The road to the trailhead is an ice rink nearly the whole way up. Started a mile back from the TH as the road was solid packed ice. Modern optics can be your friend for shed hunting, just like they are when hunting. This time period also happens to be a critical one for big game. Fun viewpoint with a little elevation! Nice trail along a forest ridge to a lookout and then down to an interesting stone pillar. 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. Some activity but wasn't packed. If you can, hunt during a light rain or on cloudy days. Phillip W Schneider Wildlife Area (Dayville): Closed to public access Feb. 1 - April 14, some roads closed seasonally from Dec. 1-April 14. I was a moderate train that is best hiked in the morning to mitigate the sun. Lizards and toads. This property has it all. @a.stay.nw on IG for more photos. Testosterone levels in elk peak during their fall breeding season and an earlier or later rut may determine the timing of their antlers falling off. But the last 2 miles of dirt road to the trailhead are not great - doable but tough in a regular SUV. wildflowers blooming like crazy. He was unable to recover the elk that night but returned with the landowner the following morning to continue the search. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. I kept looking for the another buck and got one in my sights. There are first-come-first-serve sites for tents and RVs and reservable group sites. The road to the trailhead is an ice rink nearly the whole way up. Myself and dogs were only one on the trail the whole time. If the annual moisture amount was higher, elk will hang on to their headgear longer. Uphill for about a mile, then downhill to get to the pillar with a view point along the way. The road to the trailhead is an ice rink nearly the whole way up. Turn around and go about 3/4 mile and watch for a dirt road on your left now. Trail was clear of snow and there was a couple patches of mud- but easily walked around. Fun small rock scrambling at the end for novices. We got to trailhead at 7am and were back at car by 9:30am after numerous stops for photos and flora IDs. Such a fun little hike with a super cool viewpoint! Great hike! The countryside is gorgeous, altering between rolling hills, to tree-covered mountains and deep winding canyons. Contact Us. There are steps and its very helpful on the way up. Follow the white diamonds on the trees and you'll be good to go. If you don't have chains or sided tires, you don't stand a chance, and will likely end up sideways, or worse. It takes you miles past it and up another right turn dirt 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. Pretty easy terrain. As soon as I saw deer in the thick trees, I was looking for a buck them bam, she shot. Lots of varieties of flowers and nice scenery. The information, part of an article in NDA's Quality Whitetails magazine, included these useful tips for locating sheds: 1. Perfect for a sunset. Shed hunting is the pursuit for antlers cast off by members of the deer (cervidae) family. The trail was great! Ochoco National Forest. 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. Views of the Three Sisters in the distance with outstanding Ponderosa along the way. There are steps and its very helpful on the way up. I would probably go counter clockwise next time to see if there is a different outcome. Back on Feb. 2, Punxsutawney Phil aka, the fuzzy little varmint that miraculously forecasts the winter-spring transition on Groundhogs Day indicated there would be another six weeks of winter this year. Great hike! We hiked June 27, 2021 on a day that reached 106 deg. The Ochoco Mountains were formed by 300 to 200-million-year-old rock that was slowly uplifted by volcanic eruptions. So when the weather starts warming and the snows start melting, it's time to get into the woods and start shed hunting. Fun up and down grade. The road to the trailhead was very manageable. Photos courtesy of Oregon Shed Hunters. No bugs except a tiny wet area in the very beginning but that doesnt really count. The antlers show up better then. Ft. 317 SE Stetson Ct #78, Prineville, OR 97754. Well, its more of a slightly faded, brownish gold. Trail was clear of snow and there was a couple patches of mud- but easily walked around. The wild flower show was mostly over but it was an unusually hot and dry spring. One small water crossing in the beginning. 6 Shed-Hunting Tips. 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. Skulls that are split have less value and are not eligible for record books. Enforcing these regulations is a priority for Oregon State Police. 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. The wild flower show was mostly over but it was an unusually hot and dry spring. A Hide/Antler Dealer permit ($17) is needed to purchase antlers for use in the manufacture of handcrafted items. 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. We were the only people on the trail on a weekday. Hunting opportunities for Black Bear are limited due to the amount of known populations. No restroom at trail head. Snow is beginning to melt, but refreezing due to elevation. No snow and amazing views. 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). But it was pretty cool. 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. Elk are vulnerable in the early spring after enduring a long, cold winter. Also remember that during winter, the bucks (and by association, their antlers) typically arent hanging around the does, which tend to be down at lower elevations. Hunters from all over the country flock to Oregon -- one of the premiere elk hunting regions in the United States. 