8 replies to this topic

[scubamike1974]

I am new to California and am going to take my nephew deer hunting for his first time this year. He has an A-Zone tag and I was wondering if anyone had any advise as to where to hunt. Any info would be greatly appriciated.

[ShooterJohn]

Hi Mike, I'm sure someone will jump in here and answer your question. Just wanted to say welcome to the forum.

[scubamike1974]

Hi Mike, I'm sure someone will jump in here and answer your question. Just wanted to say welcome to the forum.

Thank you John. Happy hunting!

[scubamike1974]

I was thinking of taking him to the Indian Valley Reservoir area. Has anyone ever hunted there? I have been there one time but I was just out looking around at the time and saw no deer.

[Jason]

I'm not very familiar with that part of Zone A but I can tell you that the parts of Monterey County and San Benito in Zone A have more deer in them than I have seen in years. I have seen several nice size bucks in the last few weeks including a rare but nice size 4x4 which is unreal for those minature coastal black tail. Also saw a nice 2x3 and a very nice 2x2 all in the last week and a half just driving around. I could not tell you where a good place to hunt would be. I know there is some BLM land but you may have to walk a bit to get any deer. The bigger deer in A Zone that I have seen tend to be up high and in brushy, steep areas. Hope this helps.Jason O.

[.204 Sniper]

I have 160 acres at the north end of the reservoir. There's some good sized blacktails out there, IF you hunt them right.Take the Walker Ridge road (off of HWY 16) and head towards the dam. When your about 4 miles in, there is a fork in the road. Left takes you to the dam. Right takes you towards Wintun Camp.If you want a decent campsite (not primitive) go see Bob at the Dam. He tends the dam and store there and he'll hook you up.I recommend you go right towards Wintun Camp. It's about a 9-10 mile drive along the ridge around the lake and camping is primitive (bring your own water!) but a great place to camp.The turn-off is just a little dirt road to the left that is NOT marked. You'll see a fairly open valley to youe left and down a bit. If you make it to the NEXT fork in the road (Military tower repeater on the hill) you've passed it.If you hit that area opening day, you should be good to go. (Hell - if I go this year maybe I'll guide you. P.M. me for my number.)At Wintun camp, across the meadow, is a fair hill. On top of the hill is a USGS survey trail. They have a couple of seismograph boxes a mile or so in.Follow that trail a mile or two back heading SSW. You'll come to a nice deep valley. There are a BUNCH of springs in there and it is THICK!Pick a spot on the hill and glass for deer.The ONLY other way is to drive them with 5-6 buddies and it IS a BITCH (but WELL worth it!). The biggest buck I've taken out of there was a nice 4x4 that weighed 153 lbs dressed out! He had been running with a Tule Elk and I shot him crossing a hillside at about 1 PM.That area is a great start for an Indian Valley newbie!BRING A PIG TAG!!! There are AVERAGE 350+ lb hogs in there! NO B.S.! You'll kick yourself in the ass if you don't. Look for them on the hillsides turning over rocks between the chapparel and manzanita looking for bugs. Most are pure black Russians - haven't seen any mixed ones.Why am I giving up this info? You asked - and this is NOT my honey hole! But it really is a great place to hunt. I've been hunting Indian Valley for 30+ years. My dad bought our property back in 1962.Buy a map - there are ALOT of Private parcels. Most of the North end is ALL private. People get really pissed when yahoo's don't pay attention (not calling you a yahoo - just FYI )I've got some other awesome spots - but the only way I'll give them up is if we hunt together and you swear not to share the info!

[scubamike1974]

I'm not very familiar with that part of Zone A but I can tell you that the parts of Monterey County and San Benito in Zone A have more deer in them than I have seen in years. I have seen several nice size bucks in the last few weeks including a rare but nice size 4x4 which is unreal for those minature coastal black tail. Also saw a nice 2x3 and a very nice 2x2 all in the last week and a half just driving around. I could not tell you where a good place to hunt would be. I know there is some BLM land but you may have to walk a bit to get any deer. The bigger deer in A Zone that I have seen tend to be up high and in brushy, steep areas. Hope this helps.Jason O.

Thank you for your advise. I will check out the BLM maps. I am not really concerned about the size of the deer for him...he can always go up in size as he progresses in his hunting skills. I will hopefully have some post hunt pics of the little guy with a buck this year. He is very excited.

[CLL]

http://www.blacktailcountry.com/Hope this helps .

[scubamike1974]

http://www.blacktailcountry.com/Hope this helps .

This looks like a good website with some good info. Thanks!!