i want my first deer tag in CA...please help

[Hornet_RN]

hello,

i've hunted small game, but want to move on to big game such as deer.

what do i need to do to acquire a deer tag this year? i plan to hunt around lake berryessa area.

what is the point system in california mean?

please help a noob,
hornet_rn

[Helpful_Cub]

First you need to figure out what zone you'd like to be in. Deer tags are issued on the zone by zone bases and each zone only has so many tags available.

I think Lake Berryessa is in zone A. North.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/cazonemap.html

Here's the rules for that zone:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/docs/cazonemaps/azoneinfo2010.pdf

You'll need to buy a tag. For this zone it should be a simple matter of visiting Big 5 or where you got your hunting license to get a tag. They need a computer system that connects to Fish and Game to issue a tag in real time. If you wanted to hunt in an X-zone you'll have to put your name in for the lottery, that's where the points come in. The more you play and lose the more points you earn to help you win. Since your not hunting there, don't worry about it. Less competition for me

You'll need a valid hunting license and a tag and your legal. Have fun.

[lewdogg21]

You will need to purchase your hunting license for 2011/12 when they come out and then get the Big Game Hunting Digest that DFG puts out in May. It will explain the entire process on how to apply for deer tags.

For deer tags you will need to "pre-purchase" your first deer tag application (and 2nd if you wish to get two tags). You can do this wherever licenses are sold. If you apply for elk/antelope/sheep you submit your application and include a app fee of like $10.

Basically deer are different than antelope/elk/sheep is what I'm getting at.

[BC9696]

After you do all that, look outta state for better, cheaper and easier hunting opps.

[toby]

After you do all that, look outta state for better, cheaper and easier hunting opps.

....................

[chrisw]

cheaper? for non residents?

[chris]

After you do all that, look outta state for better, cheaper and easier hunting opps.

+1 on this i want to hunt out of state this year if i can.

cheaper? for non residents?

depends on the state some states are quite expensive for non residents.

[taknitezx2]

what are some recommeded outfitters out of state? preferably with low license cost and no lottery for tags.

[toby]

Look here= www.88ranchoutfitters

[Helpful_Cub]

Look here= http://www.88ranchoutfitters.com/

Fixed

[toby]

Fixed

Thanks...

[bpnclark]

[taperxz]

If you want to hunt that area you can pick up an A zone tag over the counter in Yountville (F&G office) on the way up. Personally i would go a little farther north but thats up to you. It is better to hunt these areas in the late part of the season because its hot and the bucks bed down all day long. They get hot too. Oh did i mention it is HOT? Yes it gets very hot!! Wait for the last two weeks and go get a buck. Not as hot and easier to hunt. BTW this aint just my opinion either. Its the way it is.

[Brd_Hntr]

Here is the A-zone North map.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/deer/docs/maps/a_north.pdf

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced/

Welcome and good luck.

[theseacow]

a-zone public land deer is pretty tough. if you just want to get into big game, check out pig hunting. open all year round so it will give you plenty of time to experiment with it and find opportunities.