Quick Tips
- Chukar hunting is allowed on Hart Mountain
- Bring a shotgun for waterfowl hunting
- Carry extra spare tires, water and fuel
- Scout before the season to get permission to hunt on private land
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 210"-240" | 250"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 80"+ |
| California Bighorn Sheep | 145"-155" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
Bordering Nevada, this unit includes most of the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and desert terrain stretching east to the Steens Mountain and Whitehorse high desert units. It holds antelope, mule deer, elk and California bighorn sheep.
This unit is well known for containing most of Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, which gets a lot of attention from hunters for producing trophy-class pronghorn antelope and mule deer. Trophy-size deer are not as common as in years past but are taken occasionally inside and outside the refuge.
Terrain
Most of the unit is flat to rolling with bluffs, buttes and canyons giving variety to the high desert. The roughest terrain is along the western border inside Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and the Coleman Rim that extends into Nevada. Steep terrain surrounds Beatys Butte itself. The Pueblo Mountains is a convoluted mishmash of canyons, draws, hills and ridges. Hart Lake and Crump Lake are on the western border of Hart Mountain refuge. Marshes border the lakes.
Roughly 2,630 square miles
83% public land
Elevations from 4,300-8,000 feet
Vegetation
Desert grasses, sagebrush and other desert shrubs and forbs are the major plants. Trees such as aspens, junipers, ponderosa pines and mountain mahoganies grow in much of the rough terrain and in some canyons and draws. Cottonwoods, willows, cattails, bulrushes and tamarisk grow in and along low, wet areas.
Access
Hunters have good access to almost all the unit, which is composed mostly of BLM land and the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and Charles Sheldon Antelope Range complex. The refuge is open to hunters who draw controlled tags for pronghorn, California bighorn sheep and mule deer. Deer hunting on the refuge is limited to bow and muzzleloader hunting, and elk are protected. The refuge provides details on special regulations and open areas. Phone: 541-947-2731. Note that hunters must have permission to access private inholdings within the refuge. The Charles Sheldon Antelope Range borders Nevada. Roaring Springs Access Area is private land that is open to public hunting through an agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. North of Fields, it maintains access on public land and access to public property. Motor vehicles are allowed only on designated roads. No motor vehicles are allowed on wildlife study areas, such as Pueblo Mountains, Rincon and Hawk Mountain.
Camping and Lodging
Camping is allowed on the Hart Mountain refuge and the Charles Sheldon range and at designated sites in the Roaring Springs Access Area. Lodging is available in Lakeview, which is about 30 miles from the western edge of the unit. Options include a Best Western and an Executive Inn & Suites.
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