Southern California Turkey Hunting

[Jalt]

Has anyone experienced hunting southern California near Alpine, I hear there are good bit of turkeys in Cleveland National Forest and considering heading over for their fall hunt in November.

[muledeerarea33?]

Haven’t hunted there but driving thru that area I would expect the elevation to be much higher than it is. Neat area, almost feels like your not in socal.

[oz31p]

I haven’t but I’m all ears 

[CatfishKev]

I hear CA has good bear hunting opportunities 

[Crazymonkey]

56 minutes ago, CatfishKev said:

I hear CA has good bear hunting opportunities 

I did a hog hunt in central  CA  out by Fort hunter ligget and on my way back there was a bear hit crossing  the 5 freeway  out by pyramid lake . Plenty  of deer and turkey  out by where I was hunting. Elk also they were  in there rut  it was weird as it was father's day  weekend. 

[Azhockeycoach]

I lived in the Alpine area for about 10 years; most of the turkeys in Alpine are on the Indian Reservation (camp ground area). The majority of turkeys in SoCal are in the Julian/Lake Henshaw areas. I killed all of my birds on private property; basically had to “pay to play” by joining a hunting club that leases property near Lake Henshaw. 
I’m not saying it’s impossible to find birds on public land in that area, but it’s difficult. The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is public, but archery only. It does hold some birds.

Hope this helps.

 

[Jalt]

thank you for responding, must say,  I am addicted to hunting this area after pondering what was beyond I-8 as I drove through for 30+ years on vacations and salt water fishing adventures.   I am planning on going out to area in Fedruary for NWTF Spring Turkey Season Tune Up and hopeful for additional support and information to hunt in the spring.  You mentioned "pay to play" and joining a club any recomendations, don't mind paying to play, that is now the world we live in.  I scouted Julian and Descano area and yes there are turkey's but most certainly on alot of private property, upping my game plan.  Maybe we can further talk, my email address is tom1252003@hotmail.com.   thanks again

 

[Azhockeycoach]

26 minutes ago, Jalt said:

thank you for responding, must say,  I am addicted to hunting this area after pondering what was beyond I-8 as I drove through for 30+ years on vacations and salt water fishing adventures.   I am planning on going out to area in Fedruary for NWTF Spring Turkey Season Tune Up and hopeful for additional support and information to hunt in the spring.  You mentioned "pay to play" and joining a club any recomendations, don't mind paying to play, that is now the world we live in.  I scouted Julian and Descano area and yes there are turkey's but most certainly on alot of private property, upping my game plan.  Maybe we can further talk, my email address is tom1252003@hotmail.com.   thanks again

 

My pleasure! Oh the NWTF Spring Turkey Season Tune Up! I have VERY fond memories of that event....find a guy named "Trig"...can't miss him....he runs the show and is an incredible turkey hunter. Each year the NWTF sponsors a youth hunt on private property (Santa Ysabel)..I was lucky enough to be asked to mentor a first time turkey hunter and called in some birds for him.....he didn't miss! Was an amazing experience for the youth hunter and myself. 

I'll shoot you an email and we can chat more...I have a turkey tag this spring in Unit 23....could definitely use some help.....

[wildwoody]

Big browns has hunted over there.