9 replies to this topic

[Kalvinc]

Just got stationed here at NAWS China Lake in May and am still trying to figure out this whole tag system they have going for deer hunting. Looks like the Sequoia national forest holds quite a bit of land there in D8 which is only about an hour's drive from me. All the reviews I can find on it are not so great, but it is really the only option for me this late in the year. Plan on going scouting this weekend and just wondering if anybody can give me some pointers on where to start? I definitely do not mind hiking in 4-5 miles to get away from the roads and the crowd. Also, I am having trouble finding the archery dates for D8. I am currently trying to get my .270 mailed to me but apparently other states do not really like going through the hassle of mailing firearms to California... My bow can get shipped out here overnight no problem but I WILL have a rifle during the general season. Not asking for any honey holes by any means. I am asking for some advice on which road to take? Should I go off 178 somewhere? Or gain access through 395 and up through Kennedy Meadows? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

[Broncowilly]

There will be a lot of people no matter where you go in D8 but try Basket Pass, Tobias, Frog Meadow. I have killed many deer in those areas. I don't hunt D8 anymore. I used to go back and forth between D8 and D9 but I moved back to D9. I just know every inch of D9 so it is easier for me.

[Mechuck]

D-8 is a pretty big place and it does get hunted alot. That is why I do not hunt it any more, But the are deer still to be had the upper ald lower basket passes are a good place to start. If you want to hunt more on the east side Black rock can be a good hunt. If you live in Bakersfield Go up Rancha Rio Rd. it goes all the way to Serrly Meadows ski resort and there is alot of hunting on that road. Oak Flat look out is a good spot if you want to get way from the crowds wlak down to the river lots of deer in that part of the country. But its a tough hike back out. Here is a pic of the last deer i got up there. I cant remeber the road number but It comes off of rancha rio road about 2 miles west of lower basket pass. Good luck hope this helps you and keep us updated on what you see?  2.jpg   19.64K   15 downloads

[Kalvinc]

Thanks for the tips! It looks like most of those areas are all west of Lake Isabella by a good bit, is there any good hunting to be had on the eastern side? Closer to Ridgecrest?

[Broncowilly]

You have to be careful east because X10 is there. D9 by way of Kelso Valley.

[Kalvinc]

Finally found my first California deer! Was driving out to pick up my trail cameras, that had 0 pictures and rounded a curve and saw two young button bucks cross the road. They still had the spots on them but I could see the nubs starting to grow already. Kind of exciting...was starting to believe deer don't really exist in CA. Found out it's in zone X-10. But the archery hunt for that is A-19...and there are even 76 tags left. Too bad the season started last weekend...and I still don't have my bow here. Oh well, now I know what to put in for next year and where to go. Walked the trail they crossed for just 50-60 yards and found probably 25+ piles of deer poop. They trail was beat up and best of all it's BLM Wilderness...which means I can hunt that yes? Anyways I couldn't afford the gas to go all the way to Isabella this weekend so maybe next weekend I'll be able to get out and find a spot.

[dangerranger]

I grew up hunting the northern end of D8 off of hwy 180. a little far north for you but there are good deer numbers in D8. I used to look for roads that parallel a ridge and hunt the far side of the ridge letting the road hunters drive the deer to me. if you are lucky enough to get some weather up high, you will see alot of deer comming down out of the high country. Ive only been in the right place to see it twice, but its worth it when it comes. usaly tward the last of the season. good luck DR

[Kalvinc]

180 is a little far north but who knows I might have to go give it a look! Payday wednesday and a 4 day weekend this week. Couldn't have timed it better myself. Is there a decent/good chance that I may see a bear in D8? I mean..we have them back home but the season is archery only and there is a very small quota. To me killing a bear would take priority over a deer.

[dangerranger]

yes that area does hold bear. DR

[Kalvinc]

Are the numbers good? I would probably kick myself if I saw one and didn't have a tag but is it likely enough that you think I should get a tag?