Oregon Elk Mule Deer Black Bear Deer (Buck)

Unit 52 (Starkey)

Oregon Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Deer (Buck)

The Starkey unit is one of Oregon's most consistent elk producers, covering 310,000 acres of gentle pine-fir terrain at 4,000 to 6,500 feet elevation. With 75% public land, high animal density, and 28% rifle success — among the highest in northeast Oregon — Starkey is particularly well-suited for first-time elk hunters. The Starkey Experimental Forest adds a unique wildlife-research dimension to the area.

View Draw Odds Oregon Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 52

Where to Find Elk in the Starkey Unit

Elk density in Starkey is among the highest in northeast Oregon, spread across gentle forested terrain.

Pine-Fir Benches (4,500–6,000 ft)

The rolling pine-fir benches that characterize the unit are the core elk zone. Unlike steeper units, Starkey's gentle terrain means elk spread out rather than concentrating in drainages. Glass the edges of timber openings and meadows along forest roads.

Starkey Experimental Forest

The USFS Starkey Experimental Forest within the unit is a major elk concentration area. The fenced research area pushes elk into predictable patterns. Hunt the boundaries and adjacent public land for high encounter rates.

Water Sources

Stock ponds and springs scattered throughout the unit concentrate elk, especially during dry fall conditions. Locate reliable water sources and set up nearby — elk visit regularly.

How to Hunt Elk in the Starkey Unit

Starkey's gentle terrain and high elk density make it one of Oregon's most approachable elk units.

Road-Accessible Hunting

Unlike wilderness units, Starkey has an extensive forest road network. This allows truck-based hunting — drive forest roads at dawn and dusk, glassing meadow edges and clearings. Many successful hunters take elk within a mile of their truck in this unit.

Meadow Setups

Identify large meadow systems and set up before dawn on the downwind edge. Elk in Starkey use meadows actively for feeding. The gentle terrain means they're less nervous than in steeper, more pressured units. Patient meadow hunters do well here.

Calling Strategy

During archery season, the rut produces consistent calling opportunities in Starkey. The average trophy potential means there are plenty of bulls, and younger bulls respond aggressively to calls. This makes Starkey an excellent unit for hunters learning to call elk.

Timber Edge Still-Hunting

Walk the edges between timber stands and meadows slowly during midday. Elk bed in timber patches and can be bumped at close range. The gentler terrain here is more forgiving for still-hunting than steep canyon units.

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Elk Success Rates

Starkey produces rifle success rates around 28%, among the highest in northeast Oregon. Archery success averages 11-13%. The high elk density and accessible terrain drive these numbers. Trophy quality is average — Starkey is a numbers unit, not a trophy unit. Hunters looking for a high-probability elk hunt will find it here.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Controlled	385	2,263	16.2%	15
Archery— Controlled	990	91	100.0%	8
Rifle— Controlled	220	92	100.0%	5
Rifle— Controlled	1300	903	98.6%	16
Rifle— Controlled	30	99	29.3%	7
Rifle— Controlled	3	205	1.5%	16
Muzzleloader— Controlled	17	75	21.3%	8
Muzzleloader— Controlled	17	541	3.0%	25
Any Legal Weapon— Controlled	440	90	100.0%	6
Any Legal Weapon— Controlled	440	603	70.3%	7

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Starkey elk tags are moderately competitive. Under Oregon's 75/25 preference/random system, rifle tags typically require 3-7 preference points for the preference portion. The unit's high success rates drive applications, but it's more accessible than trophy units like Mt Emily or Wenaha. The 25% random draw gives newer applicants a realistic chance.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 52

Starkey provides accessible mule deer hunting in gentle Blue Mountains terrain with 75% public land. Deer density is solid and the rolling pine-fir forests offer good glassing and stalking opportunities. Rifle success averages 25-28%, and the unit's road network makes it practical for hunters who don't want to pack deep into the backcountry.

Where to Find Mule Deer in the Starkey Unit

Mule deer in Starkey are widely distributed across the unit's gentle forested terrain.

Pine-Meadow Edges (4,000–5,500 ft)

The edges where open pine stands meet meadow complexes are prime mule deer habitat. Bucks bed in the timber and feed in meadows at dawn and dusk. The gentle terrain makes these edge habitats highly glassable.

Regeneration Clearcuts

Old logging units with 5-15 years of brush regrowth provide excellent deer browse and cover. Bucks use these thick patches for bedding and feel secure in the dense cover. Glass the edges and openings within these regeneration areas.

Stock Ponds and Water

During dry fall conditions, stock ponds and springs concentrate deer just as they do elk. Set up near water sources in the morning and evening for consistent deer sightings.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in the Starkey Unit

Starkey's accessible terrain makes mule deer hunting straightforward and productive.

Road-Based Glassing

Use the forest road network to access glassing points overlooking meadows and clearcuts. Drive to a high point before dawn, glass from your truck or a nearby vantage, and locate bucks before committing to a stalk. This is the most efficient approach in Starkey.

