Panoche & Tumey Hills BLM questions???

[Jongage]

I would be game to head out. I havent been out there in about 15 years, and have been itching to shoot my AR.

[moonshade0227]

Originally Posted by Timphan

What's the best way to get to Panoche hills from San Jose? 101 to 152 to i5? Exit Panoche road? Where do I go after that?

Try mercy hot springs. On the way to it you will see Panoche entrance.

I haven't been there often, but most of my experience are good.

I never know there's a fine parking off the road before I read this thread. I though common BLM rule is you can park within 300 feet distance to the road?

[kevman0154]

So im coming from SF is Panoche/Tumey hills worth the trip more so then Cow Mountain up in North Bay???

[moonshade0227]

Originally Posted by kevman0154

So im coming from SF is Panoche/Tumey hills worth the trip more so then Cow Mountain up in North Bay???

If you like vast wasteland Panoche is definitely a better place. I can't think a better place to practice long rang shooting over 1000 yard.

[triggs75]

I would be interested in heading down early morning for the day. I would be interested in more long range shooting. I have a few steel targets I could bring.

Would be looking to go early to middle march. Be great to go with someone who has shot longer range there to get the lay of the land.

Chad

[Lonestargrizzly]

Just went to Tumey last weekend with another calgunner, it's looking good out there.

[ScottsBad]

Couple of questions.

1. Is it wise to camp there or near there? Or is there a better camping location that's not to far away?

2. Can you use something like a little Honda 70 to set up and retrieve longer range targets, or is riding prohibited?

3. Do you guys set up steel out there?

Thanks.

[NapalmCheese]

Originally Posted by ScottsBad

Couple of questions.

1. Is it wise to camp there or near there? Or is there a better camping location that's not to far away?

2. Can you use something like a little Honda 70 to set up and retrieve longer range targets, or is riding prohibited?

3. Do you guys set up steel out there?

Thanks.

1. Camping there is fine, there is no water, plan accordingly.
2. No.
3. Yes.

[ScottsBad]

Originally Posted by NapalmCheese

1. Camping there is fine, there is no water, plan accordingly.
2. No.
3. Yes.

Thank you.

Sorry #2 question was unclear. Can you ride to pick up targets?

[morepewpewpew]

Originally Posted by ScottsBad

Thank you.



Sorry #2 question was unclear. Can you ride to pick up targets?

We've had no problem riding, but check the blm website to make sure there's no current restrictions. If I remember correctly they restrict bikes during the summer (fire) season.


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[Nor*Cal]

Taking your dirt bike or any motorized vehicle to change out your targets is not allowed. All vehicles must stay on the designated routes. I actually don't think they allow motorcycles at all since the 70's.

From May to October, vehicle access to both Panoche and Tumey Hills is restricted to prevent wildfires.

Not that there's much out there that can burn but that's their rules.

Also, camping is limited to 14 days. Guess they don;t want people living out there.

[NapalmCheese]

Originally Posted by ScottsBad

Thank you.

Sorry #2 question was unclear. Can you ride to pick up targets?

Clear enough.
Still no.

No offroading at Panoche Hills.

[gotthelife4u]

I am thinking about making a solo trip out to Panoche or Tumey this weekend. I am guessing that it's still fairly accessible with all the rain we have gotten for the last two months?

[jconfus]

Originally Posted by moonshade0227

If you like vast wasteland Panoche is definitely a better place. I can't think a better place to practice long rang shooting over 1000 yard.

Which spot to shoot 1000? Went there several times and could not find a good spot for 500+. I don't mind walk to targets but would avoid climbing hills.

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[moonshade0227]

Originally Posted by jconfus

Which spot to shoot 1000? Went there several times and could not find a good spot for 500+. I don't mind walk to targets but would avoid climbing hills.

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Check the map on google earth. Tag the location and download google offline map.
I usually choose to place target on one slope of a valley and shoot from the opposite slope.

There are some flat spots but usually are occupied.

Here is an example.
Peak_deltaT2.jpg

[jconfus]

Originally Posted by moonshade0227

Check the map on google earth. Tag the location and download google offline map.
I usually choose to place target on one slope of a valley and shoot from the opposite slope.

There are some flat spots but usually are occupied.

