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About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (March 30, 2016)
e r o e xp L LOCA PHOTO COURTESY ANNA MARIE KUHN LIKE A Hunting OUTDOORS IN GRANT COUNTY GRANT COUNTY IS A POPULAR SPOT FOR BOW AND RIFLE HUNTERS, WITH EIGHT OF THE NORTHEASTERN BIG GAME UNITS LOCATED EITHER PARTIALLY OR FULLY WITHIN ITS BORDERS If there is one thing outdoorswoman Anna Marie Kuhn loves about living in Grant County, it’s the ability to hop in her truck and be at a hunting spot in a short period of time. “I like the closeness of the mountains to the recreation,” she said. “And the variety of animals to hunt — the turkeys, antelope, deer, elk, cougar and bear. I also do a lot of horn hunting.” Kuhn added she’s been hunting since she was a young girl and enjoys hunting on public property, without the help of guides. A 10-year resident of John Day, she works as a corrections deputy at the Grant County Jail. When she’s not working, she looks for opportunities to hunt, sometimes alone with her dog and 4-wheeler, other times with her partner Doug Story. Two years ago, she and Story had a memorable deer rifle hunt in Grant County. After seeing four bucks cross the road in their hunting area, they waited for the rain to let up and followed their fresh tracks to see if they’d moved under a rim. “We were both able to get a buck, one after the other,” she said. “It was so neat being able to share a moment like that because that kind of luck doesn’t happen very often. Needless to say, we were soaked to the bone when we finally got both bucks down to the pickup!” Kuhn mostly hunts deer and elk, and she said the best part is “the reward of filling your tag after a long hike, after not seeing anything — having to glass, and having patience.” She said when they hunt, they enjoy camping off the roadside in the forest, and they prepare for unpredictable weather, bringing a camp trailer if the weather is snowy. “All of the Malheur Forest in Grant County is awesome,” she said. “The scenery is going to be beautiful no matter where you go.” TANNI WENGER PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS PHOTO ANNA MARIE KUHN At certain times, the Phillip Schneider Wildlife Area is also a hunting setting. Controlled hunting seasons are staggered throughout the year. Tag drawings determine when and where hunters may hunt. There are controlled seasons for bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, black bear, pronghorn antelope, deer and elk. There are also general seasons for deer or elk bow hunting, and black bear and cougar hunts. Bird hunters take part in pursuit of upland game birds, including grouse, chukar, California and mountain quail and migratory game birds, such as ducks and geese. For more information: See the Oregon Big Game and Game Bird regulations booklets, or view them at www.dfw.state.or.us SHOOTING RANGES Enjoy target shooting? Need a place to safely sight in your rifle? Enjoy competitive shooting events? Various shooting events take place throughout the year. The ranges also offer by- permission use of their facilities. SENECA TRAP RANGE - At the south end of Seneca, turn west on Camp Creek Road a short distance. Facility includes two trap ranges, one skeet range and a 100- yard small arms range. Restroom facilities are on site. Almost every Sunday beginning at 10 a.m., all are welcome to join in. It’s $4 for 25 bird shoots, and $2 for 10 practice bird shoots. The pot is split, depending on what is taken in. Weather permitting, barbecues are fired up; otherwise, finger foods are brought. For more information: Call Dean Nodine, 541-575-1918. BEAR CREEK RIFLE RANGE - Located .9 mile north of Highway 26, 10 miles east of John Day, between John Day and Prairie City. This site features a covered, eight-bay firing line and one of the best rifle ranges in the West. The 1,000-yard range has become popular with many shooting enthusiasts, including black powder fans. Set in a small valley, with targets scattered throughout, the range also accommodates pistol shooters. An archery range is planned. The site features year-round portable toilets. A scorekeeper’s booth was completed in spring 2011, built in an old-west style with a false front. Those using the course at other times must be with a trained safety officer who is a member. For more information on Bear Creek Rifle Range: Call president Don Mooney, 541-575-0064. Heading up the black powder group is Jim Sproul, who can be reached at 541-620- 0231. For more on the shotgun enthusiasts group: Call Carroll Walton, 541-820-4624.
