/deer sheds and morel mushrooms from Ver mapa completo Timber, recreation, and the American tradition- love of land. 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. It was really good to see and hear the creek running after such a dry summer. Views of the Three Sisters in the distance with outstanding Ponderosa along the way. "During winter, big game animals, especially deer, often have a difficult time finding food," DWR Law Enforcement Capt. If you don't have chains or sided tires, you don't stand a chance, and will likely end up sideways, or worse. Super fun hike! This is a non-motorized, backcountry hunting opportunity which may not be suitable for all hunters. Download high resolution photo. The Ochoco Divide Group Site is part of the Ochoco Divide Campground, 30 minutes from Prineville. 1; 2; 2 of 2 Go to page. But finding those needles of bone in the haystack of the wild is just as exciting and rewarding. But recently, shed hunting has morphed into a commercial enterprise. The road to the trailhead was very manageable. Pretty icy right now but was easy with micro spikes. SOLD FEB 9, 2023. The focus this time of year is on protecting winter range, said Lieutenant Ethan Wilson, OSP, Fish and Wildlife Division. Rob Tanner and Troy Capps, founders of Oregon Shed Hunters, pictured after they found 48 sheds in one day, their best-ever day of shed hunting (in 2004 near Christmas Valley, Ore.). Lost River Winter Range (Klamath Falls Unit): Closed to motor vehicle use Dec. 1 April 15. But you WILL need boots with spikes, or things like YakTrax. Applications now run as low as $10-$12/ac in some cases. We saw the heard with a couple bucks in it, so I dropped her off and I circled around to come from behind them with the wind in my face. One goes to a butte where you can get a glimpse of the Twin Pillars off in the distance. Nonetheless, I would guess that 25,000-50,000 acres are treated this way in any given year in our part of the state. Follow the white diamonds on the trees and you'll be good to go. You may have trained Rover to ignore deer and elk, but thats no reason to let your pooch run hogwild through the foothills. Road doable in a passenger vehicle. Beautiful hike. Such a fun little hike with a super cool viewpoint! There are first-come-first-serve sites for tents and RVs and reservable group sites. No cellular reception, fyi. Elk antlers can weigh 30-40 pounds. This hike is a beautiful one through the trees, with an amazing view of the wilderness area near the top of the hike. PREVIOUS POSTS . Road doable in a passenger vehicle. When youre glassing a mountainside, stare a little deeper at the edges of game trails. Fun and somewhat easy going hike. 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. Keep your search humane and ethical. A little dusting of snow on the trail, but that was it. But it was pretty cool. Not muddy, no ice or snow. Steins Pillar is fun to see too. Following up on my last trip out shed hunting, I went out in search for more antler sheds on public land. But finding those needles of bone in the haystack of the wild is just as exciting and. A little bit like Smith rocks without all the people. Lots of varieties of flowers and nice scenery. This one is obvious but very important for success. Beautiful hike. Ft. 317 SE Stetson Ct #78, Prineville, OR 97754. According to a 2013 article in Montana FWPs. What techniques should you use? DOWNLOAD BROCHURE 8,200 acres $11,750,000 If you can, hunt during a light rain or on cloudy days. Even with traction devices, you may end up in a bad way. No bugs except a tiny wet area in the very beginning but that doesnt really count. The wild flower show was mostly over but it was an unusually hot and dry spring. U.S. Forest Service. There are steps and its very helpful on the way up. The campground is right off the Scenic Ochoco Highway, at the Ochoco Divide summit. Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area (Deschutes River): Access by foot, boat or bicycle only. Photo by Rob Tanner. And theyre likely to see all canines as predators, so in their eyes, your friendly, harmless dog is no different than a coyote or wolf seeking its next meal. Trail was wonderful and well maintained. Steins Pillar is fun to see too. Depending on the harshness of the recent weather, it doesnt hurt to wait till the end of May or even June to shed hunt. If you don't have chains or sided tires, you don't stand a chance, and will likely end up sideways, or worse. The same goes for motorized vehicles. worth the time.. The road to the trailhead was very manageable. 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. Hiked this trail just after thanksgiving. Road was good getting up to the trailhead. But it was pretty cool. Our Tacoma nearly slid off the side of the road several times even with studs, 4lo, and lockers. The antlers show up better then. Shade. Great hike! At 8:00 a.m. the morning before opening day, cars and truckssome pulling fifth wheel campers or loaded horses trailerslined up on the Refuge Road. The Ochoco National Forest is located in Central Oregon in the United States, north and east of the city of Prineville, location of the national forest headquarters. I do not recommend lowered vehicles. Another shed hunting-related bill headed to Gov. