CA archery hunting worth it anymore?

[1woolie89]

Hey everyone I’m back at it as the season approaches, just kind of wanted to see everyone’s take on archery season in California. Last couple years been pretty bad with the wildfires and them “shutting down”all the national forests. It almost seems pointless to get out there or even prep for archery season as it always seems to be on fire around here. Then by the time it lets up it’s already into rifle season.

I guess what I’m getting at is should I just put the bow down for now, and get the rifle out and try some D 16 rifle tag or D 11 and fight the rest of the rifle guys up near Mount Baldy? lol appreciate your guys ‘ thoughts it’s been on my mind since last year or was it the year before when that idiot lit half the mountain on fire by big Bear with a gender reveal lol

 

[Kal-Elk]

I'm amused anyone not from D16 would consider coming out here.

 

[1woolie89]

I'm amused anyone not from D16 would consider coming out here.

Haha I would actually hunt A-22 every year. Almost made it happen a couple times on a buck at 56 yards out near Julian not sure about the rifle season though

 

[CApighunter]

Ill be out this year, both early in July for A zone and late in November on a draw tag. Hunt when you can.

 

[Badseed]

California is a crap shoot all around. Im not familiar with your area but I get a general d3-5 and start the season with a bow. If you cant find bucks during archery season while they are still in velvet it gets much tougher as their horns harden up. If I don’t find some promising bucks early on, I go to rifle to finish out the season just to help improve my odds.


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[SouthPaw]

The unpredictable timing of the now annual fire/forest closures adds another layer of complexity to an already difficult hunt. Scout a bunch, prepare with both weapons, and be flexible with the time you can hunt.

 

[JStol5]

Just drew my A31 tag. This might be the last year I make a big push to hunt hard here. It’s so frustrating with bad predator management, hikers, road/forest closures, regulations (can’t carry my sidearm while archery deer hunting no matter how many methheads and bears I see) in Angeles national.. I go to AZ to hunt with a friend and always see more game and the hiking is easier. Might just do that in the future.

 

[Smithb9841]

I use the archery season to scout for rifle season and help Get me In shape. got to
Admit I’m not as much as a “dedicated” archery hunter as I used to be but still try to make it out for scouting

 

[Where's Bruce?]

As a lifelong CA resident I can attest to the truth...hunting is great, outta state. I won't help fund the corruption here.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

As a lifelong CA resident I can attest to the truth...hunting is great, outta state. I won't help fund the corruption here.

Exactly why I have not hunted in Cal. for the past ten years.

 

[Rob5589]

As a lifelong CA resident I can attest to the truth...hunting is great, outta state. I won't help fund the corruption here.

Totally. No corruption in MT, WY, WA, ID...

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Totally. No corruption in MT, WY, WA, ID...

Absolute power, corrupts absolutely.

 

[klxracer92]

I live in SoCal, but I'm still going to try and hunt the archery season's . I'm just trying to make the best with what I have access to at the moment.

 

[JStol5]

anyone hunt the A31 opener? Tough weekend. Saw zero deer. Hot and dry.

 

[Hunt4lyf]

I'm amused anyone not from D16 would consider coming out here.

You'll really be amused by this but I come out almost every year to hunt D16, from Colorado. The years I don't is when my Dad can make it out here with me.

 

[muathoj]

New to Rokslide and I assume there's no real rush getting into the archery. Pew-pew copper-head.

 

[AM_Hunter]

I think its worth it just to get out and have some fun, scout, workout, and maybe notch a tag. Got close a couple times in D14 this season.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Hunt while you can when you can! Coming from a guy who used to spend 300+ days in the field. Now I have a 5 year old and 3 year old. Life happens quick and you only get so much time.

 

[CanyonHunter]

As a lifelong ca resident, I hunt here every year and go out of state every few years. There are plenty of deer to be killed here in archery or rifle. Yeah you have to put in a lot of effort to find the deer but when you do your golden. 10% of the hunters kill 90% of the deer is a realistic saying.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

As a lifelong ca resident, I hunt here every year and go out of state every few years. There are plenty of deer to be killed here in archery or rifle. Yeah you have to put in a lot of effort to find the deer but when you do your golden. 10% of the hunters kill 90% of the deer is a realistic saying.

That saying applies to fishing as well.