Back story... My 16 year old son got screwed out of his California draw points as a youth because this year, California sunseted the youth age from 17 to under 16... so he had no real opportunity to score any of the Cali youth draw hunts. So... I threw a hail marry and put them both in for Oregon youth tags. Yea for me, I think... Both sons got drawn but for different areas.
My youngest son got drawn for 246T which is the flat creek youth hunt. Antler-less elk, Basically the hunt area is the Phillip W Schneider wild life area on the west area of Murderers creek Unit 46. Hunt dates are August 1 through 28.
My older son got drawn for 251T Baker, Antler-less elk. This hunt encompasses all of the three units of Sumpter 51, Keating 63, and Pinecreek 62. Hunt dates August 1 through December 31.
As you might be able to figure out, those are huge areas. and for the second hunt, a really broad time span. I live in Northern California, so the drive times are 10-15 hours depending on the unit. I look forward to scouting, but those hunt dates are coming quick and its not just a quick trip to the back yard
We will obviously be consulting the local biologists.
Does anyone have any tips or advice for these areas? I have seen a lot of guys get there butts handed to them when asking for this kind of stuff on other forums and social media, but I kind of feel that this situation is a bit different.
Does anyone have any thoughts on hunting that early? what is the "pattern" that the elk will be following that early in the year?
Btw both youth are in good physical condition, and are reasonable shots, Packing in, or packing meat out is not of the question. They are willing to work for their hunt. I would usually say they have great gear, but I don't know if they have any hot weather camo...
What else am I missing?
Thank you in advance for any info or help you are willing to give.
My youngest son got drawn for 246T which is the flat creek youth hunt. Antler-less elk, Basically the hunt area is the Phillip W Schneider wild life area on the west area of Murderers creek Unit 46. Hunt dates are August 1 through 28.
My older son got drawn for 251T Baker, Antler-less elk. This hunt encompasses all of the three units of Sumpter 51, Keating 63, and Pinecreek 62. Hunt dates August 1 through December 31.
As you might be able to figure out, those are huge areas. and for the second hunt, a really broad time span. I live in Northern California, so the drive times are 10-15 hours depending on the unit. I look forward to scouting, but those hunt dates are coming quick and its not just a quick trip to the back yard
We will obviously be consulting the local biologists.
Does anyone have any tips or advice for these areas? I have seen a lot of guys get there butts handed to them when asking for this kind of stuff on other forums and social media, but I kind of feel that this situation is a bit different.
Does anyone have any thoughts on hunting that early? what is the "pattern" that the elk will be following that early in the year?
Btw both youth are in good physical condition, and are reasonable shots, Packing in, or packing meat out is not of the question. They are willing to work for their hunt. I would usually say they have great gear, but I don't know if they have any hot weather camo...
What else am I missing?
Thank you in advance for any info or help you are willing to give.
