A mule deer with its antlers still covered with velvet during the summer.

A broad variety of wildlife in varying landscapes makes Wallowa County a great destination for hunters. The county touches seven wildlife management units.

During fall, deer and elk are the most popular big-game animals to pursue for both firearm and archery seasons. There are also seasons to take trophies – like bighorn sheep, mountain goat and cougar. Outside of big game, people can go after birds like duck, goose, turkey, grouse, pheasant, chukar and quail.

Big game hunter can choose between two types of hunts: easy recreational outings in the Sled Springs and Chesnimnus units, where vehicle access is usually possible; or the backcountry hunt, in Minam, Imnaha, Wenaha and Snake River units. The terrain in the backcountry is rugged and remote. Several spots are only reachable on horseback or on foot, tugging heavy backpacks with all the gear.

Local outfitters can help visitors organize an outdoors trip. You can pick up the latest word on animals and unit conditions through the Sports Corral in Joseph, a hub for hunters. In Enterprise, the USFS Visitors Center and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) district are often frequented by hunters searching for information or maps. You can pick up free hunting regulations, and have questions answered on animal populations and hunter success. They also give directions and advice regarding everything from weather forecasts to appropriate clothing.

Outfitters offer tips, pack the camping gear for the stay, drive to the unit and drop off the hunter with or without a guide. They return at the designated time and pack out any kills.

Pursuing big game requires a hunting license and a tag specific to the dates, area and species. For the most part, tags are released in a controlled drawing with a deadline to apply. All deer tags are distributed that way. For example, applications for deer tags in 2008 were due May 15.

Elk hunting and northeast Oregon are linked together in the minds of many sportsmen throughout the state, who annually make the trek here in quest of the big wapiti.

In the spring, Wallowa County is home to some of the best bear hunting in the state.

Bird huntingWhile it’s true that big antlers make great trophies, visitors have a pretty darned good time hunting birds, too. Upland birds include waterfowl, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, chukar partridge, rooster pheasant and California quail. Northeast Oregon also recently adopted a turkey season in the fall and turkey are plentiful. Spruce grouse, however, are protected and killing them is illegal.

The seasons begin late in the summer and carry on though January. “It’s a nice time of year to be out: late summer, early fall,” ODFW biologist Pat Mathews said. “The birds are abundant throughout the county. People can go out, set camp, hike around and do some bird hunting.”

Around Wallowa County, private land is the most common ground for hunting waterfowl, but permission from the landowner is required.

Next door in Union County, the ODFW manages the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area – the largest hard-stem bulrush wetland remaining in northeast Oregon. Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area spreads over 6,000 acres, half of which are marsh, and is open to the public during hunting season. The rest of the year, access is limited in order to protect nesting and migration.

Hunters planning on going to Ladd Marsh should call ODFW at 541-963-2814 for the latest conditions. To reach Ladd Marsh off Interstate 84, take exit 268 to Foothill Road.