I go to school here in Orange County (UCI), and sometimes I feel the need to do some hunting to relieve the stress of midterms and finals. The only national forest around here is Cleveland (?). Any Orange county residents want to give me some advice? I see a lot of rabbits and coyotes near my campus in Irvine, so I am guessing that there will be great populations never the forest. Thanks in advance for the help.
- Thread starter Shot
- Start date
The game populations on the Irvine Ranch are legendary, but the alleged Republican Donald Bren is about as anti-gun, anti-hunting as you can get (ever see a gun store in Irvine? Ever wonder why? Ever wonder why the South Coast Gun Club never got relocated?)
The huntable portions of Cleveland NF are a tough hunt. The main problem is that it is absolutely choked with brush. To the point where it doesn't hold much game. Its about 30-40 years overdue for a major fire. It is also very, very dry right now. Also, because its surrounded by private land, and parking areas are limited, access to much of the interior is difficult.
If you go there, be careful of mountain bikers and hikers on the easily accessible trails.
The better bet was the small game permit for Pendleton, currently suspended. CP is sort of a pain in the butt for most game species and no predator hunting is allowed, but rabbits and squirrels are all over the place and not really under any pressure. If/when it opens up again, try there. Also look at the Palomar District of the CNF and get some maps that show BLM land in Riverside and San Bernardino County.
Scott
The huntable portions of Cleveland NF are a tough hunt. The main problem is that it is absolutely choked with brush. To the point where it doesn't hold much game. Its about 30-40 years overdue for a major fire. It is also very, very dry right now. Also, because its surrounded by private land, and parking areas are limited, access to much of the interior is difficult.
If you go there, be careful of mountain bikers and hikers on the easily accessible trails.
The better bet was the small game permit for Pendleton, currently suspended. CP is sort of a pain in the butt for most game species and no predator hunting is allowed, but rabbits and squirrels are all over the place and not really under any pressure. If/when it opens up again, try there. Also look at the Palomar District of the CNF and get some maps that show BLM land in Riverside and San Bernardino County.
Scott
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Um, MrRee... That's not a laughable matter around here. Please refrain from those comments. There are persons who trigger on the very thought.
Shot,
Pendleton was ok when it was open. Great place to hike around or pop a few squirrels. You may want to look into Riverside Co. Local spots in OC do not exist. Too many people, other recreational users (who do not share public land), and too much development. I thought it would be great if we could just have access to the closed MCAS El Toro. Lots of squirrels, bunnies, and yotes running around on that acreage.
Shot,
Pendleton was ok when it was open. Great place to hike around or pop a few squirrels. You may want to look into Riverside Co. Local spots in OC do not exist. Too many people, other recreational users (who do not share public land), and too much development. I thought it would be great if we could just have access to the closed MCAS El Toro. Lots of squirrels, bunnies, and yotes running around on that acreage.
The cool thing about predators is that they are everywhere. I have spent a fair amount of time hunting in the Cleavland NF above Anza. The in-laws have a place in Palm Desert which we often stay at. When I need to escape the heat I drive up Hwy 74 to get into the montains. Don't know how how close that is to you but I can tell you that there are PLENTY of coyotes there and quite a few deer in certain areas.
My buddy and I once had (my all time record) five coyotes come rushig in on us there in response to a dying rabbit call. We ended up getting three of them. Thins was ten years ago or so, but I'd guess there are still plenty around.
Bill
My buddy and I once had (my all time record) five coyotes come rushig in on us there in response to a dying rabbit call. We ended up getting three of them. Thins was ten years ago or so, but I'd guess there are still plenty around.
Bill