Meadow Edge Sits

Pick a productive meadow and sit the downwind edge from pre-dawn through mid-morning. Deer in Starkey feed actively in open areas, and the gentle terrain means they're often visible at reasonable distances.

Still-Hunting Timber Edges

Walk slowly along timber-meadow boundaries during midday. Bucks bedded just inside the timber can be bumped at close range. Move 30-50 yards, stop and glass for a minute, then repeat. Soft forest floor in pine stands makes quiet movement possible.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule deer rifle success in Starkey averages 25-28%, consistent with the unit's strong animal density and accessible terrain. Archery success runs 10-12%. Trophy quality is average — expect solid representative bucks rather than trophy-class animals. The unit excels at providing consistent hunting opportunity.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Controlled	385	872	42.0%	6
Muzzleloader— Controlled	517	507	97.0%	5
Rifle— Controlled	770	228	100.0%	4

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Starkey mule deer tags are relatively accessible. Under the 75/25 system, expect 1-4 preference points for rifle deer tags. Archery tags may be available with zero points in some years. This is a good unit for newer applicants looking for a productive mule deer hunt.

Black Bear Hunting in Unit 52

ODFW Wildlife Management Unit 752 (Camas Valley) covers a transitional landscape in Douglas County between the Oregon Coast Range and the interior valleys, encompassing the upper South Fork Coquille River drainage and the forested ridges that separate the coast from the Umpqua drainage. Black bears are well established in this mixed timber and brush habitat. General season bear tags make WMU 752 an accessible option without requiring a preference-point draw.

Where to Find Black Bear in WMU 752 (Camas Valley)

Black bears in WMU 752 use the forested ridges and brushy drainages between the Coast Range divide and the interior valley systems. Spring bears are found on south-facing slopes where early green-up provides grass and forbs. Summer and fall bear activity concentrates around berry-producing shrubs — blackberry, elderberry, and huckleberry depending on elevation. Bears are also drawn to riparian areas and mast-producing oak stands at lower elevations.

Focus glassing effort on south-facing clear-cut edges and burn areas at dawn and dusk. Bears feeding in open areas are highly visible at these times; midday finds them bedded in timber.

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How to Hunt WMU 752 Black Bear

WMU 752 black bear hunting rewards hunters who combine road scouting with focused still-hunting or spot-and-stalk approaches. The mix of private timber company land and BLM/national forest ground requires careful map work before hunting — confirm public land boundaries.

Spring Bear

Oregon's spring bear season offers some of the best spot-and-stalk opportunities when bear coats are prime and animals are visible in open areas before vegetation grows tall. Glass south-facing slopes for feeding bears and plan wind-correct stalks.

Fall Black Bear

Fall bears in WMU 752 are focused on building fat reserves before winter. Berry patches and acorn-producing oak trees are reliable congregation points. Set up near high-use feeding areas and plan to be in position before first light.

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Black Bear Success Rates

Black bear populations in southwest Oregon WMUs like WMU 752 are stable and hunting opportunity is consistent year to year under the general season tag structure. Review ODFW Big Game Statistics for WMU 752 bear harvest data and herd trend information.

Black Bear Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Controlled	330	458	68.6%	5

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Black bear tags in WMU 752 are generally available over the counter as a general season purchase — no draw or preference points required. Confirm the current season structure for WMU 752 in ODFW Big Game Regulations before your hunt, as rules can be updated annually.

Deer (Buck) Hunting in Unit 52

The Starkey WMU (WMU 52) is a northeast Oregon mule deer unit in the Blue and Wallowa mountains. Mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, and brushy drainages define the habitat across this productive region. The controlled draw structure maintains quality hunting in one of Oregon's best deer areas.

Where to Find Deer in the Starkey Unit

Mule deer in the Starkey unit use ponderosa pine ridges, mixed conifer, and brushy drainages across this northeast Oregon landscape.

Ponderosa Pine Parks

Open ponderosa parklands at mid-elevation are productive morning and evening feeding areas. Glass meadow edges and open pine benches in low-light periods. Bucks retreat to timbered slopes for midday bedding.

Brushy Drainages

Serviceberry, chokecherry, and ceanothus in creek drainages hold high deer densities. Work drainage edges slowly — bucks hold tight in dense cover and may not move until nearly approached.

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How to Hunt Deer in the Starkey Unit

Ridge-top glassing and systematic still-hunting produce results in the Starkey unit Blue Mountains terrain.

Ridge Glassing

Work main ridges with quality optics and glass into draws and timbered basins below. Identify bucks at 500+ yards before committing to a stalk. The Blue Mountains terrain offers clear sightlines from ridge points into productive drainages.

Timber Edge Ambush

Set up on the timber edge overlooking open parks before dawn. Bucks often feed in open areas during low-light hours and retreat to timber as daylight builds. Position with wind advantage and clear shooting lanes into the feeding area.

