8 replies to this topic

[labhunter]

Hello everyone, I am a newbie to this site. I am from Arizona but I have some family members living in the LA area, Redondo and whatever city is near College of the Canyons. I will be heading out there numerous times this winter, including what looks like the opening weekend of quail/chukar, Oct. 15th. I am a member of numerous AZ sites so I understand the 'forum code' of asking for spots to hunt. I have been trying to research some areas in the surrounding LA mts, but I am not finding too much minus some posts on this forum. My dog had a good first season last year, so now I am willing and ready to travel and hunt with him. One big question is snakes, are they as bad as southern az? I do not hunt out here till it starts hitting the low 40's in the morning cause of rattlers. Also, I have read it is supposed to be a knock'em dead year for upland hunting out there, which is exciting because the quail hunting out here has been really down the past few years. If anyone is willing to help out, I would really appreciate it. When it comes to az I can offer some advice in exchange if anyone ever heads out this way, I usually get out 30-40 x's for birds, and do a lot of deer and elk archery hunting. Thanks and goodluck to all this season.

[Air Rifle Hunter]

One big question is snakes, are they as bad as southern az? I do not hunt out here till it starts hitting the low 40's in the morning cause of rattlers.

There are a good amount of rattle snakes in the mountains of California. When I lived in Simi Valley (not too far from L.A.) as a kid they would come down out of the canyons and into the city. We killed two on our front lawn and our house was not even near the mountainous areas of the city. If you are concerned (as I would be) I would either wear snake boots, snake proof chaps or the snake proof gaiters just to be safe. Better to spend $50 to $70 now than hundreds in doctor bills and pain later, right?

[Bisley]

I know there is some good land on your way in (10 freeway I'm sure) but since everywhere I go is way North, I am of no help to you there. As for the snakes though, yes, we have them. Are they a problem? Maybe in some areas, for some people. I guess. To be absolutely honest with you, I have a hard time not crying from laughter when I hear about guys buying "snakeproof" chaps and gaiters and etc.. I am fourth generation of the five generations in our family that have hunted MUCH of the Mojave Desert and Inyo County high desert. As a family, we have taken probably hundreds of snakes (used to sell hat bands on the side) from those places. HOWEVER, that is only when we went looking for them! We have never come across one while bird hunting though. Ever! None of us. It may be because the quail season gets very windy, cold, and bitter that time of year, which I believe has a lot to do with it. Or we are the luckiest family in California (which I highly doubt). But even at the beginning of the season when it can be fairly mild some years, we've never come across them. You may have different luck if you hunt farther south in the state while you're here (as it tends to stay a little warmer), but if you do go north for birds, ease your mind and enjoy your hunt. Good luck. Birds are one thing worth coming to this state to hunt for sure. You do know you will have to post pics if you get any. That's the going rate for coming to our state and shooting all our birds

[labhunter]

I have gators and my dog is snake trained, but neither of those are fool-proof, so I usually just wait for the snakes to go hiding. I usually dont see them when I am hunting but that doesn't mean there not around. I can tell they are getting ready to den-up because I have seen them out almost every afternoon the past few weeks. I appreciate the feedback, looks like I will be looking for some pretty nasty country. The chukar sound somewhat familiar to a Mearn's Quail, above 4k ft and up and down hills, except mearns will hold crazy tight, sometimes can damn near step on them. I will make sure and post some pics if I am ever lucky enough. I have been reading alot about the mojave area, anyone know how far of a drive? I only ask because I know in California a 30 mile drive can be 30 mins or 2hrs.

[turkeyman85]

From La to Mojave area is pretty far but its do-able for a day trip.

[Bisley]

Not really. I live a half hour south of L.A. and still get there just under 2 hours. But as I type this I realize we all have a different opinion on far also.Anyways, the drive and time will definitely vary by day and traffic. Also, do you plan plan on hitting these areas on your way in/out, or after you've already arrived? I ask because it would obviously be a little quicker since you are already closer (out of L.A.) during that drive. Either way though, you can be in some really great ground in about 2 hours, 3 at most, even in horrible traffic. But I would say closer to 2 hours. If that isn't too much driving (It's about the average all of us south of the San Joaquin Valley have to drive to get to anything) let me know. I may be able to put you on a spot that is very heavily hunted and by no means a secret to half this state. You would earn them, but they are there. Just wait until after opener (if you value life and love your dog). I figure I owe anybody that comes from a state with Sheriff Joe and very strict immigration laws at least one break

[turkeyman85]

Well to most people that driving 30min and actually getting some where in that time period,2hours can be far. Unlike us Bisley, we're use to driving 30mins to get to the dang STORE...lol. But like I said it can be done,and have fun with a turn around trip. Im closer and I dont get to much traffic heading that way since we leave super early in the morning. I think for us is about 1h 45mins, but we like to drive really really fast also

[labhunter]

Thanks "Bisley", yea southern AZ is not the smartest place to go hunting anymore, at least not with out a couple friends.It doesn't seem to be too far of a drive, but I may be better off trying to find something on the drive into town. If ugly mts is the place, there has to be something in the palm springs area, those aren't the best looking hills. I will keep searching google earth, if anything there is nothing wrong with taking a a nice hike.

[fishandhunt4ever]

I really miss living in Arizona. But, yeah nowadays I think to hunt in the southern portion of AZ, one has to take an AR-15 with them to go bird hunting...Sad times, maybe one day our government will step up to the plate.