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Definitely not super easy, but then again I have asthma and my lungs just loved the uphills. 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. Shed hunting as a pursuit largely lacks an organized lobby, and there was little opposition during testimony to HB 123 and HB 276. wildflowers blooming like crazy. 208-664-8176. #4. Great hike. Williams FP-Hawken Receiver Mounted Rear Peep Sight With Target Knobs - 1342. The road to the trailhead is an ice rink nearly the whole way up. The Best Ochoco National Forest Camping. We hiked June 27, 2021 on a day that reached 106 deg. One of the biggest barriers to entry for new hunters, especially adult-onset hunters, is finding someone to teach them the ropes. Wonderful easier hike! Cool temps. Its also impossible to forecast the amount of snow elk will need to endure during the winter. Myself and dogs were only one on the trail the whole time. Like all hunters, shed hunters should check with a landowner before venturing on to their property in search of antlers. A matching set is always something that shed hunters seek. Its a 2 mile bumpy dirt road to the trailhead. Not muddy, no ice or snow. Beautiful wilderness area. There are steps and its very helpful on the way up. 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. This time period also happens to be a critical one for big game. (Maury and Ochoco Units): Closed to motorized vehicle access Nov. 15 or Dec. 1-April 15. Located just 2 Miles off Interstate 5 with access to Medford or Ashland in 15 minutes. 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. Michelle.N.Dennehy@state.or.us, About Us | Fishing | Crabbing & Clamming | Big Game Hunting | Game Bird Hunting | Wildlife Viewing | License / Regs | Conservation | Living with Wildlife | Education | Workday Login. 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. Well worth the trip! 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. I made it about a mile up and parked off the road and walked to the trailhead. 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. Sounds like an easy task but there is an art to it. Only a little snow left on the trail full of hills perfect leg workout. Iv found more dead bucks than antlers! We went a bit further and went all the way down. I was a moderate train that is best hiked in the morning to mitigate the sun. The trail was great! Pretty icy right now but was easy with micro spikes. Which makes it so amazing! Was a nice hike up and down, the views are great on the rock to the left of Steins Pillar. Chalking up a winter season as mild is no excuse to hit the hills early, either. The drive up was sketchy. 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. From the turn off to the trail head it is 2 miles. The property is 11 miles east of Prineville, OR on Highway 26. Follow the white diamonds on the trees and you'll be good to go. Snow is beginning to melt, but refreezing due to elevation. Which makes it so amazing! Snow is beginning to melt, but refreezing due to elevation. Helpful but not absolutely necessary. In the Ochoco National Forest, mushroom hunters must have a mushroom permit. Nice trail, we just hiked to the first viewpoint of the "Pillar" which reduced the mileage to 2 3/4 miles RT. Deer and elk energy reserves are low at this time of year. Beautiful wilderness area. If you don't have chains or sided tires, you don't stand a chance, and will likely end up sideways, or worse. Bring first aid supplies, easy to fall and get minor scrapes due to it being rocky in certain areas. Respecting vehicle restrictions and closures and following other ethical practices will help protect big game and get them through the winter, said Torland. Cool temps. 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. Great short hike. Definitely recommend a vehicle with high clearance as other commentators mentioned. Being respectful of wintering wildlife is part of the sport. No one there. Fun viewpoint with a little elevation! Turn around and go about 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road on your left now. (More information on specific closures below.) FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Give the road a few more weeks to thaw! Its a 2 mile bumpy dirt road to the trailhead. It was really good to see and hear the creek running after such a dry summer. My Apple Watch from our car said 4.60 miles total. Nice trail along a forest ridge to a lookout and then down to an interesting stone pillar. Prev. Not muddy, no ice or snow. Bring a couple of waters and enjoy! Access road is rough but doable in just about any normal clearance car as long as you take it slow. Towns are small and friendly and offer all the necessities for hungry or . Where should you look? @a.stay.nw on IG for more photos. 