CA G37 Anderson Flat info please

arrowhunters5 · Jun 26, 2006

I have been lurking here for a little while and since I was drawn for this hunt I thought I would sign up and try to get some specific info.

I have never been to the D6 zone before so I don't even now where to start. I will be picking up a forest service map this week and I have been looking at some topo maps. I am wondering where a good place would be to set up my small camp trailer that would give me the best access to the areas the deer will be in during the beginning of December. I know I could scout now, but later when the snow comes(hopefully) it will be a whole different ball game. Any info would be greatly appreciated as I am starting from scratch. Thanks, Ah5

easymoney · Jun 27, 2006

I would suggest you make some scouting trips to look the area over, first. It is big, steep and has varied terrain.
Things change considerably once (or if) there is snow. Call and talk to the area biologist and some USFS personnel, as they are there almost daily and know the routes the animals will take leaving the park. It will be tough getting most hunters to cough up info on this area as it is a very coveted tag and people wok very hard to get their info. There are places where you could park a camp trailer, but if the snow falls it will get nasty. I would stick to the campgrounds if you're pulling that kind of rig.
Do a back search on this topic and you can get some idea of what others say...

Stop Global Whining

HaveGun_WillTravel · Jun 27, 2006

There aren't really any secret "honey holes" on this hunt; most hunters concentrate their efforts on Crocker Ridge and Anderson Flat; both landmarks are easily found on the Forest Service Map just south of 120 near the Park entrance. Pray for snow.

Paul_Crawford · Jun 27, 2006

Pray for snow. Lots. If you get that odds are with you taking a really fine trophy!! PC

ADAMBOMB606 · Jun 27, 2006

The reason hunters dont like to give up information on this hunt is because when it snows in october a regular D-6 tag is as good as your G37 tag. So if someone gave you information about your special hunt it would be usable almost every year. Although hunting during the snowstorms in the d-6 season can be almost like being in a parade. As in more people than you can imagine.
I wouldnt waste my time talking to the biologist or the local forest service. They arent nearly as helpful or pro hunting as the folks in other states. Just get the Stanislaus National Forest map. The roads can get nasty with rain or snow. So bring appropriate gear. As for campgrounds, its a long way in there from any campground so unless you want to spend a lot in fuel and time driving I would find another place to camp. Most of the country is steep and brushy. With some of the lower elevations more open.
When you scout this unit you will be lucky to see any deer. But everything will change overnight when it starts snowing. The best thing that can happen to you would be no storms until the day before you hunt. If you catch them migrating it can be incredible. If they have already moved to the lower country due to earlier storms you can still do really good but it will be a little tougher. Spend your time scouting just learning the unit. Looking for deer until it storms is really tough in this area. I know a guy who drew the a-21 tag there last year and due to warm weather didnt even see a deer.
I grew up in this country and know it well. I like to help guys out normally, but giving up much info on this unit could ruin my honey holes. One of the spots an old timberfaller showed me and I gaurd it with my life. Although I wouldnt mind getting you pointed in the right direction. I am not going to post it here for every D-6 road hunter who reads this. So email me at [email protected]. I hope you get the big one. Dont pull the trigger to soon cause if you hit it right youll see one twice as big on the way back to camp.

arrowhunters5 · Jun 27, 2006

Thanks for the info. I am not looking for anyone to divulge their honey holes. I am just hoping for some general info to get me started. The posts so far have been very informative and are the types of info I have been looking for. I live near Redding so I can't just run down there every other day, but I plan at least two scouting trips for sure.

I will be hoping for snow as most of you have said. I have a 4X4 truck, as well as a 4X4 quad to get me to the hunting grounds in nasty road conditions.

As the father of three young aspiring hunters I usually bring the whole family. For this hunt though, I will be alone so that I can put in the time to find a nice buck. I plan on staying the whole time if necessary. I can''t wait till November.

Thanks again for the info posted so far. You have to start somewhere and I thoght here would be a good place. Ah5