Posted in Big game hunting, blacktail deer, Deer hunting, Hunting, mule deer, The Mule Deer Foundation, tagged Youth Blacktail Deer Hunt on March 12, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
The Holm Ranch has graciously donated a, 16 and under, youth deer hunt for 2013. Every youth hunter to date has taken a buck on this hunt, which takes place about ten mile east of Livermore.
This 2000+ acre ranch is loaded with deer and occasionally a pig as well, so the hunter should make sure he or she has a tag for both.
The hunt generally
Emilee Selna and her dad, Greg Selna with a Holm Ranch buck taken in 2010.
takes place in late August or early September.
Posted in Big game hunting, boar, Hunting, The Mule Deer Foundation, tagged Wild pig hunt auction on March 9, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
How do like this? We needed a pig hunt to round out our auction for the Livermore-Pleasanton MDF banquet, so Tom Billingsley of Billingsley Tire in Lemoore and Coalinga, purchased a pig hunt from Hogs Wild Ranch and donated it MDF. This is a two-day pig hunt for one person with overnight lodging.
Maybe you can find one this big!
Check it out.
Here’s some info from the Hogs Wild website: www.hogswild.com
“We’ve got California wild pig hunting at its finest! Located 17 miles west of Coalinga, CA, in the coastal mountains. We offer bow hunting and rifle hunting
for trophy wild boars. Our hunts are self guided hunts or semi guided drop camp style. We have two comfortable hunting cabins with beds, bathrooms, and showers.”
There’s a lot more to read at the web site, so go and read it for yourself.
For a banquet flyer, click on this link: Livermore 2013 flyer
Posted in Big game hunting, Hunting, Muzzleloader hunting, Preparing for the hunt, whitetail deer on October 18, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Never killed a white-tailed deer in my life. I’ve hunted them at least three times and missed one in BC.
This will be an out-of-state hunt and I’m flying. The drive to Lewiston ID is nearly two full days for a slow poke like me. And, with gas at $4 or more, the cost of driving – including two nights of hotel fees – is about the same as the cost of flying. I have a high school buddy who lives near Lewiston, so when he offered to put me up, I couldn’t say no.
So here’s some info that may be helpful if you are faced with a plane flight to your next hunting destination. Luggage is a big consideration. Of course you will need a locking case for your firearm. Sometimes borrowing a firearm is a preferred option, especially if you’re going out of the county.
On this hunt I will take a deer rifle, muzzleloader and maybe my bow. The airlines will not allow the ammunition to travel in the same case as the rifle and the ammunition will need to be in an original box which provides protection to the cartridges. They can be stowed in regular luggage.
Even though archery equipment, muzzleloaders and high powered rifles are in different categories, the airline will require that they all be in a locked case. I’ll be flying Alaska Airlines and I read over the fine print regarding firearms and luggage. In my case the 7×57, compound bow and muzzleloading rifle can all be carried in the same locking case.
You’ll want to look closely at your luggage and the cost of overweight or oversized luggage. Your rifle case, bow case and possibly a cooler will be candidates for an extra fee. Alaska Airlines has three categories, normal(<50 lbs – $20 fee), overweight ( 51 - 100 lbs, $50) and oversize (63 to 80 inches total of outside measurements – $50, 81-115 inches – $75). If you fall into two oversize categories, you are charged only once, for the greater of the two.
As the number of bags increases, so may the price of each bag. In my situation the cost of the fourth bag will increase from $20 each to $50. As you can see, the cost of your air travel can rise considerably for luggage cost. If I were to travel with four check bags with two of them oversize, my fee could be as high as $380 for luggage alone.
Here’s what I’ll probably do. I’ll carry rifle, muzzleloader and bow in one case that will be oversize by length ($50), I’ll carry one item of luggage that will cost $20. If I bag a deer, I’ll purchase a cooler in Idaho. It will be overweight and over length, but it will remain in the $50 category. Therefore, in addition to my ticket cost of $420, I’ll end up with $70 luggage fee on the way there and $120 on the way home. Making the total cost of air fare $610. (Plus the cost of the cooler.)
