CA. mule deer with 18 [points

Pilgrim

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18
Non-resident with 18pts. Have been trying for East Lassen muzzleloader as a party of 2. Only 4 tags available in the draw (+1 tag for random). We are thinking of applying separately this year to increase the odds of drawing. Any input of different units/hunts we should be considering?
 
I don't think you'll have a chance to draw that tag as a NR, or even as a resident with 18 pts. I'd look at an archery tag if you're set on hunting California.
There are some good northern X zones that you may draw as a rifle hunt.
 
Last year residents had 80% odds of drawing the X5b muzzy hunt with 17 points. No NRs drew that tag last year. If there's only one tag for NRs wouldn't it go into the random pool? With the OPs points I'd probably only be looking at the X5b rifle hunt. IMO the late X5b muzzy hunt isn't late enough. If it was as late as the Doyle hunt it would likely be an awesome hunt!
 
Last year there was a 25% chance of drawing an X5B rifle tag with 16 points. Devils Garden Muzzy was about 4% chance with 18 points. I think the OP should be considering other options if he wants to hunt Cali anytime soon. JMO
 
Last year residents had 80% odds of drawing the X5b muzzy hunt with 17 points. No NRs drew that tag last year. If there's only one tag for NRs wouldn't it go into the random pool? With the OPs points I'd probably only be looking at the X5b rifle hunt. IMO the late X5b muzzy hunt isn't late enough. If it was as late as the Doyle hunt it would likely be an awesome hunt!
There is no quota for non-resident deer tags. I think our issue is we have been trying as a party of 2, for the 4 tags available. Mathematically, we should be in the mix this year (assuming the hunters that have bought points only and have max points don't jump into the mix). The X5b hunt is an option. I agree, I wish the hunt was later. I had the tag in 2004 and bucks were following does the couple of days of the season. I also found on the draw statistics that only 4 tags were issued (and 2 bucks killed). Maybe someone did not buy their tag? Thank you for your input, much appreciated.
 
In 2013, the small and medium sized bucks were following the does by the end of the first week.

Applying as a party is always interesting. When I apply in Nevada, I put my girlfriend and I in separate. Applied for antlerless elk 4 times with same choices. She drew it 3 out of 4 and I drew once. The last time we put in I drew with 3 points so 10 drawn random numbers and she drew it with 1 point.
 
In 2013, the small and medium sized bucks were following the does by the end of the first week.

Applying as a party is always interesting. When I apply in Nevada, I put my girlfriend and I in separate. Applied for antlerless elk 4 times with same choices. She drew it 3 out of 4 and I drew once. The last time we put in I drew with 3 points so 10 drawn random numbers and she drew it with 1 point.
In 2004 we found one really good buck with a doe that we could not get a shot at. Otherwise, small and medium bucks with does during the last week. I called my buck in with a predator call when he followed a group of does in.
 
If you get weather G37 could be the best tag in the state, I believe They give out 25 tags a year. Not sure on draw odds with max points, the Governor tag buck was shot in there in 2021 season. Lots of big bucks came out of there this year as well
 
Apply separately. 1 X5b and 1 East Lassen muzzy. If you get lucky, make two trips. If you don’t both draw, you’ll have a good idea what to do next year
We have thought of that. I think we will both apply separately for M5, so at least maybe one of us draws. Thanks for the input!
 
I think you're right. Never knew that before as I never look at NR stuff in CA, ha!
The NR quota in California is
Deer -none (pretty much same as if you’re a resident)
Antelope- 1 for the whole state
Elk - 1 for the whole state doesn’t matter if it’s a cow or bull
Sheep-up to 10 percent of the total amount of tags issued through the state.

With elk and antelope, I know they had a proposal to change it ti match sheep so it it would be up to 10 percent for elk and antelope. I’m not sure if it passed or if someone else has some insight on that proposal.
 
The NR quota in California is
Deer -none (pretty much same as if you’re a resident)
Antelope- 1 for the whole state
Elk - 1 for the whole state doesn’t matter if it’s a cow or bull
Sheep-up to 10 percent of the total amount of tags issued through the state.

With elk and antelope, I know they had a proposal to change it ti match sheep so it it would be up to 10 percent for elk and antelope. I’m not sure if it passed or if someone else has some insight on that proposal.
Brad

I tried doing some digging but can't seem to find any official proposals on it? I have to call back the draw coordinator Monday so I can ask if they have aa proposal #. Selfishly I hope they dont change it so I can be in the max pain pool in 15 years :rolleyes:
 
@Pilgrim Both M5 and X5b are great hunts. M5 is nice because there are only 5 tags and the zone is not pressured. With that said even during the rifle hunt the pressure falls every day with so few tags.
 
X5b is better than the G hunts and they won't be broken off, there's a younger fella out there that will take you to 30'' bucks, do your research he's very reasonable and himself and about 5 others go watch these bucks everyday. Draw 5b and pm me I will put you in contact with him.
 
Based on last years stats, if nobody Jumps the line 18 pts. This year will draw m5 or x5b. If you both have 18 pts. Rifle with 45 tags is the sure bet otherwise 1 does ml and 1 rifle.
 
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Non-resident with 18pts. Have been trying for East Lassen muzzleloader as a party of 2. Only 4 tags available in the draw (+1 tag for random). We are thinking of applying separately this year to increase the odds of drawing. Any input of different units/hunts we should be considering?
Late update: I did not draw. I couldn't believe it. Apparently I got bumped by hunters entering from the point saver pool.
 
18 was max points for M5. Mathematically I should have drawn with 18 points. I sent an email to CDFG and did not get a response.
I have wanted to put in for M9 but it looks like several more years to be in the pool, even with 18 pts. I am too old to wait...
 
18 was max points for M5. Mathematically I should have drawn with 18 points. I sent an email to CDFG and did not get a response.
I have wanted to put in for M9 but it looks like several more years to be in the pool, even with 18 pts. I am too old to wait...
Did your partner with 18 draw?
 
Brad

I tried doing some digging but can't seem to find any official proposals on it? I have to call back the draw coordinator Monday so I can ask if they have aa proposal #. Selfishly I hope they dont change it so I can be in the max pain pool in 15 years :rolleyes:
Do you have the draw coordinator's number?
 
Apparently someone did jump the line...
Not shocked by any means, the same thing happened all over the west.

Great moisture, expected horn growth , and people aging out ( no offense ). Zones in Arizona jumped 6 points this year .
 
Not shocked by any means, the same thing happened all over the west.

Great moisture, expected horn growth , and people aging out ( no offense ). Zones in Arizona jumped 6 points this year .
No offense taken, lol. I was really hoping to draw Ca. and get it over with. I don't live too far from the N. border so I use the license to hunt coyotes in the winter. Mule deer in Oregon are in real trouble with no relief in sight.
 

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