Best Guided Hunting Trips in Central Oregon & Surrounding Areas
Central Oregon is one of the best destinations for guided hunting trips in the Pacific Northwest. With its diverse terrain, including high desert, dense forests, and rolling mountains, the region is home to a wide variety of game species. Whether you're after elk, mule deer, black bear, waterfowl, or upland birds, hiring a local hunting guide can improve your chances of success and provide access to prime hunting locations.
This guide covers everything you need to know about hunting tours in Central Oregon, from choosing the right outfitter to understanding regulations and the best hunting areas.
Table of Contents
Why Hunt in Central Oregon?
Central Oregon offers a unique mix of habitats that support abundant wildlife. Hunting here provides a combination of challenge, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. Here’s why it’s a top hunting destination:
Diverse Game – Central Oregon is home to elk, mule deer, black bear, turkey, waterfowl, and upland birds.
Public & Private Land Access – Hunters can pursue game on national forests, BLM lands, and private ranches.
Varied Terrain – From sagebrush flats and dense timber to alpine meadows and river canyons, there’s a hunting environment for everyone.
Strong Conservation Efforts – Oregon’s fish and wildlife regulations ensure healthy animal populations and ethical hunting practices. Learn more: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
Types of Guided Hunts in Central Oregon
Big Game Hunts
Elk Hunting
Central Oregon offers both Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt elk.
Seasons: Archery (August-September), Rifle (October-November), Late Season Cow Hunts.
Best Locations: Ochoco Mountains, Deschutes National Forest, Paulina Unit.
Hunting Style: Spot-and-stalk, calling, tree stand/blind setups.
Resources: Oregon Elk Hunting Regulations.
Mule Deer Hunting
Central Oregon has large mule deer herds, especially in open country.
Seasons: Archery (August-September), Rifle (October-November), Controlled Hunts.
Best Locations: Crooked River National Grassland, Metolius Unit, John Day Wilderness.
Hunting Style: Spot-and-stalk, still hunting, glassing from ridges.
Resources: Oregon Mule Deer Info.
Black Bear Hunting
Spring and fall hunts are available.
Best Locations: Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest.
Hunting Style: Baiting is illegal in Oregon; focus on spot-and-stalk or predator calls.
Cougar Hunting
Year-round hunting with a valid tag.
Best Locations: Remote mountain areas with deer and elk populations.
Hunting Style: Calling, tracking, and spotting near food sources.
Bird Hunting
Waterfowl Hunting
Oregon’s wetlands host ducks and geese throughout the season.
Best Locations: Summer Lake, Klamath Basin, Crooked River Wetlands.
Seasons: October-January.
Upland Bird Hunting
Species: Chukar, quail, pheasant, grouse.
Best Locations: John Day River Canyon, Deschutes River canyons, agricultural fields.
Hunting Style: Over dogs or flushing in thick cover.
Turkey Hunting
Seasons: Spring (April-May), Fall (October-November).
Best Locations: Ochoco Mountains, Prineville Reservoir.
Hunting Style: Calling in birds at dawn and dusk.
Predator & Varmint Hunts
Coyote & Bobcat Hunting: Year-round opportunities.
Ground Squirrel & Prairie Dog Hunting: Great for target practice and ranch management.
Best Locations: Private ranches and open rangeland.
Best Guided Hunting Outfitters in Central Oregon
If you're looking for a top-notch guided hunting experience in Central Oregon, these outfitters offer expert knowledge, prime hunting locations, and high success rates. Whether you're after elk, mule deer, waterfowl, upland birds, or even exotic game, these guides provide everything you need for a successful and enjoyable hunt.
Sarvis Prairie
Sarvis Prairie specializes in guided rifle and archery hunts with an all-inclusive experience. Their expert guides help hunters pursue elk, mule deer, and other big game species across prime hunting land.
Guided rifle & archery hunts.
Meals, lodging, and transportation included.
Hunting for elk, mule deer, and more.
Sage Canyon Outfitters
Website: Sage Canyon Outfitters
If you're looking for an upland bird hunting experience in Oregon, Sage Canyon Outfitters offers guided hunts in prime locations.
Specializes in upland bird hunting.
Expert guides and well-trained bird dogs.
Scenic, high-quality hunting grounds.
