15 replies to this topic

[cattledog04]

My boy and I want to camp and hunt up by around the Kern or Owen's Valley area. What should I be looking for in a location? I know it's a tough question with most not wanting to give up their spots. If anyone has idea's just message me. Thanks in advance.

[sxshooter]

I'm not familiar with hunting spots for quail that far north. But if you hunt around Ridgecrest, Red Mtn, or the El Paso Mtns, you'll find chukar and some quail. The El Paso's just south of Ridgecrest are getting pretty popular and you can camp there.Why go so far north? The Anza Borrego area should hold quail and chukar, although I haven't hunted that area.

[cattledog04]

Should I just look into BLM land in the suggested area's and local campgrounds?

[turkeyman85]

Anza! Have you ever seen chukar there. Cause I sure as heck never have...I know it looks prefect for them right? For quail there is some coveys in there.

[Bisley]

Are you tenting it, moteling it, or do you have a trailer? I ask because if you are not tenting it, Owens Valley all the way. It will be C O L D at night though. Ther are quail, chukar, and you can still fish the river (the creeks are closed for the season) if you get the urge. Plus, seeing and hearing the Tule elk in the hay fields never gets old. There are some really great camping and hunting spots an hour this side of Bridgeport. My parents just bought a double wide in that valley (finally). Getting too old and tired for the cold weather. Thank God so did my pops. Let me know if you choose that area, I can give you a heads up where to go or possibly catch up with ya there.The Ridgecrest and Red Mountain area do have lots of chukar (damn few quail near Red Mountain), but especially this time of year, there are a ton of bikes and quads to deal with. Our family has hunted (and rode) there for more years than I care to count, until we all got of the number of OHV's. No grudges, just became time to find some new places. Just a heads up so you don't go out there trying to hunt and get frustrated. It is a fun place to ride if you had plans for that, and you don't mind crowds.

[cattledog04]

I have a 5th wheel, so the elements aren't really a problem. We camp up in Bridgeport twice a year, so I'm some what familiar with the Owen's Valley from passing through it for so many years. We would love to check out that area, some of the most gorgeous country is around there.

[sxshooter]

There's a lot of hunting land in the El Paso's just north of the Red Mtn area and just south of Ridgecrest. You likely won't get your 5th wheel all the way in there due to the poor roads (sandy in some places). But you can setup just south of the 395 and drive in daily to the area a few miles from where you camp. There are guzzlers all over and you'll have plenty of land and little company. Get a Delorme topographical map book and find the area south of 395, Sheep Springs is a favorite spot since it has water. But there are guzzlers in the mountains too. It's a big area, take GPS's and water on your daily treks.

[armyshooter]

The Ridgecrest area is not too bad for hunting birds. If you are looking for chukar the only place I remember seeing any was on the west side of hwy 395. There are places around Red Mtn and Dove Springs OHV area that you can get your 5th wheel into with out any problems. If you do go to that area of the desert watch out for mine shafts, I know they were trying to mark some of them in the more popular places but I haven't been around the area for a few years.

[Frank]

Why go so far north?

I Agree... I've been going to Bridgeport for approx 50 yrs & that area is good for scenery & fishing only. Ain't no decent game of any kind to be had anywhere near there. So, don't let Bisley lead you astray by going to the "other end of the lake". Better to go with the crowds, where it's SAFE, I always say! Bisley means well, but just gets a little confused sometimes (YIKES; maybe that IS me instead??). Oh well then... Good Luck on your trip and be SAFEFrank p.s. sorry to have missed you, Bisley, when I was just there earlier this week. For "fishing" only of course.

[Bisley]

p.s. sorry to have missed you, Bisley, when I was just there earlier this week. For "fishing" only of course.

