Hunters considering Unit 56 - Wenaha in Oregon praise its distinct challenges and opportunities, highlighting steep terrain and the necessity for thorough preparation, whether hunting with a rifle or bow. Experienced hunters recommend using guides due to the demanding landscape and emphasize the importance of fitness and scouting to succeed with this limited tag. Rifle hunts can vary from bow hunts in pressure and bull vocalization, but both offer rewarding experiences with the right groundwork. For those looking into this unit, understanding draw odds remains complex, and accessing detailed applicant data is crucial for planning; however, limitations in Oregon's transparency can complicate decision-making.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 320"-350" | 360"+ |
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Bordering Washington on the west side of the Grande Ronde River, this unit offers hunting for mountain goats, elk, mule deer and whitetails.
Containing part of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, this unit offers trophy-size mountain goats, elk, mule deer and whitetail deer.
The southern tip, near the town of Elgin, is farmland along the Grande Ronde River, stretching about a dozen miles to the north. Foothills of the Blue Mountains in the Umatilla National Forest start in the south on the western edge and rise to high mountains farther north, culminating in the steep, rough terrain of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, which borders Washington and also contains part of the Wenaha Wild and Scenic River, which cuts a steep gorge through the wilderness. There are some steep breaks along the Grande Ronde River, as well as some bench land above the river
Most of the National Forest land is forested by spruces, firs, pines, larches, hemlock and other conifers. The foothills have a lot of ponderosa pines growing in groves, clumps and sparsely timberland along with Douglas firs. Many slopes, especially south-facing slopes are grassy. Sagebrush and bunchgrass are the main plants on benches, flats and rolling ridges. Deciduous trees grow along waterways, and those include birches, willows and cottonwoods.
Roughly 413 square miles
73% public land
Elevations from 1,700-5,600 feet
There is good access to most public land. Many roads that serve the Umatilla National Forest are open to street-legal vehicles only. Some are closed seasonally, and others are closed permanently, such as in a 17-square-miles area along the eastern edge of the National Forest in the northeast corner of the unit. Hunting is allowed on the 12,419-acre Wenaha Wildlife Area. No vehicles are allowed in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, which occupies much of the northern half of the unit. Consult the game department’s travel management area maps for details on other road closures and access routes.
Camping is restricted to designated areas on some the Umatilla National Forest. The Forest Service publishes details on campsites online here. Lodging is available in Elgin in the southern tip of the unit. Options include Stampede Inn (phone: 541-437-2441) and Hu-Na-Ha RV Park (phone: 541-786-1662).