Hunt Chairman
Team,
Thought I would write a short newsletter with some info for the general public.
Hunting season 2023-24 and the Big Game Draw is quickly approaching. For those that have not purchased a California hunting license, now is the time. A resident license will cost you 59 bucks and you can buy right on line. If you need hunter education then see Amanda Duchardt or myself and we can point you in the right direction. California does offer the on-line only option now for adults and it’s pretty easy all things considered. Please don’t waste a bunch of money on Junior right yet as you must be at least 12 years of age to hunt big game in California. Make sure to put in for a premium deer tag draw if you have the vacation time. Remember you can always purchase an AO tag later if you get skunked. I would also recommend buying the Elk, Antelope and Sheep points even if you are not planning a hunt this year. Getting your point total up will help later on. If you need an explanation of how the points work for the Big Game draw just call me. Make sure to get your choices in no later than June 2nd for the best opportunities. Other opportunities will be available in July and August for left over tags, but that’s no fun!
Please keep in mind that the Pig Validation will go into effect next year so pig tags are still available. Bear is a $58.00 investment this year and the three premium species Elk, Antelope and Sheep are as expensive as ever. Also keep in mind for anyone new to this that most of the seasons are July/August and can be very hot hunting. Dress accordingly and make sure you are getting in shape. Hunting in California is not like wandering around Oranco.
This time of year presents a lot of variable weather here in California, but rest assured it’s on its way to getting hot. Please pay attention to where you are walking. As the weather warms I expect the rattle snakes to be out in force. We don’t usually get a lot of them at the range, but they are there. I would highly recommend that if at the range DO NOT try to be a hero. Get a board member to identify the snake first. We do not want to kill valuable non-venomous snakes that help with the rodent population. We also like to take the safe approach to dispatching the rattle snakes by using a shovel and a machete. You don’t need a license to kill rattle snakes in California, but it’s always better to be safe.
Keep a close eye out when you’re out scouting as well. If you can avoid them then do so. Getting accidentally bit out in the middle of nowhere really makes for a bad experience.
It’s still tournament season and I would highly recommend some of the local tournaments to get tuned up for the season. We have the State Broadhead coming up and it should be a good one. Lodi Bowmen up north is hosting and they do a great job. Make sure to get in on the 10K drawing while you’re at it!
State Field is at Oranco in June and will be a really great event. Robert Tehee is hosting as 2nd VP of State Field and Gary McCain will take your money for the Southwest Sectional which is piggybacked on top. This is a tough endurance tournament, but always lots of fun.
Plan ahead for the State 900 in September. I know it’s a little early, but Dave Bacon has 2 weekends set up for it and it will be here before you know it. I have a good feeling that it will fill up both weekends.
In closing, keep an eye on your CBH newsletter for the latest legislative updates. Amanda and her team are doing a great job and we have some nice wins so far this year. There is no doubt that the anti-hunting groups are coming back for the bear hunting ban. Be on the lookout for any info on that. The pig validation will be new for next year. Be ready for more info on that as it comes available. Whatever you do try to support the other NGO’s as they support us. Every little bit of money spent on RMEF, NWTF, CDA, CWA and others is money available to continue the fight. Thanks to all of you for becoming members of Oranco. See you out there.
Chriss Bowles
(951) 757-4571