Here is an example.
Attachment 590229

Yes I tried some thing like that. Tough to find a good spot . Last time I had to walk down the valley to set up the target. And the way back up hill kills me
Will search and try again


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[jconfus]

Originally Posted by jconfus

Thanks! Yes I tried some thing like that. Tough to find a good spot . Last time I had to walk down the valley to set up the target. And the way back up hill kills me
Will search and try again


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[curbside16]

Does anybody know of any other land to shoot since Panoche/Tumey is now closed for the season?

[the Scholar]

I've never been out to open land to shoot before but would be very interested in trying it out.

Pardon for the dumb questions, but are you allowed to have a loaded pistol in a holster? I wouldn't mind practicing rifle to pistol transition drills.

[phdo]

I've been to both places many times. They're great for practicing drills. I usually go and camp overnight. Williams Hill is great too but it's not good for camping. Very rocky terrain. My back was hurting for a week after. It's also harder to find a shooting ground due to the mountains. Best spot would be Panoche.

[Nor*Cal]

Originally Posted by curbside16

Does anybody know of any other land to shoot since Panoche/Tumey is now closed for the season?

The gates are closed to motor vehicles but you can still access the land for shooting. You just have to park outside the gate. Very doable if your going to shoot at Tumey Hills.

Originally Posted by the Scholar

I've never been out to open land to shoot before but would be very interested in trying it out.

Pardon for the dumb questions, but are you allowed to have a loaded pistol in a holster? I wouldn't mind practicing rifle to pistol transition drills.

Yes, you can have a loaded holstered handgun as stated by phdo above me.

[curbside16]

I'm assuming the gate that's closed is the gate near the bathroom? I thought I saw a couple signs saying shooting is only allowed after those bathrooms. Otherwise the shooting area is a pretty damn far walk from the front gate with all the steel targets I shoot.

[Nor*Cal]

Originally Posted by curbside16

I'm assuming the gate that's closed is the gate near the bathroom? I thought I saw a couple signs saying shooting is only allowed after those bathrooms. Otherwise the shooting area is a pretty damn far walk from the front gate with all the steel targets I shoot.

No, its the front gate that is closed. And you can shoot up against the hill right inside that front gate. You do not need to go all the way past the bathrooms.

[TheZouave]

Can anyone confirm that the gates are in fact closed at Tumey/Panoche Hills?
Thanks!

[SCjonny831]

Originally Posted by Nor*Cal

No, its the front gate that is closed. And you can shoot up against the hill right inside that front gate. You do not need to go all the way past the bathrooms.

Is this something we can verify Nor Cal. I'm not trying to be a smart ***** in anyway. Just seeing if there is any info, on shooting at that location or what is the law on shooting boundaries here.

I do remember reading about having to be about a certain distance from the gate to shoot legally.

[Stainned]

The front gate is closed as of two weeks ago. Went down for the day only to find out.

[NapalmCheese]

Originally Posted by SCjonny831

Is this something we can verify Nor Cal. I'm not trying to be a smart ***** in anyway. Just seeing if there is any info, on shooting at that location or what is the law on shooting boundaries here.

I do remember reading about having to be about a certain distance from the gate to shoot legally.

I'll have to look at my BLM map, but IIRC the gate at Panoche is surrounded by private property until about 2 miles in, where you eventually find yourself at the bathrooms. The gate is closed and you are not allowed to drive that 3 miles to the bathrooms. Once there, if you are 150 feet (Yards?) from the bathrooms you are free to shoot.

The gate at Tumey is closed at the street but is BLM once you get through the fence. At Tumey you can park at the gate, get through the fence, and start shooting at the hillside.

[westside_cook]

Hello everyone, im new to this site but i had to create a username just to let youguys know. I went to Panoche Rd on May 6th 2017. My first time at BLM land. I was with some family who goes somewhat often. Anyways, i invited a buddy who called blm office ans they told him gate was closed. We decided to roll the dice and head out based on my family's experience. Well, im not sure what gate was closed but we went in about 5.5 miles from i5 exit. Found a nice spot to post up and had a great day. Lots of people there too. Point of my post is to say im not sure how definative these dates are. Ps, brought back more than we took out.

[jconfus]

That is great news but you probably went to another spot.

