Just a quickie for the evening…
The CA big game drawing results are now posted on the DFG website. If you put in for the draw, the wait is over…
Me? I got drawn for the elusive A-zone buck tag. I even doubled down, and got drawn for a B-zone tag too! Woohoo! I also made my annual donation to the CA elk program, and added one more preference point to my tally.
Who else put in? Who got drawn?
J.R.
Went for points all around except for elk and picked up an A-Zone along the way. I’m going to try and put in for opening weekend at Upper Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Area. I was out looking for pigs on the last weekend there and it was loaded with deer. Not sure if they’ll get too pressured from archery though.
If the buck that frequents my yard keeps eating all the apples off our tree my wife may crack and buy me a bow.
Neil H
An A zone is standard for me because that’s where our family land is. Thanks Great-Great-Grandfather for setting aside a place for us, and grandfather for making sure it stays in the family.
I had a friend want to hunt G-1, but put in as a second choice because he didn’t want to lose his maximum points for just that zone. He dreams of the elusive X zone someday. I rode along on that draw and ended up getting my third choice, another A zone. I probably wouldn’t take two deer off my family property because I’m one of many family members, so I’ll look to some other places for that.
I put in for Elk for the first time, and while there were better odds, I put in for a cow hunt in Pillsbury since I might actually be able to scout it. Only 50-1 odds, which is actually near the best chance. Surprisingly, I didn’t get it.
Antelope: First time putting in. Ha! yeah, right. 2000 to 1 odds. I bought a California super lottery ticket on the same day, with the same result. One point under my belt, I hope I can still walk without a walker when I draw.
This is the first year I’ve tried for anything other than an A zone tag, so in hindsight I would have kept my options open for a second tag and if A zone wasn’t productive, gone for a D 3-5 late season hunt or something. I have more options in A zone though, and I’m working on some new access I’m excited about down the coast from San Francisco.
J Segura
Whooooohooooo yea I got drawn for the premium G6 tag my first time putting in Any of y’all Hear about that hunt its suppose to be awesome my buddy has a cabin up in the sequoias an went to check the area out to even see if its worth putting in for when over 1200 applicants apply every year and only 50 are drawn an only 2 First time applicant get it an I was one of the lucky two to get it, it takes about 8 preference points to get drawn I’m so lucky and can’t wait til december for the hunt! Anyone know of anyone that has gotten this tag before? But anyways what I was saying my buddy went to check it out last december and saw a 29″ 8×10 get shot an got a nice picture of it. He also watched a nice 4×3 and 4×4 be taken as well he said the big bucks come down after a good cold front in end of november to early december (you catch them on there migration down from the high country) He also saw plenty more of nice 4x4s everywhere. Y’all have any tips about this zone? I can’t wait!!!!!!
Thanks,
Congrats on the G6 draw, J! That should be a great hunt, especially if the weather cooperates. Some great bucks in that zone if the snow drives them out of the high country.
JR, Cottonwood Creek can be an excellent hunt. Tips from my friends who’ve been successful there suggest going high and deep. Haven’t hunted it myself, but that advice seems to hold true on most public land. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
To the A-zone hunters, there is a lot of great hunting in this huge zone. I’m definitely looking forward to it… not least because it means I’ll be hunting the opener in less than three weeks!
J Segura
Yeah I kno I’m already ready for december to be here I can’t wait. And I’m praying for a good snow storm to push em down. Thanks for the advice ill let y’all know how it goes.
Yea I agree, nothing wrong with A zone its a good zone I’ve been hunting it my whole life an theres always nice bucks killed where I’m from in Santa Barbara County. Yeah bow season three weeks away, Can’t wait!
Bodega
Well, lightning can strike twice! I also drew the rare A Zone tag this year, so I guess I’ll be seein’ y’all up in the dry and hot hills.
Neil H
Hey Bodega, those hot dry hills are all I know! It’s hot, it’s dry, (and where I am it’s pretty thick and hard hunting; basically Cow Mountain) but it’s home. I’ve got to say I’ve been spoiled hunting pigs in the cool winter weather of the bay area.
Congratulations J on the G6! Maybe you should have bought a lottery ticket on the same day! Those fall migration zones seem pretty amazing. It’s pretty hard to choose from all the different areas; they all seem pretty interesting in there way.
Someday I’ll get into that, but I’m just starting trying out different spots. I returned to hunting just two seasons ago after a 20 year hiatus, basically my entire adult life. It’s all pretty exciting and new. When I was a kid we just drew an A zone and that was it.
Yes sir! Got drawn for Bishop Elk,Period 5, Antlerless. Never been to the area but looks like I will be making some trips this year. Also got the annual B tag in the deer drawing and points for everything else.
Ryan Z
I drew Utah, Nevada and X-8 tags! Wife might be a little pissed come huntin season but it could be the dream season!!!
Rub it in, Dave! Just rub it in. Don’t forget we’ve got an inside source in that area… I’m sure he’d be happy to help you out.
Congrats to you, Ryan. Sounds like a really busy hunting season! Just think big come Christmas… that should really help things with the wife.
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Phil I got drawn for 2 Bzone tags points all the way around and picked up a bear tag also. I was trying to get my hands on a bow to chase pigs during Azone archery but its not lookin to good. Im gonna make two trips to the ranchs up North. Are you gonna send in the ballot for any opener’s with GRAM???