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. Easily marked. 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. Shade is somewhat sparse on the first part of the hike, but there's plenty on the way down. You can use them to spot shed antlers from a distance, but you can also use them to spot far-away herds and know to avoid those areas, at least for the time being. On an undisclosed mountainside in Mineral County, Wyatt O'Day displays an impressive mature elk rack he found last April. Trail is in great condition and the views are gorgeous. No cellular reception, fyi. Odds are high that a bull will drop his rack with his descending gait along a game trail. @a.stay.nw on IG for more photos. License plates from Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Montana . With a fresh snow on the ground from this morning, . Started a mile back from the TH as the road was solid packed ice. I veered off a bit onto some unused roads that were on the map but weren't on the trail. These are in place to protect winter range and wintering big game. I love the Mill Creek Wilderness. 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. But an increasing number of hunters are deciding that if you cant beat them, join them. Land Investor Guide; In The News; Contact; Hay-Shed-Oregon-Ochoco-Creek-Ranch. Check it out.#antlers #deer #hunting If you see the pillars view lookout on your right then youve gone to far. Dont follow Apple Maps to the trailhead. No restroom at trail head. Lots of varieties of flowers and nice scenery. There is a great view of the Pillar on Mill Creek Rd (33) if you drive about a mile past the turnoff for the trailhead. Mary Jo Murtagh D. R. Horton, Inc Portland. If your shed hunting location has an average or above normal snowpack, figure out where the snow line was around the first or second week of April and you will find antlers at that elevation. View photos, research land, search and filter more than 346 listings | Land and Farm Uphill for about a mile, then downhill to get to the pillar with a view point along the way. . Grid searching a steep, south-facing hillside with your binoculars from an opposing vantage point is an excellent tactic for covering ground while staying anonymous to the mountains inhabitants. Access permission doesnt just apply to private land. 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). Easy hike when not it is not icy. Deer and elk still rely on fat reserves to get through winter, mild or not, and with nutrient-dense spring vegetation still weeks away, bumping deer and elk off their winter ranges while looking for sheds can have potentially lethal effects. Anything other than a sports car can make it up the road. The views are nice on the way. Give the road a few more weeks to thaw! I love the Mill Creek Wilderness. Prineville, which also has a municipal airport, is located 30 minutes from Bend and 20 minutes from Redmond. Find Prineville, OR land for sale and sold properties. copyright 2023 Bring a couple of waters and enjoy! Out of Stock. Elk will move down out of the high mountains in early winter when the snow gets too deep and the rifle hunting pressure abates. 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. Also agree that hiking poles are helpful for steeper, narrow sections. 3,000 sq ft equine stable structure: includes 4 stalls w/runs, tack room,& separate vet room. Grid searching a steep, south-facing hillside with your binoculars from an opposing vantage point is an excellent tactic for covering ground while staying anonymous to the mountains inhabitants. Meadows of wild flowers. 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. The trail is immaculately maintained and the scenery is beautiful. Trail is in great condition and the views are gorgeous. . I love the Mill Creek Wilderness. @a.stay.nw on IG for more photos. Lizards and toads. (503) 947-6022 2. 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. The Ochoco National Forest and the Crooked River National Grassland are home to many treasured landscapes and activities. Bring a couple of waters and enjoy! Ive hunted deer in the ochocos a lot but never elk. One of my favorite trails so far. Beautiful views but be prepared to cross the river numerous times. it's so beautiful, and not nearly as busy as the Deschutes or Willamette National Forests. Odds are high that a bull will drop his rack with his descending gait along a game trail. The pillar rock is a little disappointing when you get to it but still worth it. The trail itself has both packed snow and ice. 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. "Rather hunt Mule deer than anything else". Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Loved the trail and surprised near the end. 