New Hunter Advice

[GeeOwn]

Im new to SoCal and I'm wanting to try for my first mule deer this year (first deer ever actually).

I currently reside in the South Bay area and I've been looking into the zones around me. From reading it looks like the D zones aren't great and the X zones are what everyone wants. Judging from the stats it looks like bagging a buck in the A zones seems like a safe bet.

Anyone have thoughts or advice as to where I should start?

[Divernhunter]

Start by getting your hunting lic which may mean taking the hunter safety course. Then understand that most of the deer hunting is poor and most is for Blacktail deer and not Mule deer. Get or use a rifle that will shoot non-lead ammo since by 2019 you will have to anywhere in this screwed up state.

Then start buying points for a good X-zone where you have a better chance at a deer. If you really want a deer(and a mule deer) plan an out of state hunt.

[olhunter]

I would start by searching for and reading the MANY threads here about deer hunting in Ca.

And you do have a hunting license, right?

[CVShooter]

Start out of state or pay up for a guided hunt. If you opt to DIY on public land, settle in for a long, frustrating journey with limited success.

[lewdogg21]

OP - do you already have your license? Have you hunted for anything before? The peanut gallery needs a baseline of where to start in order to help.

[Carcassonne]

A-Zone is easy, but it is mostly private land. That means unless you have permission to hunt on someone's property you are SOL. Get permission in writing. Verbal permission is meaningless.

D-Zone is not bad. They are just small. You can't just sit in a lawn chair with a beer and expect the deer to come to you.

X-Zone is special. I think you have to enter a drawing to get a tag. I never won.


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[ACfixer]

OP, I have just come to the conclusion that a few hours of driving makes for a great road trip with a hunting buddy... Save up the money for a few days hunting out of state.

You should see opening day in the San Bernardino mountains, it is downright comical. Pretty much the same way most freshwater fishing is in the state, especially in the southern half. IME of course. 40 million people my man, it puts a lot of pressure on limited resources.

[tamalpias]

x1 you have a 60-70% chance of getting drawn first year and guaranteed second year. x1 use to be loaded now it is much harder, to increase your odds go last week of season and pray for a cold front to drive them south from oregon.