Oregon Trad. only Deer?

[Wyostikbo]

I'm looking for info on the Oregon unit 168R trad bow only deer hunt. It is in the Trout Creek Mtns. I live in Wyoming but I have family in Oregon. It would be nice to find a place in between to meet up. Plus I would like to hunt where there are like minded people. Any info would be appreciated (country, deer numbers, public land, non-res info, etc).
Thanks, Brent

[Outwest]

Wyo.
I believe it is a high desert type of country. Lots of sage with parts of it being fairly steep and rugged.
It is one of those units that used to be Oregons premier mule deer hunting. However in the past 15 or so years the deer population has gone down hill considerably and big bucks have been very hard to find. I believe that much of the unit is public land.
I will say that I have never hunted it but know people that have and before moving to Wa. I lived in Oregon for some 35 years.
Wish I had more detailed info for you but this is all that I know.

Good luck.

John

[brackshooter]

Wyo-
Outwest is right about much of it.  VERY steep and rugged country, lots of mahogany and juniper, aspens in the creek bottoms.  Lots of fish to catch in Trout Creek.  Its true that the hunting there is not as good as it used to be, it remains a top place to hunt, at least in my opinion.  The drought in the 90s hurt the deer population, but the last few wetter winters have helped the population a lot.  Many of the deer spend time near the alfalfa fields early in the season before they realize they are being hunted, and then move into the canyons.  The landowners there are notoriously bad tempered about letting hunters on their land, but hunting the edges can be great.  Get ready for hot, dusty and steep hunting, but you can be rewarded with some huge deer.  My uncle and dad hunted there for years with rifle, and my uncle has taken a few 175"ish bucks in there.  

brackshooter

[Roadkill]

a guy was in the shop this Sat and we discussed this hunt-he said nonresidents wait for years.  don't know jus twhat I heard. the area is just north of central NV so it is hot dry and steep.  get good glass and great boots.  luck to you

[Wyostikbo]

Thanks for the input guys. Sounds a lot like Wyoming as far as the country goes. I might take a little detour up that way next time I head to Oregon. I can't figure the non-res part out. The regs say unlimited permits, but that's for resident. I guess I'll give them a call and find out for sure.