Guided or Go Blind in California?

[hawkman71]

I might be flying in to California this Thursday evening, the 27th with only a few days left in the turkey season. I had hoped to be there a few weeks ago but the rain and flooding delayed the work I was going there to do. I thought I'd have to give up on the dream. My plan was to find some BLM, go in blind, and see what I could do. No decoys, no chair. Just my vest, a slate call, some camo, and a gun. I never dreamed my first out-of-state hunt might be for turkey but hey, why not.

I'll be working in Tulare County, but flying into Sacramento or LA in between. I imagine if I'm near Sacramento, i'm closer to the best turkey populations (?). I don't have much time to scout or knock on doors (if I wanted to try private).

My wife thought I should see about a guide - doesn't like the idea of me going alone in an area I have no clue about, across the country. (NC-CA). I've googled some and found prices ranging from 250 to 1000 or so. I'm thinking the 250 was a single-day opportunity. Maybe all were.

Do you know of any guides I should look into? What the expected cost may range?

I admit, I like the idea of DIY both for the personal satisfaction/pride and the cost savings. However, if a guide helps me get it done but the solo/prideful attempt leaves me empty-handed?

The spots I was considering (BLM) are in Tulare Co., near Three Rivers, fyi.

If I'm going with a guide, I have a lot more flexibility in where I'd probably hunt.

 

[Rob5589]

With limited time and not knowing where to hunt, I'd hire a guide if you want a chance at success. It's late in the season so hard to say what is still available. I haven't had time to go out but where I usually see birds every year have been nowhere to be found. Take that for what it's worth.

 

[MightyWhitey]

I’m in Sacramento and I think you’d have pretty good odds unguided. You could probably call one in to your passenger seat.

 

[willfrye027]

Public land turkey is a feat to accomplish here in CA. If you really want a bird or even to hear one definitely go guided.

 

[RuggedYogi]

Gonna have to agree with the above statement. There are a lot of people in CA. A guided hunt on private land is the only way to go if you want to be successful.

 

[Rob5589]

@MightyWhitey, one of the hospitals I go to has them all over the lots, on top of cars, hanging out by the ER doors, etc. I mouth called one over Friday morning. It's nuts

 

[MightyWhitey]

Yeah we don’t have many turkeys around my place back home. I’ve never seen anything like this. Them walking between me and my target was just blatant disrespect.

 

[hawkman71]

@MightyWhitey, one of the hospitals I go to has them all over the lots, on top of cars, hanging out by the ER doors, etc. I mouth called one over Friday morning. It's nuts

Basically, grab one by the neck and wring it?

 

[87TT]

Basically, grab one by the neck and wring it?

When I was young and broke (and hungry), my friends used to go to the local park and when the ducks used to mob us for bread, grab a couple , wring their necks and dinner was had.

 

[MJB]

Call F&G ask for a bio

Call the NWTF to see if there's a local chapter

Remember gotta find them first

 

[WKR]

There's plenty of birds on public land but without time to scout or knowing the area your odds of being successful are very slim. Guided would be the way to go if you want to spend the money and have a high chance of success but the prices they are charging to shoot a turkey is insane.

 

[cmahoney]

Are you hunting the California Ghetto Bird sub species like this one? If so you need to change your tactics. Start with loud bass music instead of a hen cluck.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hawkman71]

Call F&G ask for a bio

Call the NWTF to see if there's a local chapter

Remember gotta find them first

Good ideas. Thanks. I had found a list of outfitters a while back. It allowed me to search by county (counties in which the person operated), species they guided for, etc. When I followed the link and searched those people up, I'd say maybe 75% of the results were out of state, some had nothing to do with turkeys, etc.

 

[Fowl Play]

@hawkman71 do not have personal experience with them, but do know a buddy who hunted with Oak Ridge Outfitters and only had good things to say. https://oakridgeoutfittersinc.com/california-guided-hunts/california-wild-turkey-hunt/

A guide will be pricey, but is your best bet. Northern California area near Mt. Shasta has the highest population in the state. Followed by central California. Only location worth hunting in Southern California is Julian area of San Diego County. Beautiful area, but majority of birds are on private. Successful public land hunters are hiking miles back (think overnight backpacking trips). Not worth even attempting DIY with so little time.

 

[hawkman71]

Guys, I realized that I'm stressing myself trying to squeeze this in last minute. I'd be better off just going to california, completing my work, and do some driving and hiking. Maybe I'll just see some Rios or Merriams (which will be a first for me). I'll get to see some great country and maybe prepare better for next year. I appreciate your help.

ps. I was trying to look at rental cars and everything I was checking was sold out over the weekend. yikes.

 

[JStol5]

Three Rivers has a lot of turkeys running around, but they've had significant flooding issues recently. I would look into guides in the Fresno area/private ranches that do hunts. There's one I've worked with near Paso Robles but that's far from you.

 

[Jusgunn3]

Spenceville Wildlife Area

wildlife.ca.gov

 

[easleyreckless]

Guys, I realized that I'm stressing myself trying to squeeze this in last minute. I'd be better off just going to california, completing my work, and do some driving and hiking. Maybe I'll just see some Rios or Merriams (which will be a first for me). I'll get to see some great country and maybe prepare better for next year. I appreciate your help.

ps. I was trying to look at rental cars and everything I was checking was sold out over the weekend. yikes.

Try turo.

 

[Deleted member 8-15-23]

All pu lic. Killed 77 ducks this year.