My friend lives in country with plenty of whitetails, so I’m hoping that this hunt will be an ice-breaker.
On a 2010 hunt in BC, my hunting partner bagged this nice whitetail from a treestand during the rut. On the left is Jeff and on the right his guide Corey.
The timing of the trip is intended to coincide with the start of the whitetail rut. The middle of November should be the time when the mature whitetail bucks come out to look for does and I’m hoping to run into one. We’ll hunt from tree stands, ground blinds and also still hunt. When I still hunt, it’s almost another form of blind hunting. I may even ship my guillie suit out ahead of time.
The hunting will be close range in thick cover. Just how close remains to be seen. I’ll bring my grunt tube and rattling antlers. I’d like nothing better than to call one in and pop him at 25 yards. I’m feeling the tension already.
Posted in Big game hunting, deer, Deer hunting, fundraising, Hunting, Political Action, The Mule Deer Foundation, wildlife conservation, Wildlife habitat, wildlife management on June 19, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
The Livermore/Pleasanton Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF), has been working to “Conserve and Protect” California deer and their habitat since 1993. During that time we’ve raised funds in support many projects that enhanced habitat, supported California’s Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), reduced deer deaths on highways, educated youth, supported hunting programs and firearms safety – to name a few.
In recent years, MDF has worked with the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) and a coalition of various conservation organizations to support programs within CDFG during these times of change. In addition, legislative efforts, coordinated by COHA, have created a new environment where our voice as outdoorsmen and women is louder than ever.
Hunters purchased 175,000 deer tags last year with a harvest about 30,000 California deer in 2011. About twice that many deer were likely hit by cars on California highways. We do not know how many deer were killed as depredation for agricultural crop losses. We can only imagine how many deer were killed by poachers. Sale of 175,000 deer tags raised several million dollars to support California wildlife programs. MDF and other conservation organizations, like COHA, led the fight to pass legislative reform requiring public oversite over these user fees. Deer killed by cars, depredation, poachers and mountain lions raised no money for wildlife.
But, automobiles, hunters, poachers and farmers are not a serious threat to the long-term health of California deer herds. Despite the fact that mountain lions prey heavily on deer they too are not a huge threat to the viability of healthy deer herds.
During California’s lengthy run of economic success, industrial prosperity, population growth, agricultural expansion and residential construction, deer have declined. Deer habitat is disappearing and that loss of habitat is the biggest problem facing deer and other wildlife.
Hunter or not, many people appreciate deer as one of the remaining large mammals that live in our open spaces both nearby our cities and in the remaining wild places of California. The Livermore-Pleasanton Chapter of MDF is asking you to support our efforts to keep deer relevant.
It is concerned citizens that will make the difference for deer in the long haul. We are making it our business to stay involved with our wildlife managers to track deer numbers, better evaluate population changes, improve habitat and educate the public about how important deer are to our culture and outdoor experience. Please help MDF accomplish its mission.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City Utah, the Mule Deer Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization with 2,500 California members, 11 California chapters and over 13,000 total members. Donations are tax deductible. Membership is $35 per year and entitles members to attend MDF functions and receive “MDF,” its offical magazine, each year.
Bob Holm and I are co-chairs of the Livermore-Pleasanton Chapter of MDF. We are very interested in helping you help deer. Contact information follows. We would like to expand our committee, find merchandise donors, new members and people who want to support our efforts. We have no magic, but we do have an organization, a good mission and cooperation from people who can get things done.
Rich Fletcher (925)989-4372 richfletcher@sbcglobal.net
Bob Holm (925)447-2044 rholm@hughs.net
Posted in Big game hunting, boar, Deer hunting, ducks, elk, Hunting, mule deer, tagged Hunting on May 29, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
The time is upon us for making decisions. June 2 is the deadline for entering the California tag lottery.
With three deer preference points I’m hoping that this with be an “X” Zone year. That’s pretty good standing in the deer category. We put in for an archery hunt as second choice, but hopefully that won’t come into play.
My last X zone hunt produced this buck. If drawn again, should I holder out for something bigger? Good question.
