Fort hunter liggett. New registration, i used to hunt fhl 5 years ago

[spectr17]

I went online and created a new account with isportsman.net. and watched the 2 safety briefings.

When I look at available permits its grayed out? Are there more steps?

The permit process page is also broken.

What about gun registration? Last I heard you had to register guns with cops on the fort before you could bring the guns on the fort.

Thx

 

[ltdann]

I gave up on that place. Once MWR took over, it became all about the money and turned to crap. I understand MWR is out of the picture again so all my paid for "points" (some $500 worth) disappeared and now they've banned retirees from applying for the elk hunts.

They'll not get any of my business ever again.

 

[CalPoly2015]

I went online and created a new account with isportsman.net. and watched the 2 safety briefings.

When I look at available permits its grayed out? Are there more steps?

The permit process page is also broken.

What about gun registration? Last I heard you had to register guns with cops on the fort before you could bring the guns on the fort.

Thx

Here is the process that I went through (it won't let you purchase a hunting/fishing license until after you've submitted and had approved the Access Request Form, followed by a copy of your current hunting license)

Step 1: Log in and clear any holds/safety briefings (https://fthunter.isportsman.net/PermitProcess.aspx)


Step 2 (Completed annually): 2019-20 Hunting Request Form

https://fthunter.isportsman.net/files/Vetting/Vetting Form H&F 2019-20.pdf

Email completed form with a copy of your Passport or Real ID to: usarmy.hunterliggett.id-pacific.mbx.des-sec-and-acc-req@mail.mil

Step 3 (Completed annually): Email copy of current hunting license to: usarmy.hunterliggett.id-readiness.mbx.hunt-and-fish-program@mail.mil

Step 4 (No expiration as long as all guns used are registered & permitted): Complete Firearms registration form (https://fthunter.isportsman.net/files/Form 8-1 2018.pdf ) and email to usarmy.hunterliggett.id-pacific.mbx.des-sec-and-acc-req@mail.mil

Step 5: Purchase hunting/fishing permits

 

[spectr17]

thanks calpoly

 

[spectr17]

I gave up on that place. Once MWR took over, it became all about the money and turned to crap. I understand MWR is out of the picture again so all my paid for "points" (some $500 worth) disappeared and now they've banned retirees from applying for the elk hunts.

They'll not get any of my business ever again.

you cant apply at all? I was able to apply last year but im not retired military. That doesnt seem fair.

 

[spectr17]

whats a yearly permit cost now for general public? Whats a room now at lodging? Hacienda still renting out rooms?

 

[ltdann]

You can still apply thru the state, average wait about 11 years. The military hunts were 3-5 years, for retirees. Retirees that are not diasabled pay $120, just like the general public.

Retirees had to buy the access permit, before you could apply for the elk draw, so you were out $120 whether you drew or not. Now if you were a straight civilian and drew on the state hunt, you paid the $8 processing fee to the state and only paid the access permit fee if you drew. The gave you perference points if you were unsuccessful on the draw. It was robbery against retired military.

I and others filed complaints with the IG and the MWR manager called and said basically "We can do that and get away with it because the base CO said we could. Suck it up"

FHL is the most expensive access fee in DOD, worldwide. The facilities are basically crap. Last time I was there the game shack had collapsed in on itself. The campground was in shambles, with one toilet that you had to wrestle a racoon for since it was living inside it. The transient lodge was $135 a night and looked like a half way house for crack addicts. I wouldn't have given it a second glance out in town.

The whole place is incestous, and hostile to people not working on the base. The hunting there is not THAT great.

 

[CalPoly2015]

whats a yearly permit cost now for general public? Whats a room now at lodging? Hacienda still renting out rooms?

It's $120/year for general hunting & fishing for non-military.

On a positive note, I have found it very convenient now that FHL uses the iSportsman website for checking in/out of areas. The mobile friendly website now allows me to check-in to the zone I'm interested in the day before, and shows how many other hunters are currently checked in to the various zones. It also allows you to change which zone you're checked into on the fly (assuming you have cell service). I'm lucky enough to live somewhat close to FHL, so I'm now able to drive straight to the zone I pre-checked into first thing in the morning without waiting in any lines/etc. at the base or dealing with an unfriendly personnel.

 

[Oso357]

I heard the area right next to FHL is good to hunt, and without having to go through all the other hassle. Anyone have any experience with the area next to it?

 

[Brnsvllyjohn]

I heard the area right next to FHL is good to hunt, and without having to go through all the other hassle. Anyone have any experience with the area next to it?

It depends on what you consider "right next to the base". If you simply take either road to the national forest that borders the base it can be very very crowded with others who also want to just hunt public property without hunting FHL. If you are willing to drive in on either road then hike a few miles from a main road there are lots of options. The coast road off of Nacimiento road has the most options because it gets you access to a larger area. Most hunters will not drop off in those huge canyons to hunt since they must hike back to the top. The other road that passes through to the area called the Indians is no longer a through road so the opportunity to hike in for miles and miles is there but not many get far from the old road to Escondito campground. There are trailheads in both areas that run for miles. We used to hunt that area from horses but that was when I was years ago. I know a few guys that still hunt the national forest in those areas and lets just say they earn their deer. Some of those areas have a small amount of illegal pot grows but that can be said for a lot of national forest land.
I would caution anyone about being too specific on a public forum about any area you hunt. It will not remain a good area very long if you post about a specific area. Don't expect others to help you much if they have a decent spot because most of us have been burned more than once.

One other thing to remember is if you drive on the base to get to the forest you can expect to be checked by the military. You better have your guns cased and all of your documentation in order for insurance, registration and drivers license. You may not like their rules but read the sign at the gate. By crossing the base you are subject to their rules. I have seen more than one gun in the back of a military jeep that was confiscated for some reason or other. I never had an issue but my guns were always in a case and not loaded. That means no rounds in the magazine on the base while driving the roads. They prefer that the ammo is not near the firearms. I always had all of my paperwork ready for them to check. Now they don't always check but you never know when they will.