Big Valley speed goat

Solodawg · Jul 27, 2017

Drew this tag and am going on a scouting trip next week Monday/Tuesday. Spoke with the biologist this morning and he pretty much popped my bubble by telling me my chances for success in this zone are pretty much slim to none. Mostly due to very limited public access that holds antelope. If there is anyone who can steer me to some starting points I would greatly appreciate it. Although I've waited 20 + years to draw I'm not into guided/ outfitted hunts. Nothing against em just not for me. Would be willing to pay for access to hunt if I have to but would rather burn boot leather on public lands to get it done. Thanks for your time and info in advance.

270Hunter · Jul 27, 2017

I would suggest driving around and glassing the farm fields till you found a buck you want to kill, then try to pay the farmer a fee to hunt on his property.

Good Luck

wildfin · Jul 27, 2017

I was just through there and saw plenty of them and as i look at my forest map there is forest land and some blm that looks like could be accessed ,may not be any good but I would be prepared to check these areas out around adin , also there is ash creek refuge that I am not sure if you can hunt that or not, there were antelope on it. there is a section of blm on the 299 so I would have a California chip for your gps to access these areas without any problem. I have found alot of public land missing on the chip that I have which is from huntinggpsmaps.com, so maybe the onxmap chip is better.I saw many on some alfalfa and those land owner may want some gone.good luck, my wife has the likley table tag and I have the elk tag so if you see some it would be nice to know, that whole area is my unit.

Solodawg · Jul 27, 2017

Thanks guys at least I should be able to find some antelope up there. Would hate to make the 8 hour drive and not find any animals.And that's why they call it a scouting trip I guess.

eelgrass · Jul 28, 2017

You wait 20 years to draw and the biologist tells you your chances for success in this zone are pretty much slim to none? That's just wrong. After you harvest, dump the gut pile at the entrance to his office.

Just my opinion, of course.

Solodawg · Jul 28, 2017

Yup, he told me his buddy drew it last year and ate tag soup.! I'm just going to stay positive do some scouting in a few days, try to make some local contacts and try like heck to "get er done " when the season rolls around.

Hntndux · Jul 28, 2017

With 17 out of 20 killing goats last year I don't think it's as dire as the biologist made it sound. Who was it you spoke with? If I was you, I'd check the area between Little Valley and Fall River Mills. Another thing to remember is that there are goats in very non typical areas, some small meadows in the middle of the pines can and do hold antelope.

manny53 · Jul 28, 2017

not trying to be a jerk but am accused of it from time to time,

you live 8 hours away and you did not do any research on the area before you blew the points....?

Solodawg · Jul 28, 2017

Thanks Huntdux I appreciate the support and info. And to your comment manny I just got tired of getting the big unsuccessful for draw results so I went with the best odds of drawing and it worked. If I can just find the animals I have total confidence in my persistence and hunting skills and ability to get it done. Am a DIY guy always have been and always will be. Thanks again for the info guys and good luck with your hunts this year.

Solodawg · Jul 28, 2017

_2017/92320img1164.jpg 2017/28218img0645.jpg
Just a couple of my last DIY hunts

Solodawg · Jul 28, 2017

. I guess my DIY photo posting skills aren't that good ? lol . Need the kids to help!

Solodawg · Jul 28, 2017

Hntndux · Jul 28, 2017

Oh man, now we're talking! Those would be a great pair for a "one tag, which one do you shoot" i'd have to go with #1...those back forks are great, but those g4's do it for me.

Solodawg · Jul 29, 2017

Hey Huntndux here's a different angle.

Solodawg · Jul 29, 2017

Hey Huntndux here's a different angle.

eelgrass · Jul 30, 2017

Solodawg, I know very little about Big Valley zone but I think you'll do fine. You got some good advice here. Antelope in NE California are a little different than in most places. As mentioned, they will use areas with more cover, so don't over look any place. I imagine horn growth is exceptional with all the moisture last winter and spring so don't get too trigger happy the first day.

I think Sageadvice (Joey) had that tag awhile back. He's gone now but he has local connections in that area and would have helped I bet.

Those are some great bucks. Thanks.

270Hunter · Aug 7, 2017

Hey, how did your scouting trip go?

Solodawg · Aug 7, 2017

Well saw plenty of antelope (all on private or state game refuge) big fire was going N/W of Adin making glassing kinda tough with all the smoke and ash. Did learn the roads into NF and some blm areas. Made some contacts with a few locals. Majority were very kind and somewhat helpful. Overall an awesome trip seeing new country ,did a little fishing, also saw a few decent muley bucks, bald eagles, and a big ol bobcat. Will get back up there for the opener along with my son inlaw who also has a tag and give it our darndest! Thanks for asking.

kalielkslayer · Aug 8, 2017

I saw a post earlier about the Ash Creek wildlife refuge.. they draw 2 juniors for a hunt there every year. I don't believe you can hunt there.

Solodawg · Aug 8, 2017

Yeah you're right only juniors allowed to in there. They should have a good chance of getting their lope in there as we did see several of them there.

sageadvice · Aug 13, 2017

I might can help. Last i hunted this guys place, there were 50-60 lope that hardly ever left his place, there was 1 i thought a for sure "Booner" and a couple others that would push or exceed 80"

my # is 530-256-3191

Joey

Keep your slimy Paws Off My, Yours, Our,.. Public Land!!!