Bought a bear tag and bobcat tag this year. This may be a first for me in the bear and bobcat tagging category, but I think it’s time – dog or not.
Sheep, elk and antelope are all in, but I’ve got one less than the maximum preference points, so my chances could be better. You never know.
Bought a few extra “raffle” chances for deer and elk. You never know, luck could strike.
My personal choice for the elk lottery was the Cache Creek bull elk hunt. Somebody will get it.
I also bought my type “A” season pass for the refuges. Why not get it done early?
As holder of a lifetime hunting license and first deer tag, a couple boxes were automatic. I also get several pig tags as part of the lifetime license program.
Been seeing a few pigs around this year.
Everything arrived in the mail last week. Now it’s time to go through the ticker tape and make sure it’s all there.
Anticipation is part of the fun of hunting.
Posted in Big game hunting, landowner tag, mule deer, The Mule Deer Foundation, wildlife conservation, tagged Landowner tag at auction on February 23, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
UNIT 102
Ruby Mountains
To be auctioned at the March 8th, 2012, Livermore-Pleasanton Mule Deer Foundation Annual Banquet. The first tag will be auctioned and the high bidder will have the opportunity to buy the second tag at the same price. To bid by phone contact Randy Morrison at (707) 592 9998, prior to the night of the dinner.
Unit 102 runs from Highway 80 at the North end, to Harrison Pass on the South end, (see map) and there are several guides and outfitters who provide service for the unit. For additional information contact Bob Holm @ 925 447 2044.
A Landowner Tag allows you to hunt ALL of the legal seasons (with the appropriate weapon) in Unit 102.
ESTIMATED season dates. Actual dates will be published by Nevada Dept. of Wildlife
Archery: 9/1 to 9/14
Muzzle Loader: 9/15 to 9/30
Early Rifle: 10/ 1 to 10/12
Middle Rifle: 10/ 13 to 10/26
Late Rifle: 10/27 to 11/5
Late archery: 11/10 to 11/30
A Landowner Tag can allow access to hunting areas otherwise restricted by private property.
The Ruby Mountains, during the last several years, have provided excellent opportunities on self guided hunts for really good bucks. The deer numbers are the highest in many years and there is an excellent buck to doe ratio. The earlier season hunts can be challanging as the good bucks are in batchelor groups on the top of the mountain.
If you’re not a strong hiker an outfitter can take two hunters on a horseback drop camp to the top, with all your own gear, and return, for about $600 each.
Also available are the typical fully guided week long hunts. Generally these hunts are not available in the middle and late seasons as the weather is too unpredictable.
Here's a nice Ruby Mt buck tagged with a landowner tag in 2010
Of coarse the late rifle season hunts can be less challenging as the bucks pull out of the high country and the rut is active as well. An early winter can produce great hunting in the low desert country, much of that on the private ranch land.
Basiccally this hunt can be as easy or difficult as you like.
Note: This hunt description was provided by Bob Holm, co-chair of the Livermore-Pleasanton Chapter of MDF. Bob has purchased Nevada landowner tags in the Ruby Mountains and elsewhere.
Posted in Big game hunting, blacktail deer, Hunting, Mountain lions, mule deer, mule deer, wildlife conservation, tagged Mountain lions on February 22, 2012 | 2 Comments »
Mountain lions are an essential element of California ecosystems. Unfortunately they are not currently managed in any form. Although the most important cougar prey species, blacktail and mule deer, are managed, a failure to manage the main species that eats deer makes deer management less predictable.
This California lion was photographed with a trail camera near Livermore. A lion like this can take a heavy toll on a local deer population, especially if she has juvenile cubs.
Other states have progressive, scientific methods of managing wildlife and consider mountain lions a game animal that is hunted with quotas to make sure numbers of deer, deer hunters and lions is balanced. California is out of touch.
Congratulations to Dan Richards, pictured above with his Idaho mountain lion – which appears to be a huge tom.
Posted in Big game hunting, Hunting, hunting heritage on December 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Here's a classic African trophy mount from my trip to South Africa in July 2007. It hangs in my family room.
