Oregon is a sleeper state when it comes to elk as it is talked about very little in comparison to the other western states. However, Oregon has the 3rd highest elk population only trailing Colorado and Montana with an estimated elk population of 133,000. In addition to elk, Oregon also has good populations of mule deer, blacktail deer, whitetail deer and the Columbian whitetail. Not to mention black bear, antelope, mountain goat, big horn sheep and mountain lion. In short Oregon is a hunter’s paradise that is overlooked by many sportsmen.
This outfitter is based in Northeast Oregon where he has lived the last 30 years. As a teenager he took up hunting but had no mentor and had to figure it out on his own. The turning point was when he truly became a student of nature and things began to click which translated into increased and consistent success.
Like most established outfitters he started out working for others. Some were good and some were bad but he learned from both and was able to incorporate these lessons in his own outfit, which he started in 2020. This was after being encouraged by clients he guided that rather than letting other outfitters capitalize on his sweat and dedication he should start his own outfit.
“Hunting out west can be mentally and physically draining. The highs and lows are like nothing I’ve experienced before but it is so worth it if you’re willing to put in the work. I couldn’t have done any of this without the help from some great guys at this outfit. You guys taught me so much in just a few days. I’ll forever be grateful for the both of you and I’ll never forget the experience we shared on that mountain” Jordan H. 2023
They pride themselves on being a family business with no desire to ever be a big name outfitter. His wife and kids help in camp and he very much encourages clients to bring their families along on their hunt.
We at Hunt Nation appreciate that his fully guided hunts are standard 1×1 guiding. With many outfitters doing 2×1 this once again shows his dedication to making your trip a personal experience.
The areas they hunt are for the most part public land and vary from desert to subalpine. The guides have spent their whole lives hunting and share the same passion for hunting as the owner. The camps are spacious and well appointed with quality gear and food. Your experience is the most important part of this equation. They work hard to ensure that you have a great time and a quality hunt.
From once in a lifetime hunts to yearly hunts with your family or friends and everything in between they are here for you. They offer multi=day hunting trips, drop camps and scouting services for deer, elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, antelope, bear in north central and eastern Oregon.
“I have hunted with them for the last couple of years, to guide myself and friends in the field for deer, elk and antelope with great success. They have a lifetime of outdoor experiences in Eastern Oregon which makes them the premier guides in the area. Both these guys live in the area and are entrenched in the communities. I believe this combination gives them a huge advantage, because they know the local people, the land, and the game. This ultimately equals more opportunities and more successful hunts. They are both extremely easy to talk with, professional, hardworking and just good guys. If you are looking to hunt Eastern Oregon in the future, they are a must to talk with before you book your hunt. I look forward to my hunts in 2025.” Scott M. 2024
They are permitted to offer services in the following units: Catherine Creek, Starkey, Keating, Pine Creek, Lookout Mountain along with the big three. The big three refers to the Weneha, Walla Walla and Mt. Emily big game units located in the northeastern section of the state. These tags take around 26-30 preference points. However, the Oregon Department of Fish and Game by lottery awards one lucky outfitter that guide in these units a tag they can sell every year. For the other elk and deer areas they receive around 20-30 tags per year. Similar to a New Mexico landowner tag this guarantees you a hunt but for a license and tag fee of around $1,000 instead of the high cost of New Mexico vouchers.
2026 Pricing (Subject to change until deposit is received)
Rifle hunts are 5 days and archery hunts are 6 days. Longer hunts can be arranged upon request.
Guided only hunt refers to guiding only where you are responsible for lodging and meals.
Fully guided hunt is lodging, meals and 1×1 guiding.
Semi guided hunt is lodging, meals and 2×1 guiding.
Deer Hunts:
Guided Only $4,500
Archery and Rifle- Fully Guided- $5,500. Archery and Rifle- Semi guided- $5,000
Premium Hunt (Premium and Statewide tags)- Start at $7,500 and up depending on number of guides and spotters.
Elk Hunts:
Guided Only $4,500
Archery Fully Guided- $6,500. Archery Semi Guided- $6,000
Rifle Fully Guided- $5,500. Rifle Semi Guided- $5,000
Premium Hunt (Premium tag, statewide and Big 3 unit tags)
Guided Only $5,500- Fully Guided starts at $7,500 and up depending on number of guides and spotters.
Cow Elk Hunts:
These hunts will take place mostly in the Keating unit on both public and private lands. Tags are over the counter. Physically a very moderate hunt where walking will be minimal. Historically this is a 100% opportunity hunt where if you can shoot straight chances are you will get your elk. No need to bring a rifle as you will use the rifle supplied by the outfitter with suppressors. These will be 2 day hunts where you will be responsible for your lodging and meals. It is preferred that you have 2 hunters as this is a 2×1 hunt.
Dates: November 19-20, 2025- (2 spots)- November 24-25 (2 spots)
Prices: $2500 per hunter. License and tag. Approximately $760
Bear Hunts:
These are 5 day hunts with a variety of guiding options. They use a tracked side by side to access areas in the spring that most hunters can’t get to. These are spot and stalk hunts when bears are feeding on open hillsides after coming out of hibernation. You will spend many hours glassing and shots can be long in this open country.
Prices:
Fully Guided- $3,500
Guided Only- $2,500
Drop Camp- Self guided with their camp set up- $2,500
Drop Camp- Self guided with your own camp- $1,500
Antelope Hunts:
Oregon is home to some great antelope but drawing tags can take many years and preference points. If you are lucky in the draw and are looking to taking full advantage of the opportunity let us know.
Prices:
Fully Guided- $5,000
Mountain Goat and Big Horn Sheep Hunts:
If you are lucky enough to draw these once in a lifetime tags or win a raffle let us know.
Prices: Any weapon fully guided- $7,500.
Travel: If flying your best option will be to fly into Boise, ID. From there around a 2 hour drive depending on what unit your hunt will take place in.
Other Services:
Scouting services: $500 per day. This includes waypoints, camp locations, trail camera and phone scope pictures and videos.
Guide only service: $4,500-$5,500 per week including transportation
Game Packing service: $1,300.
Drop Camps: Start at $2,000
Observers: $200 per day.
WE ARE HUNT NATION!
We tell it like it is, and we have been doing it for 25 years!!
Phone: 307 637 5495 email: info@hunt-nation.com
Website: www.hunt-nation.com