Are you stalking me? First Colorado, now Inyo I was a heart beat away from being up there this weekend. The parents went up to do some unpacking and the brother took the family to his trailer for the weekend. I think we're gonna own that whole park one day But I decided four weekends in a row was enough for these legs, and took a vacation (stayed home). Too bad too, my dad met a gentleman that works for DFG at the park and knew my father who also worked at DFG before his stroke. He wants to take us out and show us even more new spots to hunt. Rough life, I know But this is the part I know you would love Frank. During opener, the first weekend they owned the trailer, there was at least a six pack of "fish" literally a hundred feet away across the highway raising hell all night. Apparently they are still there, and this is a nightly thing. They have threatened to leave the gate open and leave food and water dishes if they get any closer. They are that close! May have to take the nephew "night fishing" one night

[Frank]

LOL... Yeah, Bisley, now that you mention it, I guess I am stalking you. Sorry! lolYou are indeed correct on my loving the "night fishing" part. I know your nephew would LOVE doing that too. Of course you will get NO rest then, with all the hunting & fishing he'll be wanting to do. Better get LOTS of rest this weekend. LOLFour weekends in a row is something. I'm worn out just reading that. LOL You & your friends & family are obviously having a great year. Also, great to hear your folks, especially your dad, enjoying themselves so much... as well they should be. BTW, if you happen to see a white, 2000, 4x4 Dodge Ram in the neighborhood, I could be... well, stalking you! (j.k.)Frank

[cattledog04]

Are there any campgrounds open this time of year in the Owen's Valley?

[Bisley]

Yes sir, all year long. And some very nice ones too. You camp so close to the creek, you could actually fish from your trailer. Just can't fish the creeks this time of year though. During summer, it is pure heaven. And you can literally walk out of camp (far enough to be legal of course) and chase quail or rabbits. Or so I've heard Alright, I may have spent a night or two there. And maybe, just maybe, I may have hunted that valley the last two decades. Maybe. This was taken before the turn of this last century. You can tell it's bird season, it's the only time I almost get cold. The creek sits between that wall of brush and trees.

[Frank]

Great pic, Bisley... Question: Is the Owen's river fairly high right now? Reason I ask is, one may not expect the fishing to be as good IF it is, right? I didn't pay a lot of attention, but seemed liked it was anyhow? If so, the fishing might be better around Jan or Feb in other words? But hey, I also know we go when we can. Just wondering out loud is all. Anyway cattledog, to me, the eastern sierras is the gem of the state. But that's just between the 3 of us, ok? Let us know how you doFrank

[Bisley]

Great pic, Bisley... Frank

Thanks, that was back when we were much simpler and all our gear fit into a short bed truck. You know, a couple long guns, a couple cots, a little fire wood and about three ice chests filled with two packages of hot dogs and the rest "sodas" I miss those days. Amazing what you can do without when you're younger.I'm not too sure about the river height, as I was chasing C-devils on the opener. But where we usually fish it isn't as much a factor. One is right behind a hatchery where the run off (including food pellets) pours into the river from a 36" drain, so the trout are almost always there no matter how high the river is. The other one is where the reservoir pours into the river. Lots of oxygen and swift moving water, and always lots of fish. Huge carp too, have always wanted to shoot carp there with a stick and string. But you are right, come Jan or Feb, when the water gets even colder and the water level gets a little lower, the trout fishing will get even better.And anybody up that way, if they have not seen them before, owes it to themselves to stop and see the Tiger Trout. I don't remember if it's Black Rock or Whitney fish hatchery where they are, but the are worth seeing at least once. Interesting to say the least.By the way, I thought you were following me again this morning Frank. There was a truck following me matching your description, but I figured either it wasn't you, or, that was the best "attractive young blonde girl" disguise I have ever seen

[Frank]

Amazing what you can do without when you're younger

OMG, Bisley, ain't that the truth?! Sometimes it really sucks realizing we are no longer 20 years old. Sometimes! LOL

By the way, I thought you were following me again this morning Frank. There was a truck following me matching your description, but I figured either it wasn't you, or, that was the best "attractive young blonde girl" disguise I have ever seen

In either case, both had to be much more pleasing to the eye than my ugly, pig headed mug. BTW, you have me pouring over my maps (for the 100th bazillion time) all morning, trying to find an elusive "secret" spot... even though I have probably memorized the name of every rock, mtn & stream. Ok, a slight exageration, but only slight! LOL I will try & remember to let you know the next time I blast up the valley, just in case you're there at the same time. Exchanging a few lies would be good. Then again, I usually head to the lower deserts from now through Feb, but not always. We'll see??Frank