Eden Ridge Outfitters
Website: Eden Ridge Outfitters
Eden Ridge Outfitters offers one of the most diverse guided hunting experiences in Oregon, covering everything from elk and deer to bighorn sheep and turkey.
Roosevelt elk, Rocky Mountain elk, and mule deer hunting.
Columbian blacktail and Columbian whitetail deer.
Black bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and antelope hunts.
Upland game birds, waterfowl, and Rio Grande turkey hunting.
Four Aces Ranch
Four Aces Ranch provides unique hunting opportunities for a wide range of exotic and big game animals.
Hunt for hogs, boars, rams, and goats.
Big game options including bison, bulls, and Tibetan yak.
Deer and elk hunting available.
White River Outfitters and Game Birds
Website: White River Outfitters and Game Birds
White River Outfitters specializes in upland bird and game bird hunting, offering a great experience for both beginners and experienced hunters.
Quality wild bird hunting experiences.
Expert guide services available.
Well-managed hunting grounds for high success rates.
Broken Horn Outfitters
Website: Broken Horn Outfitters
Broken Horn Outfitters offers guided hunts across multiple locations, providing top-tier big game and bird hunting.
Guided elk and deer hunts.
Turkey, waterfowl, and upland bird hunting.
High-quality, well-managed private land hunts.
Devils Canyon Outfitters
Website: Devils Canyon Outfitters
Devils Canyon Outfitters is one of the few outfitters offering guided Auodad hunts in Oregon, providing a unique and challenging hunting experience.
Specialized Auodad (Barbary sheep) hunts.
Guided hunts include lodging and meals.
Rugged and beautiful terrain for an exciting challenge.
Ruggs Ranch
Ruggs Ranch is a premier big game and wingshooting destination in Oregon, catering to hunters and corporate retreats.
Wingshooting – wild birds, upland bird hunting, and turkey hunts.
Big game hunts – deer and elk.
Guided hunts with well-trained hunting dogs.
Corporate retreat hunting experiences. More about corporate events in Bend.
Webfoot Outfitters
Webfoot Outfitters provides diverse guided hunting experiences, covering both big game and bird hunting.
Duck, elk, waterfowl, and turkey hunting.
Blacktail deer and upland bird hunts.
Experienced guides with deep knowledge of local hunting conditions.
Ellis Hunting Ranch
Ellis Hunting Ranch offers guided hunts on well-managed private lands, providing high-quality game opportunities.
Exclusive access to prime hunting areas.
Custom hunting experiences based on hunter preferences.
Guided hunts for various game species.
Horseshoe Curve Outdoors
Website: Horseshoe Curve Outdoors
A full-service hunting lodge offering both guided and self-guided hunting trips for a variety of game species.
Big game hunting – deer, elk, and predator hunts.
Self-service and full-service hunting lodge options.
Day hunts and extended retreat experiences available.
Freak Horn Guide Service
Website: Freak Horn Guide Service
Freak Horn Guide Service offers big game and predator hunts in some of the best hunting terrain in Oregon.
Black bear, elk, and black-tailed deer hunts.
Turkey hunting with expert guides.
High-success guided hunts with an emphasis on ethical hunting.
Best Hunting Locations in Central Oregon
Central Oregon is home to some of the best hunting terrain in the state. Whether you're after big game, waterfowl, or upland birds, these regions offer diverse landscapes and plenty of opportunities. Below are some of the top hunting areas, including information on game species, access, and additional resources.
Ochoco Mountains
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ochoco/recreation/hunting/?recid=38272&actid=54
The Ochoco Mountains are one of Central Oregon’s top spots for elk, mule deer, and wild turkey. With a mix of thick forests, high meadows, and rocky outcroppings, the terrain provides excellent cover and food sources for game.
Elk & Mule Deer – The area is known for strong populations of Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer, especially in the Ochoco, Maury, and Lookout Mountain units.
Wild Turkey – The mix of open meadows and dense timber makes it prime habitat for turkeys, particularly in the spring and fall seasons.
Public Land Hunting – Most of the land is part of the Ochoco National Forest, meaning plenty of accessible public hunting areas.
Tough Terrain – Be prepared for steep climbs and remote conditions, making scouting and physical fitness important.
Deschutes National Forest
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/hunting
Covering over 1.8 million acres, the Deschutes National Forest offers some of the most diverse hunting opportunities in Oregon. From high alpine meadows to thick pine forests, hunters can pursue a wide range of game.
