OR Mule Deer Unit SLED SPRINGS — Sled Springs

# Tactical Analysis: Sled Springs (OR) ## Terrain & Access Sled Springs spans 1,357–5,128 ft elevation across 566,000 acres with only 22% public land—a significant access constraint. Mixed terrain from lower sagebrush valleys to higher conifer forest; expect substantial private-land checkerboard and limited road networks for some drainages. ## Herd Quality & Population Trends **Deer herd is in steep decline.** Buck:doe ratio cratered from 16:100 (2022) to 7:100 (2025)—well below the healthy 15:100+ threshold. This is NOT a small-sample anomaly; the trend is consistent year-over-year. Wallowa County's historical trophy potential (21 record-book entries, avg 205.4) is NOT being realized currently....