9 replies to this topic

[Air Rifle Hunter]

Well, I got the itch this afternoon and loaded up my gear and drove east of where I live. I was looking for new areas to hunt that might hold some Turkeys, Rabbits, Jacks or other critters. My first location didn't yield much. However, I did find some deer tracks around that area. So now I know a spot to look for deer whenever deer season comes up for that area. Then I decided to take a road through an area I've never been. Wow, beautiful mountains, pine trees, oaks... it was an amazing drive and I'm glad I took it. Although, I now wish I had a booklet of Bobcat tags, because while I was scouting around I came across one. However, I must admit I was probably under gunned so having a tag wouldn't have helped much. It was cool to find/come across my first one though and I made a note of where I saw it for a future trip. Other than the beautiful scenery, the tracks and the bobcat, I didn't see much else. The area I was driving and walking through was vast though and I'll probably not wander into that area too far without having a hunting buddy with me. I also have to say, it is really, really cold in the areas from 4000 to 6000 feet. Wow, with the wind blowing around 15 miles an hour it was pretty chilly. I was prepared for it though and it didn't bother me at all. Well, hopefully one of these trips I'll come back with something to show for it. However, for now I am content with getting out and learning the ropes.

[True2ThySelf]

So when you go scouting a new area, how to do determine if you are allowed to hunt there?I got some BLM maps (though I don't know a lick about reading a map) and plan to do some scouting around "someplace" after my morning hunt for Chukar at "someplace".

[Air Rifle Hunter]

The first thing I do before I even head out, is to look either at my National Forest Map or my BLM map for the particular area and determine what areas are legal for me to hunt in and then where I think I'd like to try scouting. Then I also check on an app that I have on my iPhone to see what it shows for the areas I'm looking at. If both are the same (or really close), then I make my plan to go take a look. The place I went to today was very mountainous. It looked like there were some good areas to walk into to hunt and other areas that I probably wouldn't try alone. The one area that was very open was Archery Only and I didn't have my bow with me, so I didn't even bother getting out to look around there.Take a look at the legend on the map. Notice which areas are BLM and National Forest. Then check online at the BLM site and National Forestry site to see if there are any restrictions for the areas you are looking at heading into. If so, make a note of the areas you can and can't hunt in and then pick a day where you can scout out the new area or areas. I wish you a good hunt for your Chukar and hope to see pics of your hunt. And just as a kind suggestion, you might not want to put the names off all the places you are going in your posts. That leads to your spots becoming easy targets for those that just scour the internet for spots and don't do any of the footwork for themselves. But like I mentioned, it's just a friendly suggestion.

[Thumper Dunker]

Sounds like a fun day.

[Frank]

As you will soon see, the areas colored in "white" on BLM & Forestry maps are normally private lands. The legend on the maps will show this, as Air Rifle pointed out. Also, Great advice on not giving out your hunting areas. Unless one just wants LOTS of company & less game. Just read the deer hunts exclusively on this forum on how often this happens. Just too many people, especially with the internet... & facebook! Frank

[Air Rifle Hunter]

It was nice to see the different areas, the bobcat and the deer tracks. It would have been even better to have gotten some game. Maybe next time! Frank is very correct, as he is 99.999% of the time (we can't be right all of the time...right?). The "White" areas on both types of maps are "Private" land and not huntable unless you have gained permission from the owner of the land and have the "Permission Slip" filled out and signed by the owner or caretaker of the property. You also want to stay clear of "Reservation" land, unless you happen to be part of that tribe and allowed to hunt there. Also, most "Preserve" areas don't allow any type of hunting. Some "Recreation" areas do, but it may be only Archery... so do your homework!

[spearodafish]

Then I also check on an app that I have on my iPhone

What app might that be?

[Air Rifle Hunter]

The app I us is for my iPhone and it is called San Diego County Hunting Map. They probably have it for the Android OS too. If you search the apps section by typing "Hunting Map" it will show up with a few others for different counties. I also have one for Santa Barbara County. To me it was quite over prices (I think 19.99) and the mapping only works if you are in Cell Tower range of your particular provider. But the GPS part will work no matter what. You just wont be able to see any topography or graphics showing terrain.

[spearodafish]

That's cool...kinda expensive but cool

[Air Rifle Hunter]

Yeah, I though it was rather expensive too! Especially since San Diego County really isn't all that big compared to some others. I think the Santa Barbara County one I download was less, maybe $9.99. However, I can't remember since it was quite a while back (about 6 months ago).