when do A zone north CA bucks strip their velvet?

[bojangles808]

I was visiting family in california last week and my uncle said he'll get bucks in September raking trees to scratch off the velvet in his orchard on his farm (yolo county) and said I should come out and hunt. Looks like tags are over the counter so I'm trying to gather more intel on a possible rifle hunt. Anyone know when would be the time they shed their velvet in that neck of the woods A zone north? Would only be able to come out for a weekend in September and wondering what would be best. I think the season ends Sept 20. thx

 

[cmahoney]

The velvet is gone by opener of rifle in August.


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[Braaap]

The velvet is gone by opener of rifle in August.

What he said. I’ve even seen some of them without velvet as early as July during archery.


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[RockAndSage]

The velvet is gone by opener of rifle in August.


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Yeah, this. ^

I suspect your uncle misspoke, unless it was a single anomalous buck, as the velvet's gone by late August.

Also, be prepared for an absolutely scorchingly dry, hot hunt. But definitely do it, it'd be a great opportunity.

 

[Loco4dux]

Gone in beginning of August but late in the season in September is a great time to hunt them.

 

[bojangles808]

Thanks all. he's not a big hunter so maybe he just got rubbing trees confused with the shedding velvet. Maybe it's more a marking territory thing closer to the rrut? I'm not stupid enough to go there in July or August but maybe I'll go towards end of season. I assume that's closer to the rut