Quick Tips
- Buy a bear tag
- Salmon and steelhead fishing in the Rogue River
- Check on fire restrictions before heading afield
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Roosevelt Elk | 230"-250" | 270"+ |
On The Ground
This unit, which is between Cave Junction and Medford, has Roosevelt elk and Columbia blacktail deer as well as blacktail-mule deer crosses in the Mount Ashland area.
This unit is known for producing mature blacktail deer and has been publicized nationally. It also has Roosevelt elk, but bulls are usually scattered and hard to find.
Terrain
Bordering California and south of Grants Pass, this unit has terrain that varies from wide, flat valleys, such as Illinois Valley in the east, to the steep Siskiyou Mountains and their foothills. The southern third is largely in the Rogue and Siskiyou National Forests, while the northern part is a mixture of BLM and private property. Most lowlands are between 1,200 and 1,700 feet above sea level, while foothills typically range to 2,500 feet or so. Most of the higher mountains and ridges are between 4,000 and 5,000 feet with a few higher points, such as 7,048-foot Grayback Mountain and 7,532-foot Mount Ashland, where there’s a popular ski area with 23 trails on 200 acres.
Roughly 1,324 square miles
60% public land
Elevations from 1,200-7,500 feet
Vegetation
Farms are in valleys along the northeastern and western boundaries as well as along Applegate River in the interior and along a few creeks. Foothills are mostly forested with firs, pines and other conifers with large clearcuts and grassy openings in places. Broad-leafed trees such as alder, ash and maple are common in creek bottoms. The higher mountains and ridges are mostly timbered with sugar pines, spruces and cedars and have some clearcuts and grassy openings. There are places that look like prime mule deer habitat with brushy patches intermixed with grassy openings and timber. Other places are typical of quintessential elk habitat with meadows surrounded by timber on ridges and steep slopes. Many species of brush, forbs and trees provide feed and cover, including buckthorn, ceanothus, manzanita, silktassel, laurel, black oak, canyon live oak, mountain hemlock, Brewer spruce, snowberry, Oregon grape, Pacific madrone, chinkapin and even poison oak.
Access
Much public land is easily accessible on good roads, including parts of the Siskiyou Loop. Some roads are steep and rough enough that passenger cars are not recommended. Hunters are wise to stay on well-used roads and obey all signage. Some private timber lands are open to the public at times. Citing the threat of wildfire, landowners and public land managers often close areas to access.
Four-wheel-drive is recommended
ATVs are helpful on rough roads
The Oregon wildlife department’s website provides access updates
Camping and Lodging
Many campgrounds are scattered across this unit, including private and public facilities. Many of them are in the Siskiyou and Rogue National Forests in the south. Examples include Bald Eagle Campground at Applegate Lake and Cedar Guard Station Campground near Cave Junction. RV parks and motels are in several towns in and near the unit, including:
Holiday RV Park in Phoenix
Cedar Lodge Inn in Medford
Applegate River Lodge near Jacksonville
The Chateau at the Oregon Caves near Cave Junction
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