Oregon Trail Whitetail

Oregon Trail has been minimally hunted for the last few years, so it is unpressured and abundant with wildlife. Driving and parking are limited to existing roads and well established two tracks only. Any driving off of these existing roads will result in a fine. If an animal is downed and assistance is needed retrieving the animal, the landowner may be willing to help with a side by side. Otherwise, plan on quartering and packing the animal out. Do not leave a carcass of an animal somewhere it can be seen from the road or two track - haul it off into the trees or somewhere coyotes will pick it clean in no time. There is a hotwire along the road that follows the river - assume the hotwire is on and cross accordingly. Onsite lodging can be made available during the hunt for $125/night per person. This is a 4 bedroom, 3 bath with a kitchen. Please be aware of the house and other structures on the property - no shooting near these structures will be allowed, you are also asked to be aware of what is behind your shot when taking an animal. Need to make sure you have the IO app in use, as some of the roads available to drive on will pass through neighboring properties that hunters do not have access or permission to hunt.

Typical North Platte habitat. Big cottonwoods, thick grass cover. Has not been grazed by cattle in over 2 years, so the understory has filled in with excellent growth for bedding and browse. Alfalfa fields along the river provide a prime food source, and several smaller creeks and tributaries branching off the Platte give deer easy access to water. The combination of tall timber, thick underbrush, and grassy bottoms creates secure bedding areas that allow deer to feel unpressured during the day.

Travel corridors follow the river bottoms, creek drainages, and edges of the ag fields, funneling consistent deer movement throughout the property. Rub and scrape lines can often be found along these corridors during the rut. The habitat supports a high population of deer with most bucks in the 120–150 class range, though the mix of food, cover, and travel routes means a mature 170+ buck could easily cruise through during peak rut activity.

Additionally, the surrounding Platte River system and nearby ag country contribute to strong deer numbers year after year, ensuring consistent opportunity for hunters looking to target quality whitetails in proven habitat.

Reservation fees are due at the time of booking, and are non-refundable. 50% of the outdoorsman fee will process 2 weeks after the draw results in this state are posted. If you are unsuccessful in the draw, reach out to IO and the situation will be handled accordingly. The remaining 50% will process 1 month prior to the hunt. All OTC hunts will require a 50% deposit of the outdoorsman fee at the time of booking as well. The remaining 50% will process 1 month prior to the hunt.

Cancellations made prior to placing a deposit will be taken care of immediately. Any cancellations needed after placing a deposit will result in attempts to reschedule the hunt for a different season, or a different year. Please note that refunds are not guaranteed.

If there is a lapse in availability, please do not be discouraged to reach out to IO. All calendars are set and managed by landowners, and unavailability is set by them. However, IO is willing to reach out on your behalf, to check on available dates. Other reasons for unavailable dates include biologist recommended hunter/harvest quotas that landowners implement, as well as state season dates not being released.

You are not legally allowed to access the property, for any adventure, prior to your selected access day. If you try to access the property at all before your selected date(s), without prior approval from IO, you will be subject to trespassing and punishments therein