It may be difficult to draw the tag, but when you do, the odds of finding a bigger buck are high. "With the big burns we've had in the last couple of years, there is some real good deer habitat coming on," Heath said of the Metolius. "And that will mean good body conditions and good antler growth."

In the Upper Deschutes Unit, overall deer numbers are lower, but the buck ratio is at 27 bucks per 100 does. Going into winter, fawn numbers were close to average, at 57 per 100 does. Some pockets hold more deer than others. Pre-season scouting, to locate the best habitat, will be very important in the Upper Deschutes.

"With the big burns we've had in the last couple of years, there's some real good deer habitat coming on," District Wildlife Biologist Corey Heath said of the Metolius. "And that will mean good body conditions and good antler growth."

For the trophy hunter who likes to get away from people and is content with seeing fewer deer, Heath recommends the high-desert Wagontire hunt. Going into winter, fawn numbers in the Wagontire Unit were low, at 37 per 100 does. But buck-to-doe ratios -- at 21 bucks per 100 does -- are above management objectives.

The Fort Rock Unit should be a good bet. Coming out of last season, buck ratios in the unit's northern section were at the objective, and there were 76 fawns per 100 does. Brian Ferry, a biologist in the Prineville office, said that although deer numbers are down in the Grizzly, Maury and Ochoco units, the buck-to-doe ratios are higher than he has seen in a long time.

"Going into winter, our fawn ratios were lower than I like," he added. "I try to learn from the animals, and it's obvious that habitat loss is taking its toll."

Habitat loss, predation and poachers combine to keep deer numbers down. Ferry brought up another dynamic: the increase in year-round recreation brought on by a growing human population. When things get too hectic on public grounds, deer and elk find sanctuary on private land.

EASTERN OREGON
Hunters in the Beulah and Southeast Beulah hunts should see plenty of bucks this year. Walt Van Dyke, the district wildlife biologist, said that coming out of last season, he saw more bucks than he's seen in a long time. You can expect to see more hunters as well. Tag numbers will be increased again.

Conditions that benefited Beulah's bucks were also good for deer in the Sumpter, Murderer's Creek and Lookout Mountain units. Harvest percentages are high in these units and give good opportunity for the trophy hunter as well as the novice.

Of the Northside Unit, District Wildlife Biologist Ryan Torland said that buck ratios looked good coming out of last season, with more than 15 bucks per 100 does. In the spring of 2006, fawn ratios were more than 50 per 100 does, and that should translate to a healthy crop of young 3- to 4-point bucks. Best bet for access is on the east side with a lot of public ground, higher elevations and timbered slopes.

"The Desolation Unit has a lot of timber. But guys seem to find some pretty good animals," Torland said. "Hunting the timber is always difficult. Be patient and sit on the trails. Where it is a little drier and a little more open, you can sit on a canyon rim or get out on a point and glass.

"In the forest, you have to be quiet and patient and work slow. And hope for a rainy day."

Ron Garner is the District wildlife biologist who oversees the Silvies, Malheur River, Steens Mountain, Juniper, Beattys Butte (east side), and Trout Creek (west side).

"Our best fawn ratios were in the north Malheur River coming out of winter," Garner said. "The Malheur River is a really diverse large unit."