Hunters discussing Unit 34 in Oregon's Upper Deschutes express skepticism about the state's estimated buck-to-doe ratios and total deer population, suggesting potential inaccuracies in management data, especially considering past harvest rates. There is concern about high hunter pressure, especially with over-the-counter bull tags, exacerbated by overlapping environmental and human factors such as development encroaching on migration routes and winter ranges, and ineffective population counting methods. The sentiment reflects frustration with current wildlife management strategies and highlights the impact of environmental changes and human activity on local mule deer populations. Hunters suggest improved counting methods, such as infrared flyovers, to gain more accurate insights and support sustainable management plans.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 220"-240" | 260"+ |
High
Low
Three Sisters Wilderness with several peaks exceeding 10,000 feet are on the western edge of this unit, which holds elk and mule deer in the Cascade Mountains, their foothills and high desert terrain.
This unit receives intense elk hunting pressure and has low elk numbers, combining to make this one of the most difficult units in the state for punching a bull tag. Mule deer hunting is better due to controlled tag numbers.
Spruces, pines and firs cover most of the Cascade Mountains except for the alpine meadows and rocky slopes above timberline in the Three Sisters Wilderness. The foothills are mainly covered with ponderosa pines and Douglas firs with junipers taking over at lower elevations. Browse plants and grasses grow wherever there are openings in timber, and those include sagebrush and bitterbrush. Alders and willows grow along some creeks.
On the western edge are the peaks of the Three Sisters Wilderness, including 10,085-foot North Star, 10,358-foot South Sister and 10,052-foot Middle Sister. Timberline is at about 7,000 feet though a few stringers of trees are as high as 7,600 feet or so. Below the Three Sisters are mountains and ridges of the Cascade Mountains. Foothills and steep breaks lead to high desert flat lands, rolling terrain and a few lava beds. Some free standing volcanic cones stand above the high desert. There are some lakes and reservoirs, such as Wickiup Reservoir, elevation 4,338 feet. The towns of Redmond and Bend are on the eastern edge, Redmond at the northeastern corner and Bend on bends of the Deschutes River. Many farm fields are on both sides of the river between Bend and Redmond.
Roughly 1,403 square miles
74% public land
Elevations from 3,100-10,400 feet
Hunters may camp almost anywhere on public land, but keep in mind that hunters need free permits to camp inside the Three Sisters Wilderness. Many campgrounds are available, including several along the Deschutes River south of Bend and about 50 campgrounds in the Cascade Mountains and in the southern and northern ends. Horseback hunters might enjoy Quinn Meadow Horse Camp, which is designed to accommodate visitors with horses and is near many trails. A popular place to camp is Crescent Lake, where no less than 10 campgrounds are on its shores. One of those campgrounds is Crescent Lake Campground, which is open year round, weather permitting. Bend and Redmond have lodging. Some unique options include Lara House Bed & Breakfast and The Riverhouse.
Most of this unit is in the Deschutes National Forest. Free maps can be downloaded from the Forest Service’s website here. Part of the Three Sisters Wilderness, which covers more than 281,000 acres, is along the western border. Free Forest Service access permits are required to enter the Three Sisters Wilderness between Memorial Day and Oct. 31. Nonwilderness parts of the National Forest are well-served by roads that are open to all motor vehicles although some rough trails are more easily traveled by ATV. The BLM has adopted a plan on developing the 32,000-acre Cline Buttes Recreation Area west of Redmond and is developing trails for ATV riders, mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders. Hunting is allowed. Target shooting is not allowed in an eastern part of the area.