Hunters with experience in Unit 69 – Steens Mountain, Oregon, emphasize the importance of thorough preparation and strategic hunting tactics. For those with high points, draw odds have traditionally been favorable, but competition and point creep should be monitored. The unit's vastness can be both a challenge and an opportunity; hunters suggest avoiding crowded roads and opting for hard-to-access areas, especially those near private land, to improve the chance of encountering bigger bucks. Scouting ahead, understanding terrain variances, and focusing on timing—such as hunting towards the end of the season as bucks begin to move—are key strategies shared by seasoned hunters. Additionally, hunters interested in mentorship or partnerships may find existing community willingness to share knowledge and collaborate.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 240"-270" | 280"+ |
| Antelope | 68"-73" | 80"+ |
| California Bighorn Sheep | 150"-160" | 170"+ |
High
Low
One of Oregon’s best-known game management units, Steens Mountains offers high desert hunting, some of it far from roads open to motor vehicles. Elk, mule deer, antelope and California bighorn sheep provide good hunting.
This area offers high-quality animals because tags are limited, and much of the area is roadless or has limited vehicle access.
The unit includes Steens Mountains and the 170,000-acre-plus Steens Mountain Wilderness, one of the most pristine desert areas in America. Steens Mountain itself is a large, arid mountain characterized by tilted slopes that end with escarpments dropping off to the bottom of the next slope. Cliffs make ideal escape habitat for California bighorn sheep and mule deer. The rest of the unit is mostly composed of low hills and desert flats along with some large marshes. Malheur Lake and the 187,000-acre Malheur National Wildlife Refuge around it lie in the northern and along the western edge.
Most land is controlled by the BLM and is open to hunting. Antelope and deer may be hunted in a small part of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and waterfowl hunting has been temporarily shut down on most of the refuge due to cyclical drought. No vehicles are allowed in the Steens Mountain Wilderness. Many roads are closed in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area, which contains more than 428,000 acres of public land and many private tracts as well. Roads that have remained open include Cold Springs, Steens Mountain Backcountry, Newton Cabin to Big Indian Creek, parts of Bone Creek and Fish Creek.
Sagebrush and desert grasses cover much of the unit with larger shrubs and trees, particularly junipers, serviceberries, aspens and mountain mahoganies, growing on some slopes and in draws and canyons. Malheur Lake and the surrounding Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is in the northern part and along the eastern edge and has large marshes full of cattails, bulrushes, sedges and other marsh plants along with desert lowlands and rimrock.
Roughly 1,913 square miles
64% public land
Elevations from 4,000-9,700 feet
At least four campgrounds are in or near Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protective Area. Lodging is available in Burns. The private Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort offers tent sites and 37 RV sites.