Mattk53

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I need any info on California Pronghorn areas. Last year I put in for Lassen, but that was just a random choice.

Anyone know anything on the, Mount Dome, Clear Lake, Likely Tables, Lassen, Big Valley, or Sunrise Valley hunts? I would greatly appreciate it any info. (Public land, outfitters, game numbers, etc.)

Thank you,
Matt
Mattk53@aol.com
 

DKScott

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I hunted Likely Tables in Period 2 a few years ago and got a decent buck. Period 1 is better because all the primary herd bucks haven't been shot off. I stayed in Alturas and hunted mostly up in the Devils Garden area. You need a 4x4 w/good treads, as its very rocky (small, sharp little tire busters), though there are numerous jeep trails. I hunted BLM land behind agriculture and got one returning from feeding.

You'll see dozens in the alfalfa and clover fields and I have heard that the ranchers charge exhorbitant tresspass fees, but the BLM areas away from agriculture have lots of goats. I passed on several easy shots in the first few days as I wanted a trophy. My first opportunity was about 20 minutes after arriving -I wasn't even hunting and saw 2 bucks, 1 was pretty good. I first sighted at about 30 yards, they calmly passed within 15 yards and I had clear shots out to about 250 yards over about 15-20 minutes. It didn't seem sporting somehow.

Next day saw another 2 bucks at a water hole in another area and lasered them at 127 yards. They could care less that I was sitting on the other side. Passed on them too. I didn't feel real bright when I didn't get another shot for two days, so I say take the first decent buck you see, unless you're enjoying the scenery. There are few if any real trophys in that zone anyway. I hear Surprise Valley to the east has some bigguns.

I finally bagged one southwest of Alturas near a big lake (can't remember the name). Took him at 80 yards, just after he serviced one of his ladies. At least his last moments were good. About 12" horns with good mass, which seems to be typical in that zone. I didn't see any that were bigger-except in the sporting goods stores. I jammed back to town to a market at the intersection at the north end of town and had him skinned and in the cooler within about an hour. I recommend that market - the owner was very friendly and helpful. Next morning, we quartered him, packed him in ice packs and drove home. Some of the tastiest game meat I have had.

IMO, you don't need a guide. Its road hunting mixed with spot and stalk and maybe a little stand hunting at a water hole. Antelopes are easy to see a mile off with that bright white and they can see you better. I am told their sense of smell isn't that good nor their hearing - but their eyesight is awesome. Work the water holes and don't let the fenced grazing leases scare you. You can hunt them, just leave the gates as you find them and don't shoot a steer
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When you stalk them, if you are working behind cover, remember they can see any part not hidden including your lower legs below the tree branches (that was a two hour lesson). It can be warm, so give some thought to how fast you can cool your buck down and get him in refrigeration. I have heard stories from guys who fiddle-farted aroud too long and their goats got a little ripe. I used a .30-06 with 150 grain Hornady light mags, expecting a long shot, but saw mostly under 150-yard shots.

There's a JHPers that live up that way. Maybe they could give you better info.
 

ranchwife

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Likely Tables is a good choice - the area that you can hunt is HUGE! There are some nice antelope there. The roads are a little rough, but not too bad. As far as ranchers and trespass fees, it depends on the ranch. We charge way less that we probably should, but we aren't Lakeshore or Alturas Ranches either (they charge way too much).

There aren't any outfitters up this way, but a few people are licensed to guide. Be very careful of people who say they have a guide license - make sure you see it. We have a neighbor who lost his guide license because of numerous activities, yet tells people who hunt with him that he has it, then takes them onto our land. Oh, land owners can take you out on their land up here without a guide license, but not onto public land. That's about all I can tell you without specific questions, but my vote would be the Likely Tables.
 

Mattk53

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Wow, thanks for the great info!

How difficult are the archery hunts? DO you just set up around water holes, decoys, calls? Those dates fit into my calender alittle better.

Ranch Wife, what is your tresspass fee? Since you brought it up. What do you get?

Thanks both of you,
matt
 

Megadeth

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Took a nice buck in LT , it was at the Nelson Corral Res. The F&G biologist sent me in that direction, and I found a small herd. The herd included 2 bucks, and several does. Watch the lead doe, as she calls all the shots. If she detects you, its over. Win. mod 70, 270 130gr. @ 150 yds.
 

Kentuck

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hunted Likely Tables in 99 with my Dad. We both got bucks. Got mine, 14 inches, south of Alturas the second day after missing one on the opener. Before I forget, we hunted period 2, it had better drawing odds than period two. My Dad shot a nice 12 incher up on the "Garden". We had gotten permission to hunt some private property in Davis Creek but the goats hadn't crossed onto the property the morning we were there. We went up onto the Devil's Garden area to hunt the afternoon and that's where Dad found his. The big boy eluded us. Dad would have had a chance but I talked him into sitting on this ridge on the opener instead of sitting by the truck. Wouldn't you know it, the bugger walked right past the truck.
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He was probably about 14-15 inches tall and had a real nice wide heart shaped rack. Dad got his at about 225 yards with a 25-06 and I got mine at about 35 yards with a 30-06.
 

Modocer

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My advice on goat hunting is to arive early and scout for a couple of days prior to the opening. Because they like to be out in the open you are going to see alot of them. By being out there before season will take away the desire to kill the first thing with horns you see. You should be able to get a 14 inch+ out of the likley tables.
 

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