Santa Rosa Island

[Swampa]

Anyone ever hunted here? The way I am reading it, there is no public hunting, just with some outfit who leases from the Vail-Vickers family. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[BOWUNTR]

You are right, no public hunting. Read the recent articles in Mule Crazy and the Huntin Fool magazines. The program is laid out pretty well in the article. Well, everything except the price! High dollar hunt with a long waiting list. One article said you had to commit for three years, $$$. From what I've heard its not a canned hunt, just an island hunt. Animals are not elligible for B&C (fair chase) and no bowhunting is allowed. Mule deer are from the Kaibab and the Roosevelt elk are from Washington. Used to be pigs on the island but they were removed (slaughtered) about ten years ago. The deer and elk will also be removed in 2011, when the hunts on the island will cease. The island is a National Park (Channel Islands NP) and the hunting operation lease runs out in 2011. I have no idea how the animals will be removed but I know it will be interesting and newsworthy!! I hope that answers your questions. Ed F

 

[Swampa]

Ed,

Do you know if you can publicly hunt any of the islands?

 

[BOWUNTR]

Lets see... I'm kinda familiar with hunting Ca islands.


San Clemente - Owned by the US Navy. Used to be Spanish goats on the island, but close to 20 years ago they erradicated (slaughter) them. I remember reading in WON about outdoor writers participating in the erradication (slaughter), testing ammo and taking 1000 yard shots at goats!

Catatlina Island - Used to have Spanish goats, Mule Deer (from the Ca Sierras), wild hogs, African Blackbuck antelope and Bison. All available for hunting (bow or gun) at one time or another. Even read about a couple Eastern Whitetail deer being released on the island in the 20's. Apparently they didn't survive. Recent times. The goats and hogs have been erraticated (slaughtered). I've heard rumors of a very small population still alive. The truth about the hogs is that they will never get rid of them all so it will be a forever maintenance issue. Someone gets paid to erradicate (slaughter) every hog and goat he sees. The mule deer are still being hunted today. Catalina hunting link Not nearly as big as the bucks on Santa Rosa but good hunting from what I'm told. I don't know when the deer hunts will end but I can guarantee their days are numbered too. The problem here is that these deer are owned by the state and the SR deer are privately owned (don't ask I don't know why)Bison are supposed to be removed soon. Blackbuck, I've never seen one and don't know if there are any left.

Santa Cruz - My favorite island. Cut my teeth hunting there. Moreno sheep and wild hogs used to run wild on the island, one end to the other. About 20 years ago the sheep were erraticated (slaughtered) from the western 2/3 (Nature Conservancy property) of the island. Then about 10 years ago the remaining sheep were erraticated (slaughtered). Pigs ruled the island but, you guessed it, as we speak, they are being erraticated (slaughtered). Went out to bid, $9 million, to some Austrailian outfit (slaughterers) to get rid of the hogs. US $ to a foreign company (don't ask). You would think they would have learned from Catalina. They will never get rid of thos pigs, too rough and too much brush. Forever maintenance (slaughter). For about 10 years, I had the privlidge to hunt there in exchange for mechanical work. I bet I've taken over 100 hogs from that Island. BOHNTR also got to get in on the fun. Oh yeah, there is a prospering wild turkey population on one area of the ranch. My biggest turkey came from this island. I heard a rumor that the turkeys are going too. F&G denies there are wild turkeys on the island! There are only two people (my good friends) that still get to hunt there.

Santa Rosa - We covered that.

Anacapa - Nothing

Santa Barbara - Nothing

I think that's it. This info is from what I've heard, read, seen and experienced. Take it for what it's worth. Ed F
San Nicholas - Nothing

San Miguel - Nothing

 

[Swampa]

Sorry to bother you so much, I moved to Santa Barbara a couple of months ago from texas and am having a hard time trying to find places to hunt. I always hunted private land at home but am totally willing to hunt public. I printed the Ca 2006 Fish and Wildlife pdf and after spending a couple of days reading it about the only thing I know for sure is that the deadline is 6/2/2006 to enter for tag drawings, other than that IDNS. I understand people don't like to spread too much info on public message boards, I am just looking for some direction as to where I may be able to bow or rifle hunt for elk, deer, etc.
Any help?
Coby

 

[BOWUNTR]

Swampa, You found a good site. Lots of info here. You also live in a decent location to be able to find some decent hunting. Obviously, private land is best but there is a lot of public land opportunities. You just have to do your homework. As far as applying for tags, you are kinda behind the eight ball without having max points. But you still have a chance. The F&G has some info on the hunt areas. My suggestion is to just apply for what you think will work for you and hope for the best. Best deer and elk hunts in the state are G-3 Goodale for deer and Grizzly Island bull for elk. Shoot for the moon. Good luck and welcome aboard JHO. Oh yeah, why the hell did you leave Texas to come to California? By the way, Not many guys read this section. Try posting on the deer and elk forums. You'll get a lot more responses. Ed F

 

[Swampa]

Thanks for the info Ed. Why did I leave TX??? Good question: my fiance got the better of me and I couldn't make a good enough case to get her to TX. Oh well, I like it out here. Everything except the expensive living costs has been great. I did put in for an elk, mule, and pronghorn in Oregon with a couple of buddies, so hopefully something will pan out.

 

[which way out]

Are you still in Santa Barbara?

 

[Tinknocker101]

Anyone ever hunted here? The way I am reading it, there is no public hunting, just with some outfit who leases from the Vail-Vickers family. Any info would be appreciated.

I hunted SRI last April. Below is a link to a post I did with some info. It's a great island and a first class hunt.
http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/elk-hunting/185054-santa-rosa-island-elk-hunt.html

 

[timhalberg]

totally interested in anything anyone is doing in the Santa Barbara area. Been hunting quail and looking for some decent areas for deer this coming season. (guessing I'll need to head north, east, or out of state for elk?)