Santa Ana Riverbed

[Surfswest]

Here's my question. I have not made it to BLM to get a map, but I have been hearing rumors that there's some small bits of public land down in the riverbed. Has anyone else hunted down there and if so where? Around norco there's a couple of golf courses and some nature wildlife area. Over by cotlon is another golf course and nore land. Is any of this huntable? If so, is it bow only or rifle? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Frosty

 

[larrysogla]

As far as previous discussions go on the Santa Ana riverbed and environs.........Riverside and Orange Counties regulations prohibit any hunting on the riverbed and vicinity and as I remember, there are no public land access to the riverbed and riverbanks. The posts specifically warn against any kind of hunting in that drainage, archery or firearm. I guess some people still manage to sneak an archery hunt or two, especially if there is private land access. But the posts warn against the RISK of getting caught. A drive down to Camp Roberts or Fort Hunter Liggett even if 4-6 hrs. of driving is worth the fact that it is county, state and federal rules compliant and there are actually hogs, coyotes, deer(in season), waaabbits, turkey/dove/pigeon/quail(in season) that actually stay and populate in the military base year round. YUP......FUGGEDABOUDIT as far as city/county hunting in the Santa Ana river drainage strip. Trespassing, hunting in a prohibited area, brandishing a weapon(even if archery) etc. Those DA's can be imaginative especially if they are anti-hunting in their personal philosophy. And heaven help you if they catch you with a wounded boar that is squealing in pain and hobbling about with blood pouring out of it's body in a prohibited hunting zone........cruelty to animals charge????? Hey it's possible. Be safe, be legal, be happy. 'Nuff said.

 

[37gunner]

Growing up in Norco I always herd stories about tons of pigs in the river bottom. My friends dad was friends with a owner of one of the dairys down there and he gave us permission to go down and check it out. All I can say is there are a lot of pigs in the river bottom in the norco/mira loma area. In one evening my buddy and I saw 15 pigs rangeing from 20 pound to close to 300. So we started looking into weather or not we could hunt down there but no luck

If someone knows of a way to go hunt it my ears are open!

 

[Surfswest]

Hey 37gunner, go ahead and email me and ill give you some updates of what I have seen down there.

Frosty

 

[dw33]

I heard years ago that they were going to allow a special archery hunt down in the river bottom, but that talk died out. Larry, good advice -- where are those places you mentioned? What are the directions to get there from the Corona area? Thanks in advance, best, dw

 

[larrysogla]

dw33,
Camp Roberts is a California National Guard Army Base. It is located north of Paso Robles on Freeway 101. The website is www.calguard.ca.gov/cpRbts. Fort Hunter Liggett is an Army Reserve Base located North of Camp Roberts on Freeway 101, exit Jolon Rd., drive 25 miles west to the FHL Base. The website is www.liggett.army.mil. Camp Roberts is only open on certain weekends and the entry fee is payable at the gate on the East Garrison gate from Fwy.101. FHL is open on most(call first to verify if base is open or closed due to military training) weekends. The entry fee is payable by mail only and with money order only. It takes 14 days to process your entry fee payment. All the application forms are downloadable on both Camp Roberts and FHL websites. Both are Federal Reservations controlled by the Military. So read all the rules on their website and FOLLOW those rules to the letter. The Federal Police and the Military Police and the Game Warden enforce all rules. There is a New Year's hunt at FHL with the JHO folks in heavy attendance. There will be a BBQ at the Bryson Hesperia Resort in Bradley on Hesperia Rd. on the southern boundary of FHL. The New Year's FHL JHO hunt will be a good way to meet the more knowledgeable folks on hog smacking IF THE BASE IS OPEN. Call first before going. Once you smack your first wild hog, you are hooked for life. God Bless.

 

[Sully Jr.]

Im in an environmental studies class and we took a field trip to Prado. My teacher is in charge of some program there thats main focus is to get rid of all the giant reed along the river. He told me there are pigs even down around prado but there are a lot more up the river. He says hes been supportive of opening up archery hunts for pigs, but he hasnt gotten much support. The teach also said it's only a matter of time before the pigs get too numerous and something will need to be done about them. Hopefully its sooner than expected but I doubt it. I would love to stick some pig an hour away from my house!

 

[dw33]

Larry, thanks for getting back to me. I now have two great options on places to go, thanks! Yes, it would be great to get a pig. I have never done it, but it seems like it would be a blast. Again, thanks very much, dw

 

[larrysogla]

dw33,
If you ever get to go to Camp Roberts or to Fort Hunter Liggett, make sure your vehicle registration and car insurance card are both current and NOT EXPIRED. Without current vehicle registration and current car insurance card, you wil NOT be able to get in on Camp Roberts and on FHL. Also NO target shooting on both bases. So bring a spare rifle in case you accidentally drop your scoped rifle you will not be able to shoot and re-zero your rifle. Bring your shotgun with the 2 shot plug in the magazine and only slugs are allowed for shooting wild pigs and deer(IF IN OPEN SEASON) as some areas are shotgun/slug ONLY and it may be the only area available for you as some rifle areas get SOLD OUT. If possible bring a battery booster as you may leave your lights on and drain the battery and bring a spare ignition key in your pocket for insurance and a tow strap in case you get bogged down a passing 4x4 can pull you out without the hassle of calling and waiting and paying(expensive) for a tow truck IF THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER IS NOT HUNTING WILD HOGS HIMSELF. Both Camp Roberts and FHL are so well preserved you will love the scenery and the abundance of wildlife. As tightly controlled Military bases, they offer the SAFEST hunting spots anywhere in the world with an abundance of game and wildlife. Both bases require that you check in to the wildlife check-in station. Bring your cell phone as there is good reception in many areas of both base. Expect the unexpected but also expect to come home many, many times empty handed. Wild boars are hunted hard in both bases and learned to stay away hidden. Other than familiarizing with the rules in their websites, just enjoy yourself. It is always a treat to see the beauty of California in Camp R. and FHL. 'Nuff said.

 

[Surfswest]

hey 37gunner. Got some updated info for you. I know of the farm you are talking about and the numerous golf courses along there. I have been down on that farm before and had access in the past, but nothing ever successfully came of it. Unfortunately earlier this year, there were too many people tresspassing on his property to hunt and since he has cut off all access to hunters. I know for a fact that he has called the local sherriff and even the local game warden whenever he sees people hunting down along the river on his property. I would not want to be caught down there when that happens!!!

As for the golf courses in there, fat chance. I have tried and been denied at every try. Besides that, they all have pig fencing along their property lines which keep the pigs out.

Your best shot is what larrysogla mentioned above. FHL has numerous pigs as well as numerous people here just itching to get out with a hunting partner and slam a pig. Just post up a request for someone to help you out up there and I guarantee you will get someone responding that they will meet you up there. It would be me, but across between my wife, two small kids, and a full time job with on-call weekend work, I'm lucky to get out 2 or 3 times a year.

Good luck.

Frosty

 

[dw33]

Larry, thanks for this latest advice also. I will copy it to my WordPerfect as I did your first post. Honestly, if I go and don't get one, I will still have had a great time - the pig would be a bonus. I read they have fishing also, so I will bring everything you have mentioned as well as a fishing pole. I will have to take some time and plan it out, but this is great info, thanks Larry, best dw

 

[CaliDuckPro]

I honestly know nothing about the area or situation down there, however... The one thing that comes to mind is: IF the hogs really are so numerous, and IF there was by chance some sort of access to hunters, do you really think that someone would give up something that good to others? I certainly would be pretty hesitant. Just food for thought.