Hunting and Off-Roading

[Chiro22]

Hope everyone is doing well.

After not having a 4runner for a long time, I'm back in the saddle again and looking to get out of the Bay Area and out to BLM land as often as I can. Really I'm just looking for the joy of being in the great outdoors, and if I can fold some hunting in that's pretty sweet too.

I am fairly new to hunting and trying to learn as much as I can. Just wanted to see if anyone had any advice on some good 4x4 trails that open up to good hunting areas.

I'm geared up for just about any kind of hunt and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Bodie the Dog]

Pretty general kind of question, but here's an intro

For pigs, the coastal ranges seem to be the best, although we're starting to get those big ass mean hybrids in the Sierra foothills near Yuba City. Coast ranges are, in my limited experience, mostly private lands locked up with associated fences and gates; you'll probably need to hire a guide.

For deer, we have mostly Black Tails in the Western Sierras, although the more north and east you go the more likely you are to find a Mulie, which are a bigger species. Regarding access, the Sierras are much more open, especially the more north you go, just keep in mind that population centers tend to be centers of fencing and locked gates as well.

Head up to Yuba City and Sacramento Valley if game birds are your thing, but again, expect to pay for the hunt.

Surprise Valley, in the extreme North East, has an annual squirrel hunt, if you like exploding little critters with a .223. I hear they are excellent demonstrations of hydrostatic pressure. Ever shoot a small water bottle with a large caliber round?

Lots of bears in California, although we're no longer allowed to use dogs in the hunt, which does make it quite a bit more difficult. Some timber companies will allow bear hunting on their property because of the damage bears can do.

Of course us Californians haven't been allowed to use bait stations in many decades. That's the Texas way to hunt. I imagine if you paid enough and ran in the right circles, you could find a hunt where they clip the wings of pigeons and release them right in front of you, speaking of Texas and skilled hunters like Dick Cheney....

 

[Chiro22]

For pigs, the coastal ranges seem to be the best, although we're starting to get those big ass mean hybrids in the Sierra foothills near Yuba City. Coast ranges are, in my limited experience, mostly private lands locked up with associated fences and gates; you'll probably need to hire a guide.

For deer, we have mostly Black Tails in the Western Sierras, although the more north and east you go the more likely you are to find a Mulie, which are a bigger species. Regarding access, the Sierras are much more open, especially the more north you go, just keep in mind that population centers tend to be centers of fencing and locked gates as well.

Head up to Yuba City and Sacramento Valley if game birds are your thing, but again, expect to pay for the hunt.

Surprise Valley, in the extreme North East, has an annual squirrel hunt, if you like exploding little critters with a .223. I hear they are excellent demonstrations of hydrostatic pressure. Ever shoot a small water bottle with a large caliber round?

Lots of bears in California, although we're no longer allowed to use dogs in the hunt, which does make it quite a bit more difficult. Some timber companies will allow bear hunting on their property because of the damage bears can do.

Of course us Californians haven't been allowed to use bait stations in many decades. That's the Texas way to hunt. I imagine if you paid enough and ran in the right circles, you could find a hunt where they clip the wings of pigeons and release them right in front of you, speaking of Texas and skilled hunters like Dick Cheney....

Really appreciate the info...it's always tough asking hunting questions on message boards. I'm not looking for people's honey holes, really I just want to find fun off road drives that happen to lead to areas to hunt.

What zones are you talking about for deer? D zones?

I've heard about that Squirrel derby, sounds like a wild time.

 

[Wingman707]

California Hunting

I have shot up in Alturas and Cedarville. I would suggest not going up during their annual "Round Up". We have always shot in late March-early May. Lot's of critters. There is a little bit of BLM in A-Zone. I have found too small of an area for too many hunters. I would try and draw a tag up north like the other person was suggesting. Tahoe basin, Eastern Sierras.
Check in with your local hunting gun shop. They usually post the hunting zones that can be managed by location, type of property, and access. Sweeney's Sports in Napa is a good little shop. PM me if you have any questions. I can get you in the right direction.

 

[Chiro22]

I have shot up in Alturas and Cedarville. I would suggest not going up during their annual "Round Up". We have always shot in late March-early May. Lot's of critters. There is a little bit of BLM in A-Zone. I have found too small of an area for too many hunters. I would try and draw a tag up north like the other person was suggesting. Tahoe basin, Eastern Sierras.
Check in with your local hunting gun shop. They usually post the hunting zones that can be managed by location, type of property, and access. Sweeney's Sports in Napa is a good little shop. PM me if you have any questions. I can get you in the right direction.

PM sent! Thank you