OR Mule Deer Unit SANTIAM — Santiam

# SANTIAM (OR) — Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Elevation ranges from 11 to 10,169 ft across 2.1M acres with 66% public land and 14% wilderness. This is rugged Cascade foothill terrain supporting blacktail deer. The mix of timber, clearcuts, and open ridges offers diverse hunting options. Proximity to Portland (PDX) makes it accessible for week-long hunts from the populated I-5 corridor. ## Herd Quality & Population Buck:doe ratios have ranged from 15–26:100 over 2021–2025, indicating a **depleted buck age structure** typical of heavily hunted blacktail populations. The 2025 ratio (15:100) is at the low end, suggesting fewer mature...