High Lonesome Hunts

High Lonesome Hunts operates from Vale, Oregon in the heart of the Eastern Oregon plateau—rolling hills, scenic rim rocks, and timbered mountains ranging up to 7,000 feet elevation. Mike Schaffeld has been guiding hunters his entire career and still runs a small operation by design. Some of his guides have worked for him for all 38 years he's been in business.

"I only take a small number of hunters per year, with a very high success rate. I run a fairly small operation with a lot of repeat business." — Mike Schaffeld

Elk Hunts - 7-day trip: $6,500 - Hunt methods: Spot and stalk, drives, still hunting, stands - Terrain: Timber pockets, aspen thickets, junipers, sage brush - Included: Transportation, meals, lodging, guides, game care and caping - Not included: Sleeping bag, weapons/ammo, tags, taxidermy, personal gear - Season: Late October through mid-November - Deposit: $2,000 (balance due 30 days before)

Deer Hunts - 7-day trip: $6,500 - Philosophy: Focus on mature bucks to let young bucks reach their potential - Hunt methods: Spot and stalk, drives, still hunting, stands - Terrain: Timber pockets, aspen thickets, rim rocks, junipers, sage brush - Included: Transportation, meals, lodging, guides, game care and caping - Not included: Sleeping bag, weapons/ammo, tags, taxidermy, personal gear - Season: Around October 1st through November - Deposit: $2,000 (balance due 30 days before)

Antelope Hunts - 6-day trip: $4,000 - Hunt method: Spot and stalk on private property - Philosophy: Only harvest an average of two bucks per year to maintain population of mature bucks - Included: Transportation, meals, lodging, guides, game care and caping - Not included: Sleeping bag, weapons/ammo, tags, taxidermy, personal gear - Note: These tags are difficult to draw; deposit required once tag is drawn

Bird hunts are led by JB (541.890.6867). All bird hunts follow state seasons and harvest regulations.

Pheasant Hunts - Prime habitat: Creeks, corn fields, ditches, stubble, cattails across several thousand acres - Group size: 3-10 hunters - Method: Blocking and driving through productive fields and cover

Quail Hunts - Terrain: Creeks, ditches, sage brush - Group size: 2-6 preferred, larger groups accommodated - High action and exciting shooting opportunities

Chukar Hunts - Most challenging game bird offered - Options: Wide-open chukar-only hunts or combined chukar/quail in easier terrain - Physical fitness recommended

Duck Hunts - Method: Jump shooting - Best as: Late-season add-on to quail hunts - High-energy, exciting option

Bird Hunt Pricing & Details - $360/person (groups of 5+) or $400/person (smaller groups) - Includes: Guides, dogs, hunting property - Does not include: Meals or accommodations - 50% deposit to confirm - 3-day license: $32.50 / Bird validation stamp: $44.50 - Lodging available: Comfortable bunkhouse ($40/night) with kitchen, showers, bunk beds, TV. Bring own sleeping bag - Willow Creek café available nearby for meals

• •Spring varmint hunts
• •Coyote hunts
• •Sheep hunts
• •Camping/hunting instruction
• •Photography trips
• •Wildlife viewing trips

• •100,000 acres of private property hunting rights
• •BLM land permits available
• •Terrain: From historic Oregon Trail lands to isolated mountains at 7,000+ feet
• •Base camp: Willow Creek, Oregon (12 miles north of Vale on Highway 26 toward John Day)
• •Two hours from Boise airport with rental cars available

Detailed gear lists provided at booking, but essentials include: - Multiple layers (weather varies greatly across season) - Good quality boots; waterproof/insulated for winter months - For big game: Sleeping bag, warm clothing, toiletries, firearms, ammunition, ice chest - Optional: Gloves, hat, rain gear, camera, binoculars

Most hunts include mountain cabins with home comforts. All trips include excellent meals and secure lodging. Lodging arrangements depend on the specific hunt booked.

Mike and his guides are outdoor professionals with lifetime experience on the Eastern Oregon plateau. Many guides have worked for High Lonesome Hunts for decades. All guides are first-aid trained and capable of handling minor injuries in remote areas.

Reservations often fill 1-2 years in advance—book early for preferred dates. Deposits required to confirm. Balance due 30 days before hunt start. Cancellation by client forfeits deposit and payment unless dates filled by another party. If High Lonesome Hunts cancels, full refund issued.

Elk and deer tags available through draw (apply by May 15) or landowner tags first-come-first-served. Antelope tags difficult to draw.

Contact High Lonesome Hunts - Phone: 541.823.2838 (big game) / 541.890.6867 (bird hunts) - Address: 4851 N Road G, Vale, Oregon 97918 - Trip start/end: Willow Creek, Oregon