Paoche gate is about 12 miles from I-5. See this map

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/36.7...5323f04830!3e0

It will be great if you could give more precise location.

Originally Posted by westside_cook

Hello everyone, im new to this site but i had to create a username just to let youguys know. I went to Panoche Rd on May 6th 2017. My first time at BLM land. I was with some family who goes somewhat often. Anyways, i invited a buddy who called blm office ans they told him gate was closed. We decided to roll the dice and head out based on my family's experience. Well, im not sure what gate was closed but we went in about 5.5 miles from i5 exit. Found a nice spot to post up and had a great day. Lots of people there too. Point of my post is to say im not sure how definative these dates are. Ps, brought back more than we took out.

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[Sam1234]

I too am looking for a place to practice and shoot. I have been told by the BLM people that shooting is prohibited from April, 15 through Oct due to fire hazard in the Panoche area.

It really doesn't matter if the whole place is rock and concrete if they say it's closed it's closed. After all, they own it not you.

I currently have a call into the BLM ranger in that area.

[NapalmCheese]

Originally Posted by Sam1234

I too am looking for a place to practice and shoot. I have been told by the BLM people that shooting is prohibited from April, 15 through Oct due to fire hazard in the Panoche area.

It really doesn't matter if the whole place is rock and concrete if they say it's closed it's closed. After all, they own it not you.

I currently have a call into the BLM ranger in that area.

Shooting is not prohibited, driving is.

Unless something has changed.

[Sam1234]

Originally Posted by NapalmCheese

Shooting is not prohibited, driving is.

Unless something has changed.

The information I have is that yes, driving is prohibited and shooting is prohibited from April, 15 through Oct which is considered fire season.

There may be some nearby areas that will allow shooting but you have to hike in which is impractical for my needs.

Again I have a call into a BLM rager for clarification. Two days and no return call yet.

[NapalmCheese]

Originally Posted by Sam1234

The information I have is that yes, driving is prohibited and shooting is prohibited from April, 15 through Oct which is considered fire season.

There may be some nearby areas that will allow shooting but you have to hike in which is impractical for my needs.

Again I have a call into a BLM rager for clarification. Two days and no return call yet.

This has never been the case in the past; I don't believe it is the case now. Where did you get the idea that shooting is prohibited from April 15 to Oct? A link to the source would be nice. I can't find a single thing saying shooting is prohibited, just driving.

[pogen]

No mention of prohibition on hiking or shooting here --

https://www.blm.gov/press-release/bl...t-field-office

Calling the number of the field office should clear this up.

I'm also very interested in getting a chance to stretch my legs with a new hunting rifle, and maybe hike around after rabbits and jackrabbits in season.

BLM Announces Fire Restrictions for Lands Managed by Central Coast Field Office

MARINA, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management has placed precautionary fire restrictions on certain public lands managed by the Central Coast Field Office. No vehicles, campfires or open flames are allowed on BLM lands in the Panoche, Griswold, Tumey and Ciervo Hills located in southeastern San Benito county, effective April 15, 2016.

BLM Fire Management Battalion Chief Michael Chiodini says the restrictions are needed due to dry fuels and fire danger in southeastern San Benito County. "Nine out of 10 wildfires are human caused and a wildfire under these conditions could pose a serious threat to visitors, adjacent private lands and communities," said Chiodini.

The BLM advises homeowners to "Take Responsibility" and keep 100 feet of clean, open space around their homes to provide defensible space and improve the chance that their homes and families can be protected in an uncontrolled wildfire.

For further information on the fire restrictions, contact the Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office at (831) 582-2221.

[Sam1234]

Call the number 1 -831-582-2221 Or try 1- 831-2222 for Adam Wilde the area ranger. ( I am still waiting for a return call from Adam Wilde.

If you get a different answer I REALLY, REALLY want to know!

Thank you,

[NapalmCheese]

Originally Posted by Sam1234

Call the number 1 -831-582-2221 Or try 1- 831-2222 for Adam Wilde the area ranger. ( I am still waiting for a return call from Adam Wilde.

If you get a different answer I REALLY, REALLY want to know!

Thank you,

I'd still like to hear where you got the idea that shooting was prohibited from 15 April until October.

[Sam1234]

Originally Posted by NapalmCheese

I'd still like to hear where you got the idea that shooting was prohibited from 15 April until October.

I keep trying to tell you I got this from BLM.

Central Coast Field Office
Ben Blom
Field Manager
940 2nd Avenue
Marina, CA 93933
Phone: 831-582-2200
Fax: 831-582-2266
Email: BLM_CA_Web_CC@blm.gov

Note: I did not speak with Ben Bloom, I spoke with someone else.

I was given the name Adam Wilde 1 831-582-2222 as the area ranger. I am waiting for a return call.

If you can get a different answer. I would like to know.

I am not inclined to just show up somewhere and start shooting in CA. It is possible I am a little paranoid about the people's republic of California's response to anything not left of left. After all, these are they guys who openly stated: " this is California' we don't pay attention to the constitution".

Also for my needs, I require a location, dirt road probably, etc where I can pull in with a small trailer and set up overnight. Day shooting, night shooting, lunch, dinner, stars, as much seclusion as possible.

[NapalmCheese]

Originally Posted by Sam1234

I keep trying to tell you I got this from BLM.

Central Coast Field Office
Ben Blom
Field Manager
940 2nd Avenue
Marina, CA 93933
Phone: 831-582-2200
Fax: 831-582-2266
Email: BLM_CA_Web_CC@blm.gov

Note: I did not speak with Ben Bloom, I spoke with someone else.

I was given the name Adam Wilde 1 831-582-2222 as the area ranger. I am waiting for a return call.

...

where I can pull in with a small trailer and set up overnight. Day shooting, night shooting, lunch, dinner, stars, as much seclusion as possible.

So this someone else you spoke with said that shooting is prohibited during the fire restriction season? Who did you speak with that said SHOOTING is prohibited at Panoche/Tumey/Griswald hills from 15 April until around mid October? What is the name of the person you spoke with that told you this? How exactly did they tell you (how did they phrase it) that SHOOTING is prohibited during fire restriction season at Panoche/Tumey/Griswald Hills?

That latter part of your post, the part indicating that you would need to be able to drive in, is the part that is restricted. If you asked "where can I drive up with my trailer and shoot" the answer would be "driving up and shooting is prohibited, because driving up is prohibited".

I keep asking you where you specifically read/heard or by whom you were told that SHOOTING is prohibited because you keep failing to answer. I believe you asked a poorly worded question or you failed to understand the given answer (or you just assumed that shooting is prohibited during fire restriction season with no basis on which to form that speculation).

So, if you could point me to a specific time and place (and perhaps a link to where it was posted) and name of the person that unequivocally told you that SHOOTING is prohibited from 15 April to around mid October I would appreciate it. Until then what you've stated is speculative FUD. What you are saying (speculating) has NEVER been true for the area, and if it is now is a brand new regulation which, so far as I can tell, hasn't been published on any of the official publicly available BLM resources.

[pogen]

OK folks, I spoke with Lenore at the main BLM office number 831-582-2200.

She said that yes Panoche and Tumey Hills were closed to vehicles, but were OPEN for all other activities including target shooting as long as you park outside district itself, and walk in.

For Tumey Hills, this means parking and walking as little as a few hundred yards. For Panoche, she said it was "a 3 mile hike uphill from the parking area to the gate". I'm not so familiar with the geography here, but it certainly is the case that Tumey Hills is a viable site for the summer.

So the gate at the road is about 0.38 mi from the turnaround (parking and bathroom?) it may be that the gate at the road is locked, but I guess you can shoot towards the East if you just hike in a few hundred feet. But possibly crowded.


Gate at road is at 36.623550° -120.654293° on this chart

[Sam1234]

OK, I am in error. Obviously, I thought I heard it was closed to shooting. Just as obviously................... I am wrong.

You can shoot there, it's only the road that is closed.

My bad!

I think I have a handle on Tumey Hills. There seems to be two location/entrances.

One location has a 3-mile hike in. No, go for my old ***. The other has a couple hundred yards or 1/3 mile in. While this will limit what I can carry in, it is doable and camping in the parking lot is good.

I spoke with Lanore and Brian. Both were very helpful with Lanore going out of her way to email me a map that clarified the roads and area.

Now I need to hit Home Depot and build a target stand.