Scott B. I archery hunted the Desolation area 3 years ago, upper middle fork of the John Day. Incredible area, we hunted 6 days, and were in elk every day. I mistakenly passed up a cow at 10 yards the day we set up camp and unfortunately that was my only real opportunity. I was hunting with 2 buddies, 1 missed a decent bull that we called in but later got a nice cow, the other guy shot a nice 4 pt. buck.
We were hunting in 75-85 degree weather, everyday, yet the elk were very active and very vocal.
I've only hunted Oregon that 1 time but I'm hoping to make it back next year.