California Muleys

[BigC]

Hey California Hunters! I know y'all are out there. I'm going to be Mule Deer hunting here for the first time this season (usually hunt whitetails in the UP of Michigan). Hoping to draw X9, if not will hunt around Lake Isabella.

Has anybody had any experience in these areas? What techniques work best? I've heard that many hunters just kinda cruise the backroads hoping to spot deer from the truck. While that may cover a lot of ground how effective is it?

Thanks in advance for your kind advice...

C

[BigC]

Just checked the DFG website and I drew X9B - anyone else hunting that zone?

C

[NorCal]

If you are serious about hunting the Sierra Nevada's in California, and you want to get a big buck, be ready to hike and scout on your trip. The terrain is rough, the altitude is high and the hunting remote. Most people don't even realize what kind of hunting California has to offer. If you are not used to hunting Mule Deer, i would suggest reading a book or two on the habits of Mulies. Scouting is essential. If you don't get around to reading a book then remember this, find the nastiest, highest, most remote mountain side you can and thats where the biggest Mulie will be. Best of luck. I've killed several Mule Deer but can't seem to get drawn in California. Maybe next year.

[mikeamerica]

msg deleted by poster

[meanxmachine]

Hi Big C:

I just came back from a scouting trip and there is a lot of logging activity going on in D8. Talked to some lumber jacks who have be there for about 5 weeks and said they plan to be cutting until the first snow. The way the climate has been i doubt we will get snowfall before the start of the season. I have been hunting the area for about 15 years and NorCal is right. Although alot of guys like to "road hunt" i have never seen anything better than small forkies and does. The big boys are usually found well of the beaten path. I like to walk the dirt bike trails myslef. Last year a bagged a nice 4x2 while walking a trial. He was running with an even bigger buck. Hopefully i'll spot him this year. Good luck out there.