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. My 4 year old did it without issues. A little bit like Smith rocks without all the people. Perfect for a sunset. Helpful but not absolutely necessary. I find out later my shoes arent waterproof so I have soaked feet. Road is on the right and you can see a tiny bridge you drive over. Find Prineville, OR land for sale and sold properties. 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. Dont follow Apple Maps to the trailhead. Dont follow Apple Maps to the trailhead. (Maury and Ochoco Units): Closed to motorized vehicle access Nov. 15 or Dec. 1-April 15. Our Tacoma nearly slid off the side of the road several times even with studs, 4lo, and lockers. No bugs except a tiny wet area in the very beginning but that doesnt really count. It takes you miles past it and up another right turn dirt road. Elk antlers begin re-growing soon after they are shed, with most growth happening in spring and summer months. Shed hunting is a popular activity and an exciting remedy for cabin fever. No one there. Super fun hike! Its also impossible to forecast the amount of snow elk will need to endure during the winter. Tumalo Winter Range (Upper Deschutes Unit): Closed to all motor vehicle use Dec. 1 - March 31. The views are nice on the way. Trailhead was busy on Fourth of July but there was still parking. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. @a.stay.nw on IG for more photos. Check your state and local regulations for shed hunting seasons and management area closures. But the last 2 miles of dirt road to the trailhead are not great - doable but tough in a regular SUV. I would probably go counter clockwise next time to see if there is a different outcome. As an elk hunting guide for almost half of my life, Ive cultivated this land into my office. Timber, recreation, and the American tradition- love of land. We had three cows that followed the path with us though they kept a good distance ahead of us. Which makes it so amazing! Access road is rough but doable in just about any normal clearance car as long as you take it slow. It was exceptional weather and made a 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. Nice, mostly shaded (morning) hike with diverse plants and trees. Creeks, fences, ditches, roads, and thick overhanging branches are all great places to find sheds hanging around. 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. We were the only people on the trail on a weekday. Great hike! Climbed to the pillar it was great! Beautiful quiet trail that is easy to navigate and not too strenuous. Pretty icy right now but was easy with micro spikes. One of the biggest barriers to entry for new hunters, especially adult-onset hunters, is finding someone to teach them the ropes. Trail was wonderful and well maintained. From the turn off to the trail head it is 2 miles. These days, a collector can get around. Deer usually shed theirs from late December through March, and elk from late February through early April. Dont follow Apple Maps to the trailhead. Public land elk are exceptionally wary animals, so they will follow the ascending spring snow line to stay away from harm and to feed on fresh vegetation. What techniques should you use? Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area (Maury and Ochoco Units): Closed to motorized vehicle access Nov. 15 - Dec. 1. The Ochoco Divide Group Site is part of the Ochoco Divide Campground, 30 minutes from Prineville. We hiked on a Sunday morning and we passed several other hikers. There are clear stretches. It has enjoyable views throughout the trail. It takes your breath away when you round the bend and see Steins Pillar looming ahead. Pretty easy terrain. After their antlers drop off, male deer, elk and moose will start growing new ones this spring. Some activity but wasn't packed. Beautiful quiet trail that is easy to navigate and not too strenuous. Steep South Coming down is very treacherous for unprepared vehicles. According to a 2013 article in Montana FWPs Montana Outdoors, an elks seasonal migration averages around 15 miles to a suitable winter range. When the animals have moved on, you can return and look for sheds. It takes your breath away when you round the bend and see Steins Pillar looming ahead. Its a 2 mile bumpy dirt road to the trailhead. The argument could be made that this is, in part, because of leasing. Here are some last minute tips, when you begin to find sheds start your . Beautiful scenery along the ridge. Myself and dogs were only one on the trail the whole time. Easy hike when not it is not icy. My 4 year old did it without issues. Road doable in a passenger vehicle. Pretty easy terrain. SOLD FEB 9, 2023. The general elk hunting season begins in October and the rugged terrain is home to two types of elk, Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt. Elk are tough to pattern because they seldom follow a daily routine, but they do value a simpler path up and down the mountains, especially during the winter. 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. Terms of Use | 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. A little dusting of snow on the trail, but that was it. Fun and somewhat easy going hike. Helpful but not absolutely necessary. Last year's estimated spring harvest of 6,589 turkeys was up 17.7 percent from the previous year, the highest harvest on record. No one there. Shed hunt responsibly to protect big game. People who collect shed antlers are allowed to sell or exchange them, but certain rules apply.
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