OR Mule Deer Unit COLUMBIA BASIN — Columbia Basin

# OR Columbia Basin — Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access This expansive basin unit (1.8M acres, 265–3,475 ft elevation) spans two counties and offers mixed private/public hunting. With only 5% public land, access is limited — most productive areas require permission on private ground, making preseason scouting and landowner relationships critical. Terrain varies from low-elevation sagebrush flats to higher mixed forest. ## Herd & Population Trend Recent buck:doe ratios show volatility: 2025 spiked to 36:100 (⚠ likely a small survey sample artifact — treat skeptically), while 2024–2021 averaged 20–25:100, which is typical for this region. The multi-year average suggests...