This is an Oregon outfitter who specializes in rifle, muzzleloader and archery hunting for Rocky Mountain bull elk in central and eastern Oregon. He hunts mainly private land, with a bit of public ground too. About 30,000 acres of private ground, plus some large tracts of landlocked BLM ground. You have a very realistic chance at taking something in and around the 300” class, with most bulls in the 280” to 310” range, and they have taken them to 362”. Each year they manage to take several 330” to 340” size bulls. Importantly, he can virtually guarantee that you get a tag, which these days can be an issue elsewhere. Just book and go!
The outfitter was originally in law enforcement until he retired to do this full time. He keeps one guide on full time year round to scout, line up properties, assist with turkey and coyote guiding, then bear and then elk. He also does a large number of depredation cow elk hunts late in the year, and those can run into early March. He realizes that for many folks a trip like this may be a once in a lifetime hunt, and they work hard from dawn to dusk to ensure your trip is a happy one. Here are several recent references:
I just wanted to leave a review for our hunt with Oregon # 193 in Sept. of 2019: The hunt exceeded our expectations in every facet. Everyone was very friendly and professional, food was great, and the hunting was even better. The guides were incredible; very knowledgeable and helpful. We were into elk almost every day and together Cody and I had 7 different opportunities to harvest a bull on a 6 day hunt. There were a plethora of elk and bulls on the property, including multiple bulls over 300″. We ended up not harvesting an elk, at no one’s fault but our own (missed shots). I would recommend this Outfitter to anyone and we will definitely be returning for a hunt in the future. Thanks.” – Dylan H.”
“I have hunted two seasons with him and will be returning this year for my 3nd. They have some really nice property for Oregon land. My first season with them, 30 minutes before dark, I saw one of the biggest bulls I have personally ever seen in Oregon at 85 yards with about 20 cows. I would like to say he is on my wall, but dark set in before I could close the deal. I also that same season had an opportunity on a 290” to 300” class bull and got busted trying to draw my bow. Second year, I hunted the open week and saw a few smaller bulls and cows. Rut wasn’t on yet really, but the cams had nice bulls showing up. Gordon wanted to make sure we were successful so he invited us back for the last week of season for no charge; just asked we cover food at $20 a day per guy! – Dan M.
“Three of us hunted with him in central Oregon during the last week of October. We spotted elk every day we hunted, and eventually harvested 2 nice bulls. Both were symmetrical 6 points with one (mine) much larger than the other. See attached photos. We were all very happy with the hunt, guides, and lodging. The two guides knew the property very well and were also great guys to have a drink with at night. The cook had every meal ready and hot for us in the morning and night, and always packed us a field lunch. The price was great and we would definitely consider returning. The only improvement would be to have better equipment. The Polaris Ranger broke down; luckily this happened after we had tagged out. Overall the operation was well run and very professional. A great hunt for the price. I hope this helps, Butch. Also, I will be subscribing to your site. Thank You.” – Vince
One of his areas of private ground is in the Northside GMU. Various parcels total about 25,000 acres. Here they do archery and rifle elk hunts for both bulls and cows. He has guaranteed tags for all these elk hunts. This area has a mix of alfalfa fields and open country, plus juniper and big pine forests.
The cow elk hunts are very successful and consist of 2 days of hunting with a maximum of 4 hunters at any one time. No food and no lodging – that is on you. The outfitter assists with licensing, but you must pay for them. Lodging is about 20 minutes away in John Day.
During the 3rd and 4th weeks of the season, they offer their fully outfitted hunts. On these outfitted hunts, you will hunt over 25,000 acres of private lands throughout the Northside Unit. Depending on animal movement, moon phases, and estrus cycles, that will determine how your hunt will be done each day. They try to take everything into consideration when planning a day’s hunt for you.
You can take advantage of a 1×1 guiding opportunity or a 2×1 guiding opportunity. If you book a 1 on 1 hunt, one of their guides will be dedicated to you for the entire hunt.
You need to prepare yourself to go from daylight to dusk and be in good physical condition. You will hunt modest elevations between 2,000-7,000 ft. If you choose to book a 2 on 1 hunt, they do prefer there be 2 of you in your party. They dislike putting 2 guys together that don’t know each other, as this just makes for an uncomfortable hunt when that bull walks in at 10 yards and one guy gets a shot and the other doesn’t. I am sure if you are an archery hunter you know what I am talking about. It’s much easier to congratulate your friend rather than some guy you don’t know.
The Northside Unit is located in Grant County. Statistics show that Grant County has one of the largest populations of elk in the State of Oregon. These hunts are a full 5 days of hunting, with departure being the morning of the 6th day.
Basically you will need to talk to us to see which ranch has openings and when they are, then make your choice. Dates vary from early September into November for the rifle hunts.
One final elk hunt is his public land hunt in the Heppner Unit in eastern Oregon. The Heppner Unit is the most applied-for unit in the State, and is a tough unit to draw a tag in as a non-resident. The hunt he is offering is only available to non-residents. This is a traditional muzzleloader hunt. The hunter will be issued an outfitter tag for this hunt. The terrain in the area is fairly flat and easy to hunt, with a mix of pine forests and meadows. They use 4×4 vehicles to get around and do a fair amount of walking. This hunt is fully outfitted with 1 hunter per 2 guides. Lodging will be in a nice cabin with all food and lodging included.
Dead-on-the-ground success rates for all of his elk hunts, including bulls and cows, is around 50%, with nearly 100% opportunity, including archery hunts.
2024 PRICING (subject to change without notice until deposit received)
Archery Bull Elk Northside Unit Private Land
September 4-8, 14-18 or 21-25. 5 day fully outfitted 2×1 hunts food/ lodging/ guiding included. This hunt takes place on about 25,000 acres of private land in the Northside GMU located in Eastern Oregon. Hunt cost is $6,800 plus license and tag fees. Food and lodging is provided.
Heppner Unit Rifle Bull Elk
October 30- November 3rd– Full 5 day hunt fully outfitted on public land in the most applied for unit in Oregon. Lodging is in heated tents, 2 on 1 guiding. This is for non residents only with guaranteed tags, all food and lodging included. Hunt cost is $6,000 plus license and tags.
Murderers Creek Unit Rifle Bull Elk
October 30- November 3rd. – Full 5-day hunt fully outfitted. Hunt both private and public lands. Lodging is in a house. The outfitter would prefer a party of 3 who are proficient elk hunters. Must be in good physical condition and you would be assigned one guided for the group of 3. Food and lodging included. Hunt cost is $7,000 per hunt plus license and tag fees.
Rifle Buck Deer Hunt
October 1st – 5th Full 5-day hunt in the Grizzly unit. The ranch is 2200 acres in size. There
is a 6-bedroom house available, or there is a private campground with RV hookups (no
sewer), most people choose this option as its right next to the John Day River. Hunters
are responsible for their own food. Outfitter has 3 guaranteed tags available
Hunt cost is $4000 per hunt. Must purchase all 3 hunts (SOLD OUT)
October 1st – 5th Full 5-day hunt in the Northside Unit on approximately 4000 acres. No
food or lodging however it will be guided. This hunt will be for 3-point buck or better,
unless management buck is approved at the time. There will be a trophy fee of $100 per
inch on bucks over 160 inches. There is potential for bucks in the 170-180 range. Outfitter has
2 guaranteed tags. Hunt cost is $4000 per hunt. Must book party of two. (SOLD OUT)
LICENSES
Oregon hunting licenses/tags/permits are extra and will total approx. $1,000 for bull elk, $700 for cow elk (OTC), and $750 for mule deer.
