CA B-Zone Archery

[BSeals71]

Hi
I'm trying to plan a archery hunt next year in California B-Zone. One of my dreams is to get a blacktail with a bow. Any recommendations on contacts for private land access? Thanks!

 

[kickemall]

If your looking for guided on private land then contact Diamond C Outfitters. I'd be surprised if anyone has better true Blacktails but it is pricey. diamondcoutfitters.com

 

[CookeMonster]

So much good public B zone, why private? B-4 you need private, but the rest is good for public.

 

[Sethpruitt01]

I agree with CookeMonster there's more acreage than you could possibly cover of public or open to public timber company land to hunt, even with some of the frustrations I have faced (lots of hunters, backpackers, etc) I don't think I would put in the effort to find private access unless I already knew the owner. Maybe I just like the backcountry too much, but at this point I definitely wouldn't pay somebody or anything to give up the freedom of movement etc. That backcountry public land allows me. Having said that though, I am fully aware I would kill a lot more stuff if I did have private access.

 

[MattB]

A friend of mine runs semi-guided or unguided archery (only) hunts on his property in Mendocino County, and I have done well over the past ~20 years I have hunted up there. http://millerranchoutfitters.com/

Diamond C has great property and a management hunt there might be a good one, but if you want a "trophy" buck to focus on 3 or 4 point bucks you are looking at $5,000 and potentially $10,00 or more for a real trophy (my best buck would have cost $16,000 under their formula). The Shamrock Ranch is another ranch that has reasonably priced management hunts. My friend doesn't discriminate between management and trophy bucks, which I think is a much better way to do it.

While it is true that there is a ton of public land in the B-zones, IMO it would be a discouraging hunt for a non-resident to try with a reasonable expectation for success. Our deer herd is down 50% over the past 25 years, so without inside knowledge you will find that bucks on public land are few and far between.

 

[Arrowslinger]

I've heard some great things about the miller ranch including a huge 4pt that I think Matt killed a few years ago! But there are also some great public land hunts, I killed a 150" blacktail on an OTC hunt in a wilderness area, they're there, but these deer aren't easy.