I've been looking for deer in California and have only seen a few does. Anywhere special to look for bucks? Meadows, draws, etc.
Where to find deer in California?
- Thread starter TimH
- Start date
Calbuck
Active Member
The guy in the orange hat killed that buck on the same ridge I was hunting this past season...there was another big buck there plus the 22" 4x3 that I ended up shooting. They're out there!
Never in Doubt
Active Member
- Jul 9, 2012
- 304
- 0
Try looking in the thickest brush, or the steepest ridges where no other hunters want to go. If the bucks are pressured, they seem to go to the places where no hunter would think about going, and/or want to. Get out in the field well before dawn, and hunt until dark.
Of course, there may not be any bucks in the are you are looking. In that case, look somewhere else. Like another state, because California sucks, or so I'm told.
Of course, there may not be any bucks in the are you are looking. In that case, look somewhere else. Like another state, because California sucks, or so I'm told.
Kevin Root
Very Active Member
A lot of different factors to your question TimH. Depends on where you are hunting, deer densities, buck to doe ratios, hunting pressure, time of year, limited entry, private land just to name a few. Some zones and areas are better than others here in California, some not as good. There are places I can go close to home here in a heavily populated area of almost a million people now in population in San Jose and see bucks every day, in meadows, draws, etc that you mentioned but the hunting pressure is pretty much non existent. Add hunting pressure, low buck to doe ratios and you will need to search a bit harder for those bucks.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
From your information on your location you are from (Bakersfield), there are lots of great deer hunting areas EAST of you. Towards Walker Pass and north. Also up the Kern past Isabella towards Porterville. Also northeast in the Sierra foothills past private prop and in the Nat For. Bottom line is that you need to get out in the field and start looking. Call the game wardens and ask around in the gun shops ...good places to start. But nothing will take the place of you spending time in the field looking....and not just road looking, you'll need to do some hiking.
HuntWYODon
Very Active Member
Calbuck
Active Member
dustin ray
Veteran member
Hello TimH may i direct you to Official Post Padding Thread hang out there for a bit and help us talk about nothing and before you now it you will have many post under your belt and you gain respect i havent figured out how many points you need but it will help.
Welcome and i hope you find the help your looking for .
What zone are you looking to hunt?
Welcome and i hope you find the help your looking for .
What zone are you looking to hunt?
Dustin Ray: I drew a x-10 tag this year. I am also willing to pack in for long hikes, if that will help.
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dustin ray
Veteran member
Have not hunted x10 i know its rugged the north part of that unit is there i would start good luck
