OR Mule Deer Unit MALHEUR RIVER — Malheur River

# OR Malheur River — Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Expansive high-desert unit spanning 2,500–6,600 ft with three-quarter public land access. Mixed sagebrush, juniper, and riparian drainages typical of southeast Oregon's Malheur Basin. 75% public land provides solid DIY opportunity, though terrain is open and hiking distance to quality bucks is common. ## Herd Quality & Trend Buck:doe ratio has declined from 26:100 (2022) to 17:100 (2025), signaling tightening population or conservative harvest management. Quality index remains "Good" but trending downward—expect younger-age-class bucks and fewer mature 4–5-year-olds. This is typical for moderately-hunted Oregon public land. ## Trophy Potential Overlapping...