After talking to the local warden, other DFG personnel, and some others familiar with the area, we decided to not make the hike in with 100+ temps that day.
1) Seems they take very few bucks and hogs throughout the season and what they do take is near the end of the season when the pressure has died down and the temps cools off. That's when the deer start moving back in from the private ranches surrounding the property.
2) This is not recommended for anyone who is not in great physical shape (I'm 50 y/o and feel like it). Steep hills and miles to get to the back of the property where it borders the private ranches are your best bet.
3) And probably the deal breaker was that last year on opening day most of the trucks/cars were broken in to in the only parking lot and on the highway, the only access points into the area. They had no plans this year to try and protect those leaving their vehicles. DFG was planning on being in the hunting area during the hunt but to my knowledge, CHP wasn't planning on stepping up their patrol in the area. I was told that you are parking at your own risk.
Feel bad about putting in for this hunt and taking away the opportunity for someone else to go back in on that day. I could have done a better job of researching the area before putting in for it but CA DFG should do a better job of describing the hunt when they post it. No mention of walk-in only or the type of terrain. Honestly, I never draw or win anything so I really didn't expect to get drawn.
Moving on to D-3 in Sept and my kid drew X3B for Oct.
- Rich
