Elk Hunting Oregon's Tioga Unit


My brother and I went hunting for roosevelt elk in Oregon's Tioga unit in November of 2010. 

It was our first time hunting the unit, so we weren't sure exactly what we were getting ourselves into, but we had heard good things about it.

My brother knows some folks from work that have hunted the Tioga unit successfully, so we hoped to glean from them any info they were willing to give up about the habits and habitat of the elk in the area.

One of my brother's buddies actually got up early to guide us on the first day, even though he did not have a tag for the area.  We were very appreciative of this, and learned a lot from this accomplished hunter - Thanks Gary!


We mainly hunted the Northeastern corner of the Tioga Unit. This territory is characterized by forests of douglas firs and western hemlock that shoot up into the fog, finding root on steep slopes.

There is a thick layer of undergrowth.  Some of the common plants in the undergrowth are sword ferns, vine maple, and salal.

At first, we only saw a few old elk tracks here and there. As we continued to hunt the area, we were able to find fresher and fresher elk tracks. 

Finally, on the last evening of the hunt, about 15 minutes before dark, we spotted some elk that had come over the top of a big ridge about 400 yards away.

My heart was pounding so hard, I couldn't hold my binoculars still enough to see.

We glassed as best as we could in the fading light, and didn't see any horns before the elk went out of view.

So, we didn't get an elk, but we had a great time. I really enjoyed the time I spent with my brother. Oregon's coastal mountains are beautiful and mysterious.

We covered lots of ground, saw many blacktail bucks and does rutting. I wish we would have taken some pictures of that. Doh!

We also found some interesting rock formations.


I believe this is sandstone.  It has a little cave at the base. When we got a little closer to it we saw a wild animal inside, well camouflaged in it's natural environment. We snapped a quick photo in hopes you might be able to help us identify the creature.


On our way back to the cabin on several occasions, we saw wild turkeys out in the fields next to the roads. Here is a line-up for you.


Happy Hunting & Tight Lines!
~nimrod243

12 comments:

  1. Thanks for the posting Nimrod. Love the pics. Had a great time on the hunt. Just thinking about it brings that fresh moist air back into my nostrils. Love to see the new places Oregon has out there to explore.
    Watchouttrout

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  2. Not a problem Watchout.Trout. Sorry it took me so long to post something about it. I had a great time as well.

    I keep wondering if we'd have killed us a big bull if we'd have stayed another night...

    We'll have another chance.

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  3. looks like you had a blast!! great blog, you got a new follower

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  4. @Dustin's Fly Box

    Welcome to My Hunting & Fishing.
    Great to have you along for the drift!

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  5. Interesting read. I just put in for an elk hunting tag here in Kentucky. I'll scan your blog for some tips in case I win one.

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  6. JGR Welcome to the show! Glad you found it interesting. Hope you are able to find something helpful at My Hunting & Fishing.

    Good Luck with your elk tag!

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  7. Good read. I've been hunting the Tioga unit for 18yrs & have yet to explore the entire unit. LOTS of land. Started as a family tradition 50yrs ago to go hunting there, and it still is. Lots of elk and challenging terrain invites you back for another season. Last we got a nice 4x5 and seen 50+ elk with 5-6 bulls. There's been years where we see one or two cows, just the way it is.

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  8. Sounds like you have done very well! I believe my brother is going to be hunting the area again this year, so I will let you know how he does. Thanks for your comment!

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  9. 37 years hunting Tioga. Wolves are now there.

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    Replies
    1. lol I live in the tioga unit with livestock wolves there are not yet lmao

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  10. I prefer Colorado elk hunting, I just like the landscape more. I've had more success there anyways.

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  11. Good work on this post! I really like the way you delivered your qualitative facts and how you made this fascinating and effortless to realize. Thank you!!

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