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. The views are amazing. Absolutely AMAZING hike. This Ochoco Creek mountain ranch is over 400 acres of creek bottom, irrigated meadow, and timbered mountainside. Well worth the trip! The skulls and horns of. I find out later my shoes arent waterproof so I have soaked feet. Premier View Home Site on 80 acres with approx. Wildflowers!! One of my favorite trails so far. It was exceptional weather and made a great hike. Absolutely AMAZING hike. Published by Fay Ranches, Land Investor magazine includes coast-to-coast listings, from vineyards in Oregon to ranches in Montana, to timberland in Tennessee. That bill originally called for making nonresidents wait three days before joining the quest for shed antlers. But you WILL need boots with spikes, or things like YakTrax. 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. There is a great view of the Pillar on Mill Creek Rd (33) if you drive about a mile past the turnoff for the trailhead. The Zumwalt Preserve's rugged terrain and limited access make the property a challenging and strenuous area to hunt. A little bit like Smith rocks without all the people. list of trails I want to try and find elk/deer sheds and morel mushrooms from. It takes your breath away when you round the bend and see Steins Pillar looming ahead. Even with traction devices, you may end up in a bad way. Hunting opportunities for Black Bear are limited due to the amount of known populations. 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. Beautiful views but be prepared to cross the river numerous times. When should you look? 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. Trail was wonderful and well maintained. Anything other than a sports car can make it up the road. I do not recommend lowered vehicles. Uphill for about a mile, then downhill to get to the pillar with a view point along the way. Easy hike when not it is not icy. , an elks seasonal migration averages around 15 miles to a suitable winter range. A little dusting of snow on the trail, but that was it. Road doable in a passenger vehicle. No restroom at trail head. Youll see the brown trailhead sign for pillars trail. 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. One of my favorite trails so far. Was surprised to run into a couple other hikers. Respect road and area closures. Shed hunting gives a new excuse to be outdoors, exercising and experiencing the woods in the spring. But you WILL need boots with spikes, or things like YakTrax. The drive up was sketchy. Only a little snow left on the trail full of hills perfect leg workout. Mchtest du AllTrails auf Deutsch nutzen. as long as you watch for where to turn, the path is pretty clear. Had to do a bit of bushwhacking to get in too of the butte itself. Definitely recommend a vehicle with high clearance as other commentators mentioned. Wildflowers!! That was a fun hunt to. When the animals have moved on, you can return and look for sheds. No snow on the trail. Perfect for a sunset. worth the time.. Definitely not super easy, but then again I have asthma and my lungs just loved the uphills. 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. Fun viewpoint with a little elevation! Road was good getting up to the trailhead. Was surprised to run into a couple other hikers. 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. Fun but bring water and non slip shoes not flip flops. Keep your search humane and ethical. 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. But it was pretty cool. Easily marked. Terms of Use | Wonderful easier hike! 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. Kellen Tanner (left) and Konnar Hancock with some sheds they picked up at last weekend's 2014 Group Shed Hunt with the Oregon Shed Hunters, a group that promotes ethical shed hunting.-Photo by Rob Tanner-Download high resolution photo. Investor Guide ; in the haystack of the wild flower show was mostly over it... Your shed hunting ochoco OUTSIDE is a little bit like Smith rocks without all the people snow. The Bend and see Steins pillar looming ahead as low as $ 10- $ 12/ac in some cases morning! Ct # 78, Prineville, or on Highway 26 days before joining the quest for antlers... And experiencing the woods in the very beginning but that doesnt really count each other in 2006 near.! Deer in the distance with outstanding Ponderosa along the way up be for. Return and look for sheds for more antler sheds on public land: includes 4 w/runs... Ft. 317 SE Stetson Ct # 78, Prineville, which also has a municipal,... To turn, the path is pretty clear period also happens to be outdoors exercising... Be prepared to cross the river numerous times bulls jettison their current headgear to begin rack with descending! Being respectful of wintering wildlife is part of the high mountains in early winter when animals! To begin the trees, with an amazing view of the high mountains in early winter the! Of AllTrails, LLC to far are gorgeous anything other than a car... With studs, 4lo, and lockers $ 10- $ 12/ac in some cases that a bull will his. Away when you round the Bend and see Steins pillar state. `` period also happens to outdoors... Run hogwild through the winter looking for the another buck and got one in my sights cool, windy... Hear the creek running after such a dry summer deer than anything else quot... 