Quick Tips
- Pheasant and quail hunting at White River Wildlife Area
- Sturgeon, salmon and steelhead fishing in Columbia River
- Pool above The Dalles Dam has big walleyes
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Columbian Blacktail Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 240"-270" | 280"+ |
On The Ground
Mule deer, blacktail/mule deer crosses and elk live in this unit that borders the Columbia River and includes the town of The Dalles.
This unit produces mature mule deer and blacktail/muley crosses and a small number of bull elk. Numbers are controlled through antlerless and damage-control tags so that conflicts with landowners such as orchardists are kept to a minimum.
Terrain
Bordering the Columbia River and Washington, the unit includes the city of The Dalles. The western half and much of the northern part of this unit is rugged mountain land with river breaks and canyons dividing foothills. The eastern half is typically flat to mild in topography. Mount Hood National Forest, including The Dalles Watershed Management Unit and Badger Creek Wilderness, occupies most of the mountains. White River Game Management Area consists of 30,000 acres of wildlife habitat that is open to hunting. It is on the edge of the National Forest and is managed to hold deer and elk, reducing damage to agricultural crops.
Roughly 940 square miles
46% public land
Elevations from 1,000-6,000 feet
Vegetation
Heavy forests cover most of the mountains and the north sides of many plateaus and foothills. Main trees are spruces, firs, pines, cedars and larches along with oaks. Plateaus and flat lands are mostly private farms, orchards and pastures with most low hills managed as rangelands. Commonly grown fruit trees include cherries, pears and apples. Pines, oaks and Douglas firs along with sagebrush steppes and grasslands cover White River Wildlife Area.
Access
Most roads on Mount Hood National Forest and on BLM land provide good access even during dry fall weather, but check for fire restrictions before hunting. Hunters are asked to carry a shovel, fire extinguisher and at least a gallon of water to extinguish any smoldering campfires they might find. Many roads are primitive and in poor condition. Hunting is allowed in White River Wildlife Area, which is closed to motor vehicles except in designated areas, and no snowmobiles or ATVs are allowed. Dogs are prohibited from running at large with exceptions. No vehicles are allowed in The Dalles Watershed Management Unit.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters may camp as many as 14 days in a 30-day period in designated campsites in White River Wildlife Area. No camping is allowed outside designed sites. About 25 campsites are in this unit on Mount Hood National Forest land. Do not bring firewood from states other than Oregon, Washington and Oregon. About 10 motels and hotels are in The Dalles, including The Dalles Inn and Cousins Country Inn.
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