California Draw is coming up on April 15th

[KonoctisWigwam]

I have only taken 1 pig and 1 deer to date, other than a deer when I was about 18, up in Oregon.

Deer was a forky taken at ~175 yards.

Pig was taken at ~225 yards.

Even when I go to the range today, 200 is pretty far, for my eye. What about you? I could do 100 with iron sites, but I don't think I'll be hitting too much at 200 with iron sites.

However, if you talk to a long range hunter, who regularly takes 600 yard shots, 1/3rd the distance seems short. I respect those guys, most are probably better shots than me and probably deserve those types of shots, or I just need to start stretching out more.

I keep thinking predators would be better to start taking at distance, like a coyote. Then trying to sort out the CDFW regulations, it seems we get small mammals with our hunting license, do any of you know for certain?

EDIT: Would like to understand the drawing system also, I think the way it works is each time you submit for a drawing you pay $8, and you get a point if you don't win. Those points get you more entries into the drawing, and when you get drawn you lose all of your point. Is my understanding correct?

 

[Pepssy]

I’m comfortable to 200, ethical shots beat ego and your draw understanding sounds correct to me.

 

[KonoctisWigwam]

I’m comfortable to 200, ethical shots beat ego and your draw understanding sounds correct to me.

For me 200 is pretty ethical, as I would consider myself a bad hunter if I can't get that close...but there's something to be said about accuracy at further distances. I don't consider 200 to be very challenging with a high power scope. That's where I am and what I expect. Some will be less...

I want to get into the draw system this year. I think I'll start out with 2 draw entries.

Do you hunt NorCal at all?

 

[alan]

I have only taken 1 pig and 1 deer to date, other than a deer when I was about 18, up in Oregon.

Deer was a forky taken at ~175 yards.

Pig was taken at ~225 yards.

Even when I go to the range today, 200 is pretty far, for my eye. What about you? I could do 100 with iron sites, but I don't think I'll be hitting too much at 200 with iron sites.

However, if you talk to a long range hunter, who regularly takes 600 yard shots, 1/3rd the distance seems short. I respect those guys, most are probably better shots than me and probably deserve those types of shots, or I just need to start stretching out more.

I keep thinking predators would be better to start taking at distance, like a coyote. Then trying to sort out the CDFW regulations, it seems we get small mammals with our hunting license, do any of you know for certain?

EDIT: Would like to understand the drawing system also, I think the way it works is each time you submit for a drawing you pay $8, and you get a point if you don't win. Those points get you more entries into the drawing, and when you get drawn you lose all of your point. Is my understanding correct?

You’ve got it..points roll over and hitting 200 yards with iron sights earns serious bragging rights.

 

[KonoctisWigwam]

I just got off the phone with CDFW.

A couple very important pieces of information.

1) you can only purchase Big Game Drawing tickets from the CDFW office, from the kiosk in the office, or call them over the phone at (800) 565-1458.

2) you cannot purchase Elk draws until April 15th.

I'm going to call them back after April 15th, and apply for Elk at Lake Pillsbury. There is also an Elk draw for Cache Creek Wilderness, but I think the chances are better for Lake Pillsbury or B1 zone. I don't think a draw exists for B1 specific, so may need to pick another area next year.

The lady did confirm to me that if you buy 2 tickets this year, you will receive points for the draw, and next year will get 2 entries into the drawing...that continues until you get drawn, and points/draws accumulate until you get picked.

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing