kern refuge

[edgerly779]

Anyone scout the Kern refuge?Water levels amount of area flooded.

[USMCM16A2]

Jack,


Hope all is well, I have been through the area. It is off of 178 near Squirrel Valley. The area has some good parking off of 178, but it is full of cotton woods, and when wet have high grass. What are you going after? A2

[edgerly779]

No it is at end of garces road 19 miles west of Delano. Ducks hunting we have been hunting there since 1965

[Irishfisher]

Looks like a bit better than last year's opener. The USF&WS Kern Refuge website provided the following hunt map for the opener with a hunter capacity of 62:

https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Waterfowl%20Hunt%20Map%20Opener%20Rules%20and%20Regs%202017.pdf

[chris]

Be ready to not get on. Getting a ressie is almost impossible due to the amount of people who go there now a days. I went there first in 99 and hunted almost exclusively for about 6 years then all of sudden hundreds of people showed up.

It's a great refuge to hunt. Personally I think they under utilize the refuge with a huge amount of it closed off.

If you have a boat you'll be better off than without. 1, and 2 are good areas to hunt if you have a boat. 1A is a bit of a walk and a good area to hunt as well. I have never hunted the blinds there. 2A is a good zone but could use more water than I last remember it.

The USF&W Kern Refuge website provided the following hunt map for the opener with a hunter capacity of 62:

https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Wa...egs%202017.pdf

After looking at the link there is almost no reason to even go there anymore. So sad. Such a great refuge with lots potential lost.

[edgerly779]

I huntd as I said abpve i since 1964-65 back then they let couple hundred hunters on no reservation. Wait in line from Friday afternno for sunday hunt. We camped in parking lot men played poker and bs'd kids played footaball or just hung out. I loved it. Interstate 5 did not exist then 99 thru bakersfield to Delano the west on garces road 19 miles.
Only way now is via the sweat line. Go up night before get in line and sleep in vehicle or under the stars.

[edgerly779]

Anyone want to up for a wed hunt with me to kern. Go up tue eve get in sweat line. I have deeks. pm me . No first timers please. Must have waders and camo.

[ArnoldKC]

Newb Here... if anyone is willing to take me along, I'd appreciate it. I'm from Bakersfield, let me know, Thank you..

[edgerly779]

^^ If your that close drive over mid week and scout then go sit in sweat line and go on to area 1 or 2 buy a dozen decoys and put out and hide in tules.

[DSMeyer]

^^ If your that close drive over mid week and scout then go sit in sweat line and go on to area 1 or 2 buy a dozen decoys and put out and hide in tules.

Sound advice.
I've always beat the average in 2 doing just this.

[edgerly779]

Buy a call online cheap use dvd or video to practice. Drive your tree hugger neighbors crazy and just remember it is all about getting outdoors and having a good time. Do not worry about missed shots. With experience your shooting will improve and the fond memories will be there. I hope we can buy this Fort Hancock property near our duck and quail hunting.

[ArnoldKC]

Thank you for the great advice edgerly779. I will definitely be practicing my ducks calls!