Tom- good point, and thanks. I'll check that out. Coming back from Steens the other day, the fire south of Sisters was very visible but still small. I heard it blew up. I hope things cool down by then. Steens was HOT and it kinda sucks hunting when it's that hot, not to mention fire danger and getting the meat out in good shape.
Fireball- that kind of advice is very helpful and I appreciate it. Totally different hunt but I've given similar advice to beginning blacktail hunters: have faith, be patient, hunt hard, stay in the game, it'll happen. It can be hard to keep the spirit up when hunting new conditions. I've been up on the top of the Cascades enough to know it's not exactly crawling with deer.
So to recap- look for obscure water holes in marginal habitat up in the lava fields in Three Sisters?
Jeff, the lava fields are a bit of a different ballgame. There are small islands of timber in the lava flows that never see people, but it is pretty serious work walking those lava fields to get in and out. Big deer and an occasional bull elk hide out there. It's hot out there, take water.
The other scenario with the marginal habitat isn't for everyone but it sounds like you have the idea. I would try to avoid the forest with a carpet of bear grass, that type of habitat will be a waste of time. Hunt above or below that.
