Ventana Wilderness

varmintsinc · May 12, 2005

Im looking at putting in for the late season Ventana Wilderness hunt this year since I wont be able to hunt during the regular season (working out of state). Im maxed out on preference points (all 3 of them) and looks like decent odds of a draw. Has anyone hit the late season hunt or even the regular A zone season?

A couple of calls to forest/ranger stations pointed me in the direction of Marble Peak out of the Arroyo Seco area. I plan on a scouting trip next week and was looking for some info on where to even start. Not asking for anyones honey hole, just some general info. Thanks

"..and please Lord let my bullets fly straight." CC 1996

Jingow · May 12, 2005

I hunted near the area and pulled a small buck. Lots of idiots in the regular season but with 50 tags should be better. The rut in the area starts in mid October so I'm not sure if it will be over by then. A-zone is weather if it is too hot they bed all day. Early mornings and the last hour if it is hot.

varmintsinc · May 13, 2005

Thank you Jingow, I usually head for the Yolla Bolly and love the lack of crowds but it is just not gonna work out this year. Im looking more at the Indian Camp area but the ranger I talked too didnt seem real helpful for hunters. Seems like they cater more to the granola crowd than hunters.

"..and please Lord let my bullets fly straight." CC 1996

easymoney · May 13, 2005

It's true that during regular rifle season it gets totally nuts up near Arroyo Seco.
But, if you get drawn for the limited late hunt it can be very good. Get away from the roads and try out of Arroyo Seco past the horse bridge toward Tassajara or out of the Indians. It is very thick, brushy and hot, even in the fall. So the first and last light is when you will see the bucks, if at all.
Good luck...

BUNKHOLE · May 14, 2005

Theres a lot better hunts to apply for (x-zones). With max points i wouldnt waste them on this hunt, but if you are ok with a fork or 3pt blacktail, go for it. I did some research on that hunt last year,but not impressed.With all the rain this year ,it might be a good hunt.

varmintsinc · May 14, 2005

Thanks guys, I would love a shot at the X zones, particularly X5a but it looks like about 2000 other hunters want it to. As I mentioned scheduling is going to be tough and Ventana would only be a three hour drive, short enough I could do a couple of weekend runs if I have to. The Anderson Flat and Goodale hunts are actually the ones I would love to go on but I think it will be a few years before that happens.

I hunted the central coast for along time and have learned to appreciate a mature deer, even if it is only a big forked horn or 3 point, Im just not crazy about digging thorough the nasty thick brush and poison oak, another reason I love the Yolla Bolly. Oh well, thanks again.

"..and please Lord let my bullets fly straight." CC 1996