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Deer (Buck) Success Rates

Northeast Oregon Blue Mountains deer hunts like the Starkey unit produce rifle success rates of 20-30% in most years. Productive ponderosa pine and mixed conifer habitat supports healthy deer populations. Draw tags maintain pressure at sustainable levels.

Deer (Buck) Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Controlled	385	872	42.0%	6
Muzzleloader— Controlled	517	507	97.0%	5
Rifle— Controlled	770	228	100.0%	4

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Oregon's 75/25 preference-point/random draw split means 75% of Starkey unit deer tags go to highest-point applicants and 25% are allocated randomly each year. Hunt code 152 is accessible to newer applicants through the random pool. Check ODFW controlled hunt draw statistics at myodfw.com for current applicant counts and historical odds.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Some developed sites accommodate RVs. The gentler terrain means more road-accessible camping options.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping throughout the Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur National Forests. Several developed campgrounds nearby.

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Trailer Access

Better than most Oregon elk units. Main forest roads handle trailers, though spur roads can be rough.

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Water

Good. Stock ponds and springs scattered throughout. Carry water for dry camps.

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Road Conditions

Extensive forest road network. Main roads maintained, spur roads rough in spots. 4WD recommended.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Gentler rolling terrain compared to the Wenaha or Walla Walla. Accessible for hunters of varying fitness levels.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate. The accessible terrain and high success rates draw steady numbers, but the unit absorbs pressure well.

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Weather

25-50°F during rifle season. Rain and early snow possible. Blue Mountains weather can shift fast.

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Cell Service

Spotty. Some service near highways, but limited in the forest interior.

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Nearest Town

La Grande (35 minutes) for full services. Starkey and Ukiah for basic supplies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starkey a good unit for a first-time elk hunter?

Absolutely. Starkey's high elk density, accessible terrain, and 28% rifle success rate make it one of Oregon's best units for new elk hunters. The gentle terrain and road access reduce the logistical challenges.

How does Starkey compare to Mt Emily for elk?

Starkey has higher success rates (28% vs 24-28%) but lower trophy potential. Mt Emily is managed for quality with limited tags, while Starkey focuses on opportunity. Starkey is easier to draw and more accessible.

Is Starkey good for mule deer hunting?

Yes. Rifle success averages 25-28% with accessible terrain and good deer density. Trophy quality is average, but the hunting is consistent and approachable.

Can I hunt deer and elk in Starkey on the same trip?

If you draw tags for both, absolutely. The gentle terrain and road access make it practical to hunt both species. Many hunters set up camp and hunt whichever species they encounter.

Is there private land in WMU 752 I need to be aware of?

WMU 752 contains a mix of private timber company holdings, BLM, and state lands. Research land ownership using ODFW's Hunt Planner, OnX Hunt, or BLM Oregon maps before heading out. Private land requires landowner permission — always confirm before entering.

How do I apply for the Starkey unit deer tag?

Apply through ODFW's controlled hunt system at myodfw.com using hunt code 152. Oregon uses a 75/25 preference-point/random draw split. Purchase preference points annually to improve preference-pool odds, or rely on the 25% random allocation each year.

What is the best season for Starkey unit deer hunting?

Season timing depends on your specific hunt code and weapon type. October rifle seasons typically coincide with the rut in Oregon deer units, which improves buck movement and encounter rates. Check current ODFW regulations for exact season dates.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations (eRegulations) — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: WMU boundaries and controlled-hunt numbers, Season dates per weapon/species, Tag quotas per hunt number, License + tag purchase requirements · accessed 2026-04-16
ODFW Big Game Hunting Hub — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: Species season structures, WMU-level special regulations, Public-access and access-program overviews · accessed 2026-04-16
ODFW Big Game Statistics — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: Per-WMU harvest totals, Hunter success rates, Population estimates per management unit · accessed 2026-04-16
ODFW Controlled Hunt Navigation — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: 75/25 preference-point / random draw structure, Historical draw odds per hunt number, Application deadlines and point purchase periods · accessed 2026-04-16
Oregon Elk Unit Starkey Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
Oregon Mule Deer Unit Starkey Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
Umpqua National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Public land boundaries near WMU 752, Road access information · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 52 (Starkey)

Elk Hunting in Unit 52

Where to Find Elk in the Starkey Unit

Pine-Fir Benches (4,500–6,000 ft)

Starkey Experimental Forest

Water Sources

How to Hunt Elk in the Starkey Unit

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 52

Where to Find Mule Deer in the Starkey Unit

Pine-Meadow Edges (4,000–5,500 ft)

Regeneration Clearcuts

Stock Ponds and Water

How to Hunt Mule Deer in the Starkey Unit

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Black Bear Hunting in Unit 52

Where to Find Black Bear in WMU 752 (Camas Valley)

How to Hunt WMU 752 Black Bear

Black Bear Success Rates

Black Bear Draw Odds

Deer (Buck) Hunting in Unit 52

Where to Find Deer in the Starkey Unit

How to Hunt Deer in the Starkey Unit

Deer (Buck) Success Rates

Deer (Buck) Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification