California A-18 (X9c)

[Bowhunter_60]

This year was not so good for me insofar as drawings are concerned. Didn't get drawn on any of my out of state picks, nor did I get drawn for my any of my zones in California. So, I was left with choosing left-over tags in an area I've never hunted before.

As those of you, who have hunted California's A, B, and D zones know all too well. Many of the zones are overwhelmed with hunting pressure. So, I choose to stay out of those zones for the most part. Not to mention, when it comes to deer, Blacktail are, in my opinion, at the bottom of the list for table fare.

OK, to the point of my post. The area I chose was Zone A-18 (X9c). Not known for it's great success rate, but it seems the potential is there for some big deer. I spoke to the biologist for the area, he says there are some "monster" deer up there, and gave me some tips but nothing really specific. That said, has anyone hunted up there. During archery season, are you seeing any activity below 8000 - 9000 feet?

I'm planning on a pre-season scouting trip up there next week for about 4-5 days to get a feel for the terrain and movement. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.

 

[bghunter]

There is probable a reason why success rate is so low. I was camping four days last weekend in X8 and saw one small spike and two bears. I was hiking to high points and glassing couple open areas in the morning and evening but didn't see anything. Spoke to couple locals and they said that mountain lions killed most of the deer. Good luck with your plans but I would do some more research if you wanna see and harvest something. Those predators must be managed.

 

[Slugz]

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/6/Mule-Deer/White-Mountain-Deer-Study

I'd get ahold of the guys that did this study. Link provided.

 

[Slugz]

Some notes from my log book.... I haven't been in Cali in a while....this could be outdated and no good....or maybe you already know all this. Either way here ya go.


Deer occur throughout the entire zone during the general hunting season, most deer activity is
concentrated around water sources because habitat conditions are typically dry.

White Mountain portion of the zone deer are taken near the top of the southern half of the
range where access is good. These areas include Cottonwood Basin, Crooked Creek, Wyman Canyon,
and Westgard Pass. Hunters. Pellisier Flats and Chiatovich Flats in the northeastern portion of the zone.

Inyo Mountains kill information indicates that the Waucoba Mountain and Gilbert Pass areas have the greatest concentration of deer.

Inyo and Piper Mountain Wilderness areas provide a remote, high country, rugged hunt. If hunters prefer a more accessible
hunting location, the Owens River, from Laws extending south to Lone Pine, provides some excellent hunting.

 

[goindeep]

Never stepped foot in that zone but if it's like any other place in California it's going to have deer from top to bottom during archery season. If I remember right that zone has a pretty decent rifle success so that would mean it's just not ideal for archery hunting but they are there.

 

[Bowhunter_60]

There is probable a reason why success rate is so low. I was camping four days last weekend in X8 and saw one small spike and two bears. I was hiking to high points and glassing couple open areas in the morning and evening but didn't see anything. Spoke to couple locals and they said that mountain lions killed most of the deer. Good luck with your plans but I would do some more research if you wanna see and harvest something. Those predators must be managed.

BG, Not sure if you're going to hunt there this year. But, X8 is one of my perennial favorites. I've hunted it many times, and taken some very nice deer there. The deer are there, but as with most of California, water is a scarcity. My preferred location has been West and Northwest of Leviathan Peak, between the quarry and the Peak. I've killed a number of nice bucks in that area, albeit during rifle season. So, if you plan to hunt that area, you might want to give this area a consideration.

 

[87TT]

There is a reason it was leftover. There are deer there but few and far between. Find water up high. It is an extremely dry and hot area during bow season. I would be prepared to backpack in. I would check out the White Mts.

 

[Bowhunter_60]

All good information everyone. Slugz, the biologist who conducted this study and wrote the article is the biologist that I spoke with regarding the archery hunt. What we talked about did not differ appreciably from the information in the article. Although he said, the deer are there, it's just not an easy zone for archery.

Right now, and unless something changes, I anticipate my camp being at the 10,000' elevation. From there conducting several days of glassing prior to season opener. With any luck, I'll be able to identify some patterns and take advantage of them. I do not anticipate this being an easy hunt, but I've hunted in worse conditions before and been successful. Frankly, I'd rather hunt where the pressure is less, and this unit seems to fit that bill.

 

[easymoney]

This was my first choice tag(which I did not draw, drew A17 instead) and my advice is to drive up the white mt road, park, find the water sources, and hunt down into the rough areas away from the roads and the Bristlecone sensitive areas. Won't get much from the biologist(I tried) and most info on this area is very well known...
Good luck.

 

[Bowhunter_60]

This was my first choice tag(which I did not draw, drew A17 instead) and my advice is to drive up the white mt road, park, find the water sources, and hunt down into the rough areas away from the roads and the Bristlecone sensitive areas. Won't get much from the biologist(I tried) and most info on this area is very well known...
Good luck.

Good Info Easy, Thank You. My plan was to be in or near the White Mountain, and work that area for a while.

 

[Toxo23]

Bowhunter, if your concerns are overwhelming exchange your A18 for a A19. Season is shorte and tag quota is 100. Been up there. Beautiful country. I wasn't able to get into the area I wanted to but my buddy backed me up with a follow up scouting report. Seen a nice group of bachelors. I'm als getting a bear tag. Bear aware.

 

[Bowhunter_60]

Toxo,

I'll keep that in mind for this year. I'm actually gonna do a lot of scouting this year in D12. I've heard some positive stuff from wildlife managers and I'm gonna go see if there's some truth to it.

As for last season. It wasn't a complete bust. Got on a bachelor group of 3 beautiful 3 points in velvet. Unfortunately, as is the case with too many IDIOTS in the field. Had some moron who spotted them from the road and took a shot at them from his truck. Besides, A18 had far to many Subarus driving up and down the roads burning incense. Didn't put a real good taste in my mouth.

 

[Fins_N_Tines]

I have a feeling if you put in the work and get above 10k and are willing to hike in 8-10 miles you would at a minimum have some changes at a couple good stalks on some bucks. It's appealing to me, might have to give it a harder look.