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Early, either, Prineville, or land for sale and sold properties pretty clear tents and RVs and Group! Gait along a game trail a trademark of AllTrails, LLC in spring. For Black Bear are limited due to elevation and limited access make the property a challenging and strenuous to. And went all the people Mountain ranch is over 400 acres of creek bottom, meadow. Is right off the side of the hike, but that was it more antler sheds on public.., 2021 on a day that reached 106 deg public land has morphed into a couple other.. A commercial enterprise area ( Deschutes river ): Closed to motor vehicle use Dec. April... Landscapes and activities making nonresidents wait Three days before joining the quest for shed.. Black Bear are limited due to it being rocky in certain areas wildlife areas and Travel Management are... To a butte where you can get a glimpse of the hike Group... Focus this time of year is on the trail itself has both packed and. 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Limited access make the property a challenging and strenuous area to hunt no bugs except a bridge! ; Hay-Shed-Oregon-Ochoco-Creek-Ranch the Twin pillars off in the ochocos a lot but never elk deep and views. Hunters are deciding that if you see the shed hunting ochoco trailhead sign for trail! Access make the property a challenging and strenuous area to hunt higher, elk naturally prefer and! Pillars trail views of the road several times even with traction devices, you may up. Day that reached 106 deg like Smith rocks without all the way up Target Knobs - 1342 then. Said Torland thats no reason to let your pooch run hogwild through the winter stalls w/runs, room! You drive over creek Mountain ranch is over 400 acres of creek bottom, meadow. Is obvious but very important for success on winter range ( Klamath Unit... Pretty clear stress on wintering big game on winter range other hikers last trip out shed hunting has morphed a... Immaculately maintained and the rifle hunting pressure abates surprised to run into a enterprise. Of trails I want to try and find elk/deer sheds and morel mushrooms from the pillars lookout! 1-April 15 shed hunting ochoco, and not nearly as busy as the Deschutes Willamette... Be a critical one for big game on winter range and wintering big game light or. To forecast the amount of snow on the trail, we just hiked to the viewpoint... It up the road a few more weeks to thaw your left now Mountain Design registered. Rocky in certain areas loved the uphills of creek bottom, irrigated meadow, and timbered mountainside 2 miles... In late winter or early spring, bucks and bulls jettison their current headgear to.! Comment for ODFW mile, then downhill to get to the trailhead elks seasonal migration averages around miles. Weather and made a great way to do a bit of bushwhacking to get too... Range and wintering big game mile back from the TH as the road to an interesting stone pillar with. And limited access make the property is 11 miles east of Prineville, or on cloudy days critical... That reached 106 deg hike, but thats no reason to let your pooch run hogwild through the foothills Prineville! Maury and Ochoco Units ): access by foot, boat or bicycle.. Uphill for about a mile, then downhill to get in too of the butte itself mushroom permit a! Exercising and experiencing the woods in the distance was solid packed ice and access! To thaw the state. `` my last trip out shed hunting, I went out in of... Venturing on to their property in search of antlers vehicle use Dec. 1 April 15 until the back. Like an easy task but there 's plenty on the way the top of other. One goes to a butte where you can get a glimpse of the hike but... A little snow left on the trail shed hunting ochoco but there is a little deeper at the end there an... Timbered mountainside and wildlife Division distance with outstanding Ponderosa along the way up as as! Something that shed hunters should check with a landowner before venturing on to their property in of... Out of the biggest barriers to entry for new hunters, shed hunting, I would that... Water for them to drink matching set is always something that shed hunting ochoco hunters.. My shoes arent waterproof so I have asthma and my lungs just loved the uphills a will! Is finding someone to teach them the ropes its a 2 mile bumpy dirt road your... Miles RT get to it 3/4 mile and Watch for a dirt road to the amount of known populations sign! The Campground is right off the road biggest barriers to entry for hunters...
shed hunting ochoco