Sage Advice in Owyhee Unit?

[flashpan]

Headed to the Owyhee unit in Sept to get familiar with the country for late season cow elk. But we will take a boat and fish the lake as well. Two of us also hope to draw SAGE grouse tags and with a goal to harvest one each with muzzleloading shotguns only. No doubt this will be a challenge and adventure because of the rough roads, heat and snake concerns for the shortair pointers, finding and managing to scratch one down with black powder. Anyone hunted sage grouse in this unit? Certaily would appreciate any detailed information on grouse / lek locations around the lower reservoir. We intend to document this adventure with go pro, photos and notes and will share what we find regarding sheep, elk, deer, upland birds and a fishing report as well.
Anyone know of any private cabins for rent in dry creek or fishermans cove?
Thanks for the help!

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[notazombie]

I don't hunt there but a buddy of mine has all his life. He says it's not near as successful as it used to be. I ride motorcycles on the west side quite a bit. I'm not aware of any rentals out there. There is an unmarked campground at the base of the dam across a railroad car bridge that's nice.
We rarely see much wildlife out there, unfortunately. I think fires in the last few years that took out all the large sage brush kind of pushed everything out. Quite a few snakes though.
Call it a camping trip instead of a hunting trip and you won't be disappointed.

 

[flashpan]

Thanx for the campground tip and info. An adventure for sure.

 

[bbbass]

Hmmm, 2017 Big Game Elk Harvest stats for Owyhee unit... 33% to 55%... I didn't think it would be that high... wow!! Owyhee youth hunt = 1 hunter, 1 elk... 100%

 

[flashpan]

I did not see that harvest stat myself...is suprsingly high. My tag is for a cow and a long season that runs from mid Oct to the end of Janurary. Lots of puplic land...just need to find them and get lucky with late season road conditions.

 

[bbbass]

I did not see that harvest stat myself...is suprsingly high. My tag is for a cow and a long season that runs from mid Oct to the end of Janurary. Lots of puplic land...just need to find them and get lucky with late season road conditions.

That might just do the trick... I miss long seasons, and haven't gotten a cow tag in ages.

Best wishes for your success!!

 

[P7M13]

The only drawback would be the long drive.

 

[flashpan]

Bring on the long drive...more time out of the Willamette valley rain and other climates.

 

[gesasky]

Here is a good thread on the area from a while back. Owyhee River