Big Game Hunting – The forest is home to elk, mule deer, and black bear, particularly in the Paulina, Upper Deschutes, and Metolius units.
Upland Birds – Expect grouse and quail in forested and transitional areas near water sources.
Access & Trails – With well-maintained forest roads, hunters have relatively easy access to remote areas.
Multi-Use Land – Since the area is popular for camping, hiking, and mountain biking, it’s best to hunt deep in the backcountry for less pressure.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hart-mountain-national-antelope
Hart Mountain is one of the most unique hunting locations in Oregon, offering wide-open landscapes and large herds of game.
Mule Deer & Pronghorn Antelope – The refuge is one of the best places in Oregon to hunt mule deer and pronghorn.
Remote & Rugged – Hunting here requires more planning, as the area is extremely remote with limited services.
Camping Allowed – Hunters can set up basecamps in designated areas, making it a great multi-day hunting trip option.
Permit Requirements – While hunting is allowed, make sure to check special refuge regulations before planning a trip.
Fremont-Winema National Forest
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/fremont-winema/recreation/hunting
Located in southern Central Oregon, the Fremont-Winema National Forest is one of the best-kept secrets for big game hunting.
Elk & Mule Deer – Known for large herds of elk and trophy mule deer, particularly in the Silver Lake and Sprague units.
Waterfowl Hunting – The lakes and marshes provide excellent duck and goose hunting opportunities.
Expansive Public Land – Over 2.3 million acres, offering remote backcountry hunting with very little hunting pressure.
Winter Range for Game – Many migrating deer and elk winter in this area, making late-season hunts productive. Maybe you could even try showshoeing and hunting!
Private Ranch Hunts in Central Oregon
Learn More: Oregon Private Hunting Ranches
For hunters looking for higher success rates and less competition, guided private ranch hunts can be a great option. These hunts often include access to high-quality, well-managed land.
Elk & Deer Hunts – Many ranches have trophy-quality bulls and bucks due to careful land management.
Exclusive Access – Hunting on private land means less pressure and higher success rates.
Luxury & DIY Options – Some ranches offer fully guided hunts with meals and lodging, while others provide DIY trespass fees.
Best Ranch Hunting Areas – Crook County, Klamath Basin, and the eastern Cascade foothills have some of the best private land hunts.
Central Oregon has hunting opportunities for every type of hunter, whether you're looking for big game in the Ochoco Mountains, upland birds along the John Day River, or trophy elk in private ranches.
If you're planning a trip, be sure to:
Check hunting regulations & permits: Oregon Hunting Regulations
Scout your location ahead of time to learn terrain and access points.
Consider booking a guided hunt for better success rates, especially in remote areas.
Why Book a Guided Hunt?
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Hunting Guide
Access to Private Land: Many guides offer exclusive access to prime hunting areas.
Better Success Rates: Experienced guides improve your odds of harvesting game.
Less Stress, More Hunting: Guides handle logistics, scouting, and field dressing.
Legal Compliance: Ensure you’re hunting within state regulations.
Resources: Oregon Hunting Licenses & Tags.
How to Choose a Hunting Guide
Experience & Reputation: Look for established guides with positive reviews.
Hunting Style & Methods: Spot-and-stalk, calling, or stand hunting?
Land Access: Private vs. public land hunts.
Pricing & Packages: Ask what's included (tags, lodging, meals, gear).
Permits & Licensing: Ensure the outfitter is legally licensed.
Essential Hunting Gear
Firearms & Bows: Suitable calibers and setups for each species.
Clothing & Boots: Layering is key for Central Oregon’s changing weather.
Optics: Binoculars, spotting scopes, rangefinders.
Hunting Packs: Knives, GPS, emergency gear.
Make sure you brush up on your training at local gun ranges and archery ranges. As well as your cooking skills!
Ethical Hunting & Conservation
Fair Chase Hunting: Ethical practices and responsible harvest.
Oregon Regulations: Always check season updates.
Supporting Conservation: Hunting fees contribute to habitat preservation.
Central Oregon is a top-tier hunting destination, whether you're after big game, birds, or predators. Booking a licensed guide can enhance your experience and increase your success rate. Research your outfitter, pack the right gear, and get ready for an unforgettable hunt in the wilds of Central Oregon.
For hunting regulations and licensing, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
