California Elk Hunting

[Knock 'em Down]

I looked at California's elk tag #s and I think I read that they issue about 300 tags per year. Does that state work on a point system where if you don't draw a tag you earn points toward the next year? I'm moving down there in February and just trying to get some info. I know here in Montana they do a point system for certain areas but I couldn't find anything that said whether California does or doesn't.

 

[easymoney]

That would be a yes to the points question and they hand out a little over 300 tags state wide.
Look up at the top of each forum page and there are stickies with links for all sorts of info including DFG and game animals.

 

[Knock 'em Down]

Thanks man. I appreciate the info. Maybe I'll have a shot at getting a California Elk.

 

[DAWG]

First, don't think you will be a resident for the drawing in June if you move in Feb. CA is really super stingy to nonresidents 300 tags ant one nonresident can draw, 1/3 of 1%! I feel it should be at least 10% available to nonresidents. This is particularly stingy when you consider CA residents must figure on going elsewhere if they want to hunt elk. What if other states were as stingy as ours?

Second, our point system has most (75% or all but one tag per hunt) go to the exclusive top pool club. The top pool isn't going to clear from rotation due to tags beng issued, it's going to clear from people dying or getting too old. So it's effectively a long or lifetime lock out for all but the top pool for most of the tags.

That being said, your odds will be as good as anyone's for a one tag hunt once you become a resident.

 

[Knock 'em Down]

I'll pretty much be a resident upon arrival in California being active duty military. I'll obviously check on that when I get there but with orders I believe that's how it works. When I said maybe I'll have a shot at getting a Cali Elk, I meant I'll have the same chance as everyone else. I read it again and it doesn't read that way but that's what I meant. Thanks for the additional info Dawg, I appreciate it.

 

[hank4elk]

You might qualify for one of the military personel hunts I've heard of.Or just keep going back to MT. Or you could be a winner....and get drawn.Don't hold your breath. Save your dough and go out of state or get a CA PLM hunt,they cost some but you will get a trophy Tule bull.

 

[jaimeb831]

If your active duty, apply for the FHL elk tag and if you don't get it your first year your almost guaranty to get it the following year.

 

[DFGELK]

Contact Hunter Liggett, they run their own draw system for the military side of the tags. You can also apply in the general draw. Like others have said it is very difficult to get a tag but some of the hunts are starting to turn over, granted they are mostly archery cows. But some new hunts are in the works so that should help (a little). Look at the odds and take your best guess.

Good Luck

Joe

 

[weekender21]

It took me five years to draw that tag and I know guys that have been applying up there for seven years with no luck. If you want a cow tag the odds are much better but every year more guys are applying for those tags as the information becomes more publicized.

There is no points system for the military tags.....

If your active duty, apply for the FHL elk tag and if you don't get it your first year your almost guaranty to get it the following year.

 

[Knock 'em Down]

What is the FHL or military tag? Only Military can apply for it? What is a CA PLM hunt? A Tulle Elk is really what I would strive for in Cali being that's the only place they are found. I've been hunting elk for the last few years and have yet to take one. I just like the hunting. Hiking, calling, warm weather rut. Something about being out there and the thought that you never know when one might come in to you. When I'm elk hunting I constantly have that knot in my stomach. Much more than deer hunting. I guess that's what I'll miss most.

I thank you all for the info. Lots of stuff for me to look into when I get down there.

 

[DLS]

PLM tags are private landowner issued tags. You can get a list of landowners who offer PLM tags and contact them directly to purchase a tag. They are mostly deer tags, but also some antelope and elk tags too.

 

[easymoney]

I had posted in the past that aprox 26,000 applicants apply for those 300 tags and the odds of drawing are slim, but with max points I am hopeful I will some day draw a tag to hunt in my home state.

 

[Knock 'em Down]

What do those private land owners get per tag? $5,000, $6,000, $10,000 per tag. I'll probably just take my slim chances with the lottery.

 

[DAWG]

Something tells me he ain't buying a PLM tag, especially bull, on military pay. But draw odds on the Ft Hunter Ligget for active duty blow away the rest of the state ones.

CSTC [Hunting & Fishing Program]


DFGELK....Seriously now, tons of CA elk hunters like me (anyone who really wants to hunt elk) go out of state each year. I understand the nonresident plight. That wouldn't be possible if we gave nonresident opportunity like CA does on elk (1 total tag). I feel we should make it possible so that something like 10% of the total can go to nonresidents (like AZ's cap), comparable to what states like AZ and NV do...It's a give and take thing

 

[ltdann]

What is the FHL or military tag? Only Military can apply for it? What is a CA PLM hunt? A Tulle Elk is really what I would strive for in Cali being that's the only place they are found. I've been hunting elk for the last few years and have yet to take one. I just like the hunting. Hiking, calling, warm weather rut. Something about being out there and the thought that you never know when one might come in to you. When I'm elk hunting I constantly have that knot in my stomach. Much more than deer hunting. I guess that's what I'll miss most.

I thank you all for the info. Lots of stuff for me to look into when I get down there.

I just finished the FHL elk hunt. PM me and I'll explain the whole process.

 

[DFGELK]

One thing to consider with the non-resident thing is that I am fully aware residents go out of state to hunt elk (I do as well) but the states we go to have a ton of elk with either guaranteed resident tags or easier to draw tags (I know their are lots of exceptions). Prior to a few years ago their were no non-resident elk and antelope tags. A bill was passed that mandated the tags (not my decision either way of how it was done). So now we have the one NR tag, and I think someone drew it the last couple years. It is up to one NR and no guarantee the tag will even go to a NR, they put in the draw like the rest of us. I know many residents believe no tags should be given to NR because it is exceedingly difficult to draw as it is. I hear both sides of the argument and both make sense. One tag or even 10% which would be 3 tags is a small portion. Many of our tule elk hunts are only 1-3 bull tags.

Joe

 

[easymoney]

What do those private land owners get per tag?

One rancher near me gets up to $12,000 for a "trophy" bull tag.
Cow tags go for $1200.

And I too go out of state to hunt, but NR tags and lic fees are going through the roof. It makes a guided drop camp hunt very attractive, especially in states with good herd numbers and a better than average chance at a nice bull.

 

[Rick]

Some of the hunts do not give any benefit to having points. I believe the Grizzly Island bull tag is that way. I'm applying for the hunts where my max points "might" help me out. No sense having the max points and using them up on a hunt where they don't give me a better chance of getting drawn. I lose my points if I get drawn for one of those tags. I can apply for Grizzly Island the rest of my life, after I get drawn for another tag via my points. If that makes any sense...

Knock 'em down has as much chance at that tag as any of us.

 

[DFGELK]

Just to clarify, even if you draw a tag that did not require maximum points you still lose all the points you have. So even with Grizzly Island bull hunt that has one tag, if you draw you will lose all your points.

Thanks


Joe

 

[Knock 'em Down]

No offense to the private land owners but **** that! If I was going to spend that much money I would have hired outfitters here in Montana, 3 or 4 times. I'm about 99% self-taught (which is probably why I haven't gotten my elk yet) and I think that is why it's so much fun for me. I have so much respect for the sport because of it. I don't want to offend anyone as far as the outfitting and private land thing because if I had the resources, I'd be selling those services as well. But I don't, so I do it myself.

Again, I appreciate all the info you guys are posting. Thanks.