The Cascades, with its general-season tags and any-bull harvest, draws hunters from all over the state. Some areas, especially in the Upper Deschutes Unit and portions of the Santiam and McKenzie, see a lot of hunting pressure, while other sections see few, if any of the orange-clad horde.

Unlike the Rocky Mountain elk in the open country east of the Cascades, west slope herds tend to stay in smaller groups and are likely to disperse when they feel threatened. They are also less apt to move around and will return to the same area unless harassed.

Chris Yee, an assistant district wildlife biologist from the Springfield office, reported that elk herds in the Cascades have been increasing over the last decade. Bull-to-cow ratios, at 15 to 18 bulls per 100 cows, are above the management objective. However, hunters don't always capitalize on the high numbers of animals. Yee recommends that hunters scout and find places in which elk live and other hunters pass by. "If you push them out, bide your time and be patient. The elk will come back."

Elk populations on the north Oregon coast are thriving. In some areas, hunting has never been better. To the south, herds in the Alsea and Stott Mountain units are growing. Private lands and clear cuts are attracting and holding good numbers of animals. In the Stott Mountain Unit, on private lands where timber has been cleared, elk are more visible. The Alsea Unit has more Forest Service land and fewer clearings, but elk are there in good numbers. Road closures may limit vehicle travel, but hunters can access a lot of that land on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

Tami Wagner, an assistant wildlife biologist on the mid coast, recommends that hunters contact the large timber companies to ask where elk damage is occurring, and where the land managers would like them to hunt. Some gated roads that are closed during the bull season may be opened during the antlerless hunts. Early in the season, some lands may be closed due to fire danger. It's best to know before you go. Contact Plum Creek Timberlands in Toledo and Forest Capital Partners in Monmouth for more information.

In Douglas County, hunters don't see a lot of animals because the habitat is so thick. Hunters with access to private land will do well again this year. If you hunt the Tioga, you know that there are a lot of animals but that the terrain helps keep the success rate low.

Eric Bunn of Western Oregon Outfitters (503-324-9552) suggests hunters should spend as much time as possible scouting in the preseason. "Know where they are," he said, "then hit the same areas where you saw them in the summer." Setting up a drive can tip the odds in your favor. This is steep country and you have to start the season in shape, spending the time out in the canyons and on the ridges where the elk live.

EASTERN OREGON
On the first day of Memorial Day weekend, Walt Ramage and his partner Jon worked into the wind, along the face of the ridge. A north-facing slope with a lot of rolling finger ridges, they've come to call it The Hotel, because it is either vacant or packed with animals.

At the bottom of a drainage, Ramage set up above Jon and looked at his watch as he began to call. It was 7:12 a.m. After the first series of calls, he heard something coming, but since he was down in a draw, he couldn't see more than 90 yards in any direction. Ramage expected that any nearby elk might pass Jon on the way in, but this bull was higher on the ridge and came in as if he was on a string. With an arrow nocked, Ramage waited. Suddenly, the bull appeared above him, looked up and down the drainage, ran down the hill and turned to its right.