Everyone seems to be in consensus, low and slow and spice it well. A couple cultures do goat and sheep very well (good ole Mutton), so if you don't like a curry look into old Spanish or French recipes. Poor man's meat doesn't mean it has to be lacking at all in flavor and texture, if you love it...
My season ended with tag soup (family has the rest of my days this year), but getting to spend some time in the San Gorgonio Wilderness made the whole thing worth it. I've seen/heard of just two bears being shot on public in D14, way down south, and only saw one cub (no mama) myself the weekend...
Sounds like my last weekend in the Transverse Mtns near SB. Just one velvet 3x3 very annoyed that I interrupted his morning nap.
The sierra currants seem to be ripening up, but with no scat I couldn't tell if they're eating those. Any experience with them?
Grew up hunting the MS Delta near Memphis, in TN AR and MS. 80% private ag fields. Spent the past several years transitioning to coastal public lands in VA FL and TX due to frequent moves.
Trying to figure out Southern CA this year... wish me luck.
I exclusively use Haydel's calls. Love them to...
I second the transition away from big honkers to specks around there. For what it's worth, I like the specks even more than Canadas. Maybe it's because for so long they were so dang rare in those parts. And they always eat well!
The only thing cooler than OP being honest about his mistake is the rest of you guys rallying around him and even digging into the whereabouts of the dirtbag who did the thing.
I'm sorry dude.
Hard work will always pay off. It just usually ain't without hard times first.
The low barriers to entry to small game and waterfowl, especially in the South, has led to a whole bunch of idiots finding their way into the marsh the last few years. That doesn't mean they're any good at it, most aren't, but the privacy (typically) of getting a pack on your back and not...
I pack a tarp and 550 cord instead of a tent. I don't have a true ultralight tent, so maybe it would save you less than it does me, but I've never had a need for a tent AND a sleep system with bivy. Saves considerable space too!