Mystic Lake

[Slosher]

Along with only hunting till noon in the old days, it was about 1996 that they first started allowing re-fills of the blinds (a factor I don't think any of us want to go back to). So, older averages at SJWA are hard to compare with today.

I really think we should get some hunter input into how Mystic will be handled. The old five hay bales on the shoreline were an one option. I personally would love to see development of some free roam boat in hunting for a limited number of parties - sort of like Lake Perris now (and Baldwin - how's that looking?). This would require some minor organizational efforts, but there are no developed launch areas at Kern, so why couldn't such an idea work for Mystic?

 

[mouthcallinmatt1]

Originally posted by Slosher@Jan 12 2005, 10:11 AM
This would require some minor organizational efforts, but there are no developed launch areas at Kern, so why couldn't such an idea work for Mystic?

Exactly Erik.

Personally I don't want to see anything done about it until the changing of the guard happens at SJ. After that I'm hoping our opinions and desires will be considered.

If SJ own's everything around the lake and there isn't a suitable place to launch from the roads we are currently using to get to the hunt sites...then there should be access from better locations around the lake. There is no reason it would need to be accessed from within the areas near the existing blinds sites. It would only take 10 minutes after you check in to go to a better launching area...no different than driving from the Wister checkstation to go hunt Union or Hazard.

 

[Limited Out]

This was more of a general feeling I had, than based on the numbers. I always enjoy getting a hunt over there. Some sort of boat hunting on Mystic would sure be a plus to the overall program at S.J. A ten boat limit would be perfect. I would be glad to jump through any hoops the state sets up to boat hunt on Mystic. Sweet Idea!

 

[huntducks]

Forget boat hunting on Mystic, TP won't let it happen + DFG does not own all property around Mystic some PP around east end still and one or two parcel on the north, the hunting will be better for the guys who know how to hunt SJ when Mystic has water, IMHO Mystic should not be hunted unless it's from permanent blind sites, if mystic fill to the high water mark we should have 3 years of water out there even with low rain years so it will make a good closed zone, the birds will be close at hand and will fliter back to the hunting area's rather then sit 5-10 miles away.

The kill avg. is down and it's like Chessie said because of the numbers, 75% of the ducks at SJ are shot from 12-14 area's and during the morning fly off, and that's only if the guys with the million candel power lights, loaud mouths, & out of control dogs stay out of B-C-D pond or use there heads something on short supply at SJ, I have been saying to the check station personal for 3-4 years now that in there little morning speech they should mention that, take the min. light you can, set your decoys by hand and quit talking and letting your dog swim and chase mudhens at 0 dark 30, try pulling into the B pond parking area with your lights off, quit talking so loud and slaming stuff around, keep your dog in or under conrtol till ready to leave, when walking out the B-C pond levey keep your light down and DON"T shine it out on the ponds wondering what the hell is out there you can check it out on your way out. I have sat there in my truck with window down listing to the 100's maybe 1000's of ducks flying off SJ at 4-5AM not returning till that night or the next day.

 

[Atwater]

I don't hunt that area, Huntducks, but that's good advice for any refuge. I'm guilty of tossing my dekes out. Seems dumb now to be whispering while slinging dekes 20 feet. I'll take that advice to heed, and start walking them out.

 

[wrhinehart]

Right on Greg!

Why not put those thoughts to paper and have a little "Hunting Tips" talk at the next Volunteer day. Feb 19th 2005?

Those are great points.

Bill

 

[mouthcallinmatt1]

Originally posted by wrhinehart@Jan 13 2005, 10:35 AM
Right on Greg!

Why not put those thoughts to paper and have a little "Hunting Tips" talk at the next Volunteer day. Feb 19th 2005?

Those are great points.

Except for the one about hunting permanent blinds on Mystic. I hope you are talking about blinds run through SJ Greg.

If the property situation is as you state...and I have no reason to think it's otherwise...then those with permission to access the lake should be able to hunt wherever they want to set up just like the way it used to be. Even with multiple parties hunting on it it still held plenty of birds. The birds knew the drill and would just pick up and raft up in another part of the lake if they were disturbed.

 

[EL CAZADOR]

Originally posted by wrhinehart@Jan 13 2005, 10:35 AM
Why not put those thoughts to paper and have a little "Hunting Tips" talk at the next Volunteer day. Feb 19th 2005?

The majority of hunters that attend clean-up days usually aren't the guys skybusting and causing pandemonium out to the blinds.

But it would be good to go over these points and let people know that they need to encourage them to other hunters. See what kind of reaction you get and then bum rush the guys who don't agree.

 

[jlostrander]

That idea to have a voluntier speak is an excellant idea for both Wister and San Jacinto. It could be done in 5 mins. time and would be excellent.

One thing that was stressed in the hunters safety class that I recently attended. That could solve a lot of the problems of refuge hunting.

They said something like, "Use your cell phone if you see someone doing something out of line! This means if you do something out of line, someone will see you and call you in."

This could be followed with, " Things that are out of line are, #1...., #2..... and so on and so forth. This could be done in five mins.

and would cause people to think about not doing those things that are stupid.

In addition it could be mentioned that there are things that are not illegal, but , would be negative like making noise and shining lights....

 

[Chessie]

First hand report (okay it wasn't me with my own eyes but from a very trusted source); Mystic Lake is FULL, and I quote "I don't think it could take anymore water". Just thought I'd pass that along.

 

[huntducks]

Matt

I'm not sure how much of Mystic SJWA owns but just guessing I would say 75%, and just like any other WA they can close off what they own or control.

I'M TICKLED MYSTIC IS FULL

 

[Socal Waterfowler]

Chessie, that same source contacted me and sounded like a little kid in a big candy store.

We can't take him anywhere.