When you look up the definition of trophy, you will find something like, “A prize or memento held in remembrance of winning a competitive event.”
If you do some research, you’ll find various definitions of trophy hunting that go something like this: “Trophy hunting is hunting with the intent of retaining some type of trophy associated with the successful kill of an animal, typically a big game animal.”
Recently I made a claim that I prefer plain hunting to trophy hunting. My companion replied, “That’s because you like to harvest an animal.”
I replied yes, but besides killing the animal, I also like the preparation for the hunt, looking for suitable game, excitement of the stalk, anticipation of the shot, tracking, dressing out, sharing with others, creating food products, eating the meat, observing my animal mounts, etc.
The reason I made the statement about plain vs. trophy hunting was to point out that many people hunt to reach trophy standards created by others. When you hunt by this standard, you pass up opportunities to bag animals because others don’t consider them a trophy – even if you do.
I was pleased with my 2011 muzzleloader buck, a small trophy.
After reflecting a little longer, I replied that the most exciting part of the hunt for me is right after I make the decision to kill something. That’s when my predator adrenaline kicks in – when I realize that the critter I’m looking at is possibly going home with me as my trophy.
Although I wanted to bring home some venison from my 2011 Nevada mule deer hunt, I wasn't inclined to kill one of these small bucks which, stood around about 100 yards from me and my ATV.
There’s a difference between looking at a deer and looking at a deer you intend to shoot. Every deer is an easy target until you decide you want to take it home. Once killing a specific animal becomes your objective, the hunt takes on a new perspective.
There’s a big difference between photographing a deer and shooting at it. I never get nervous while photographing a deer, but shooting a deer is a completely difference experience. And, I get excited every time I shoot an animal. That’s because I only shoot animals that excite me. I guess you could also call them “plain”trophies.
Here' is Lola with one of my most recent trophies. The breast meat is in my fridge and the tail feathers decorate my family room.
Posted in Big game hunting, Deer hunting, Hunting, mule deer, trophy hunting on November 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Looked at a lot of mule deer bucks the last two days – more four point bucks than I can recount. Not sure exactly how large the largest buck has been. Only one way to know that for sure.
Hunting near Wilson Creek, Washington. Buck Run, the private ranch on which I’m hunting, is managed under a permit from the State of Washington. The 40 thousand acre property is primarily a wheat and hay farm, but a secondary product is great mule deer.
This may be the best-managed mule deer ranch in North America. Food plots provide winter forage for over a thousand mule deer – resident and non-resident. Winter wheat provides green feed while two varieties of spring wheat provide food for the cold winter.
Guzzlers provide water for dry spells and supplemental grain feeding provides calories when the weather is bitter cold.
Saw over 500 mule deer the last two days. Looking for one good one tomorrow.
Posted in Big game hunting, blacktail deer, Deer hunting, Muzzleloader hunting, tagged Blacktail deer hunt, Muzzleloader hunting for deer on August 17, 2011 | 1 Comment »
My first buck came by bow and arrow in 1971. My first rifle-killed buck came in about 1997 or so. Last weekend I bagged my first muzzleloader buck.
I decided early on that in order to improve my competency with the muzzleloader, I needed to go all the way and kill a buck. With two A-zone tags available for me this year, I figured the first buck would be just that, the first legal buck that came within muzzleloader range.
Saturday morning was a bust, but Saturday afternoon I took stand at a pond where I’d seen a couple small bucks. In full camo with face mask, I sat against a good-sized boulder and waited. After about two hours, a couple young bucks laid down in the shade about 13o yards up-hill from the pond.
I waited them out. At 5 PM, the forked-horn buck stood, fed for a couple minutes and then trotted towards the pond. I raised the muzzleloader and steadied it on my monopod.
He came straight to the pond, turned broadside at 25 yards and walked into the six-inch deep pond. It was an easy shot and the muzzleloader did not let me down. Now I have some very tender venison in my frig. I’m proud of this buck, but he was just a baby.
This will be the smallest buck I kill for a while, but I'm pleased to have completed the first muzzleloader test. Next comes the search for a big one.
