Quick Tips
- Do plenty of preseason research on hunting areas
- Get access to private farmland to improve hunter success
- Forest grouse hunting is open during some hunting seasons
- Fishing for trout and salmon is good on many creeks
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 90"-110" | 120"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 250"-280" | 300"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is overwhelmingly composed of private timber lands and private farms. Some timber lands are open to public hunting of blacktail deer and Roosevelt elk. Populations for both are lower than ideal for hunting.
Hunters in this unit are subject to the decisions of private corporations that most of the unit. Deer and elk are both subject to heavy hunting pressure. A few bucks and bulls grow multiple points on each antler, but trophy-size animals are rare.
Terrain
This unit borders the Columbia River and the state of Washington for miles and includes marshy river bottoms and sloughs along with low hills and flattened ridges. Most of it is in Washington County with parts in Columbia and Multnomah counties. Many creeks wind through the terrain, and some of them are bordered by steep bluffs, such as those that line much of Merrill and Tide creeks north of St. Helens.
Roughly 750 square miles
10% public land
Elevations from 0-1,600 feet
Vegetation
Spruces, firs, hemlocks and other trees cover much of the land. Many clear cuts in various stages of regrowth provide openings and edges, where saplings and brushy areas border forests. A lot of farmland is along the northern, eastern and southern boundaries. Farms are typically bordered by spruce and fir trees. Forested areas typically have dense, brushy understory.
Access
Most of this unit is composed of land owned by timber corporations and some scattered public parcels that are mostly surrounded by private land. A part of the Clatsop State Forest is northeast of Mount Cedars. Some of the private timber lands are open to public hunting when fire danger is low, but some properties are leased by companies and groups, and others may be open only to hunters who buy a recreational access permit. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife usually provides information on which companies provide public access. Motorized access is typically limited to main roads. Only daytime use is permitted, typically 90 minutes before sunrise to 90 minutes after sunset. In general, ATVs and snowmobiles are not permitted, even on trailers or in pickups. Some land in this unit is open through the North Coast Access Area Law Enforcement Project, which includes 1.5 million acres altogether. State funds are used to pay for five police troopers to patrol the area. For details visit the game department’s Access and Habitat program page.
Camping and Lodging
There are no public campgrounds in this unit, and camping is not allowed on most private lands. Motels are available in St. Helens and Scappoose in the south, and Clatskanie in the north, including Clatskanie River Inn.
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