With five wildlife management units of its own and several more in bordering counties, Grant County is considered a hotspot for hunting.

Visitors and locals alike also find the area a great place to unwind and get back in touch with nature.

There are plenty of campgrounds in the area — the Malheur National Forest has 21 of them — and there are two major wilderness areas, Strawberry Mountain and Monument Rock, within easy reach of John Day and surrounding communities.

Prairie City

Located 13 miles east of John Day along the John Day River, Prairie City is near the Beulah, Northside, Malheur, Desolation and East Murderers Creek units.

Dayville

Dayville is on Highway 26 about 32 miles west of John Day. The Northside, Murderers Creek and Ochoco hunting units intersect at Dayville, and the area is popular for deer, sheep and elk hunting, as well as upland game birds.

Mt. Vernon

Situated 8 miles west of John Day on Highway 26, the Mt. Vernon area has premier mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk hunting, as well as terrific trout fishing in the river, lakes and ponds.

Monument

Monument is located on the North Fork John Day River, approximately 120 miles southwest of Pendleton and 60 miles northwest of John Day. The area is known for its fishing, hunting and whitewater rafting.

Seneca

This community 26 miles south of John Day is a popular jumpoff for the Murderers Creek, Malheur and Silvies units. The area is great for pronghorn, Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer.

Long Creek

About 45 miles north of John Day, the Long Creek area is known for trophy mule deer and whitetail deer along with Rocky Mountain elk.

For more information, stop by the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, 301 W. Main St. in John Day, call 800-769-5664 or 541-575-0547, or visit gcoregonlive.com.